Connected Riding

Connection Definition

Con · nec · tion, n.,

Connection, in riding, is a continuous dynamic dialogue between two moving bodies: the rider and the horse's. When the rider's body "meets" the horse's movement - by feeling the sensation of the horse's resistance or lightness - the rider responds in kind by softening and expanding his body and adding or decreasing movement. This is the essence of the connection process. The effect of "meeting" in connection is a melting of resistance, a clearer line of communication, and a continuous dynamic rebalancing of horse and rider, which creates self-carriage in both.