By Mark Russell with Andrea W. Steele, The Lyons Press, Guilford, Connecticut, 2004, 174 pages, hardcover $22.95.

 

Lessons in Lightness is one of those rare books that while explaining an approach to riding, perhaps, more importantly inspires us. It instills in the reader the enthusiasm and commitment to true teamwork with the horse.

Lessons in Lightness leads you through the steps and thinking process for the kind of dialogue with your horse that can lead to “artistic equitation.” English and Western riders alike will catch the joie de vivre that riding with lightness imparts.

In Lessons in Lightness, Russell explains this concept and method using a four step approach for each movement: an explanation of the principles involved in the movement; the how-to section; the liberal use of diagrams and photos; and the sidebar notes. There are frequent reminders that patience is of the utmost and that horses learn at different rates. What one horse may understand in one or two lessons may take another horse weeks. The trainer must take this into account and adjust the training schedule accordingly.

Throughout Lessons in Lightness, Russell emphasizes the three stages in developing the horse’s gymnasticism: relaxation, flexion, and strength building. Terms that may already be familiar to riders are expanded upon in the context of working toward riding with lightness and take on entirely new meanings. Lessons in Lightness deals with such thought provoking topics as: the 3-track shoulder-in and the 4-track shoulder(s)-in, competitive school versus the artistic school, value of the seldom-practiced counter shoulders-in, horses’ and riders’ one sidedness, circle training, timing the aids to the horse’s hoofbeats, and the significance of in-hand work.

Lessons in Lightness presents a refreshing approach to communication with your horse. Indeed, the use of the word “educating” in the title is key. This excellent book with its reams of valuable points is one that you will want to refer to again and again. When reading the book, you will likely find there are just too many passages to highlight. Every paragraph, if not every sentence, seems to be a point to remember.

Perhaps the best way to use this book would be to read it through it entirety in order to fully understand the logic and sequence, then go back to the beginning. Whichever way you choose, you will gain sound and useful insights into reaching for the goals of riding with lightness.