Writing of Riding
Writing of Riding Fan Page on Facebook Writing of Riding Blogger Erica K. Frei on LinkedIn Writing of Riding on Twitter Writing of Riding on YouTube
  • About
  • Categories
    • General
    • In The Media
    • Observations
    • Project Horse
    • Quick Posts
    • Riding
    • Rollkur & LDR
    • The Art Of…
    • Touch & Bodywork
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Project Horse
  • The Book
  • Contact

Overview of Lightness

Posted in: Riding, The Art Of..., Touch & Bodywork, Training|January 19, 20081 Comment
In working with our horses, it seems a never-ending goal to ride a light horse and constantly be light with our application of the aids. Lightness, however, has taken on the role of a relative meaning. It has a different image in the mind of each user, it is seen as something solid, tangible, an object that we can hold onto and either have or not have.

On the contrary, lightness is not relative to the application, rather it is relative because just at the moment when we believe we have reached the ultimate in lightness a new opportunity awakens to provide us the chance to seek more lightness. We always have the chance for greater refinement of the aids, of our actions, of our expectations.

Lightness comes in part with the advent of relaxation. Lightness relies on movement, constant movement. Lightness is the result of the mental, emotional and physical aspects between horse and rider reaching harmony. It is these moments that lightness shows up as pure joy, because it is effortless, thoughtless. It is simple energy capable of being directed at will. That is the beauty of lightness.

Lightness is not lack of touch, it is not an emptiness in the hand or a rushing away from the leg. Lightness is the unique lack of resistance and force. It is the presence of a perfect dance partner. One that understands and interprets the music with the same timing and precision that you do. That is lightness.

Lightness naturally inspires collection. It inspires beautiful transitions. Lightness relies on the energy it creates. Lightness relies on the posture it creates. Lightness relies on the simplicity it creates. It is a circle, neverending. That which lightness creates it also consumes, it lives off of. When lightness begins disappearing it is only regained by re-establishing the very things it relies upon and creates. Logical and illogical, that is the meaning of lightness.

Lightness creates more energy. It does this through inspiration. It enables greater muscle usage without tension or resistance. Lightness encourages mental participation and clarity. Lightness is the epitome of personal awareness, relaxation, curiosity, patience and balance.


About the author

Erica K. Frei

Author of the book, "Centered Self, Centered Horse : A Simple Guide to Horsemanship." She practices French Classical Dressage and has a diverse background in horses. Erica currently lives in southern Wisconsin.

Related Posts

  • Disengaging the Hindquarters
    Disengaging the HindquartersJuly 6, 2011
  • Flexing the Stiff Horse
    Flexing the Stiff HorseApril 30, 2011
  • Dressage is Simple : Collection in Six Steps
    Dressage is Simple : Collection in Six StepsSeptember 19, 2010

Popular Posts

  • Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?
    Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?September 16, 2011
  • A Problem with Parelli
    A Problem with ParelliMarch 8, 2010
  • A Beginner’s Guide to Rollkur
    A Beginner’s Guide to RollkurSeptember 9, 2009
← Reiner Klimke – Ahlerich
Piaffe →

One Response to Overview of Lightness

  • Wyatt January 20, 2008

    Beautiful work!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Post Comment

Get Free Email Updates

We send you cool specials, contests and news not available on our blog. Neat-O!

Featured Video

  • Moving 'Em : A Guide to Low Stress Animal Handling
  • Centered Self, Centered Horse; A Simple Guide to Horsemanship

Categories

  • General (10)
  • In The Media (50)
  • Observations (63)
  • Project Horse (9)
  • Project Thoroughbred (4)
  • Quick Posts (13)
  • Riding (47)
  • Rollkur & LDR (14)
  • The Art Of… (29)
  • Touch & Bodywork (23)
  • Training (39)
  • Videos (22)

Photos

  • Kieffer Leather Lunge Cavesson
  • Camelot Leather Lunge Caveson (SALE)
  • Wintec Isabell Synthetic Dressage Saddle with CAIR
  • Ultra ThinLine Sheepskin English Comfort Half Pad
  • Stubben Steeltec Double Joint Baucher Bit
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Tags

awareness • clarity • lightness • mental • relaxation

Popular Posts

  • Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?
    Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse? September 16, 2011
  • A Problem with Parelli
    A Problem with Parelli March 8, 2010
  • A Beginner’s Guide to Rollkur
    A Beginner’s Guide to Rollkur September 9, 2009

Recent Comments

  • Erica K. on Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?
  • ECruse on Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?
  • Erica K. on Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?
  • ECruse on Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?
  • Erica K. on Being an Honest & Responsible Equestrian

Contact Me

+1.608.359.3731

ericak*writingofriding.com

9946 N. Clear Lake Rd.

Milton, WI 53563

Keep In Touch

Writing of Riding Fan Page on Facebook Writing of Riding Blogger Erica K. Frei on LinkedIn Writing of Riding on Twitter Writing of Riding on YouTube

Email Me

Your message was successfully sent. Thank You!

Copyright © 2006-2012 Writing of Riding Equestrian Blog
  • Opportunities
  • Advertising
  • Sponsors
  • Privacy Policy
Tweet