The Balanced Horse: The Aids by Feel, Not Force

by Sylvia Loch

By confirming what equestrians should be doing and what they should avoid when it comes to each and every request they give their horse, this instructional guide helps riders develop a perfect understanding in their riding relationships. Practitioners of dressage, hack, event, show, long-distance riding, natural horsemanship, or Western will fine tune their communication aids based on what the horse needs at a specific moment during a ride. By focusing on the psychological and physiological affects on the horse, riders will gain an understanding of the horse’s language, allowing the horse greater ability, confidence, and enjoyment in working together with his human partner. Intended for those seeking the elusive art of riding versus competition, this valuable resource will help equestrians develop a better relationship with their horse.

Genres: Horses

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Kaora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am making an effort to read more books about horsemanship on the advice of my trainer. While I originally thought that it is hard to learn from a book, and learning by feel is better, there was a lot of useful information in here that did help me come more attuned to my horses reaction to my aids, and helped me understand what I was trying to achieve with my aids.

I really enjoyed the photos, and that while the rider is an accomplished teacher and competitor, she still took the time to point out things that she was doing wrong in photos, proving that no rider is perfect which is why we all strive to keep learning.

Some of it I didn't find that helpful especially the chapter on "The Higher Airs", which is beyond my skill level and probably will not be attempting in my lifetime. That being said it did a great job in describing the roles of each of the aids individually before moving into very technical moves such as the higher airs, piaffe, passage, etc. She also went into detail on how each of the aids would differ on an experienced horse versus a young or unschooled horse, which I found fascinating given that I currently have a very schooled horse, but in the future am interested in training a young horse.

Highly recommended for readers who are looking to understand more, or want to discover new exercises they can try at home with their horse.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that concentrates on the nuances of the aids and it is certainly a favourite of mine. Loch presents her vast knowledge in easy to digest text that is both simple and thorough. Magnificent colour photographs dominate the pages and illustrate her descriptions beautifully. Will be reopening this one often.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best educational book about horses I've ever read. It's even got chapter summaries and lesson plans. I loved it.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent book will take you to the Olympics if you and your horse can manage, time, conformation, money, talent, the coaching in this book. It is a step by step of how to school a horse to become an excellent and safe ride. I appreciate how often Ms. Loch reminds the reader/rider that this takes years to achieve and that there is always room for improvement. The items at the end of each chapter added greatly to this book: These are: Things to Guard Against and Think Positive and Classical Quotes. At the end of the book is a series of exercises to be done in order of achievement if one is starting a young or out of shape horse. There are dozens of excellent pictures with captions of what the reader is looking at. A pleasure to read full of information.

[Elizabeth Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Abby Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read of Sylvia Loch's, and it opened my eyes. Suddenly, I understood so much more. Highly recommended.

[Andrea Busfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely in love with this book and can't recommend it highly enough.