I've been picking away at a captivating book -- that speaks my language: "The Natural Rider: A Right-Brain Approach To Riding," by dressage and biomechanics author, Mary Wanless. There is a long list of insights to discuss already & I'm only halfway through!
But one that continues to jump (pun not intended!) out at me speaks to both the foundation & the everyday process of training & schooling. This is what we must carry with us in order to succeed in defying gravity in all its forms:
Yes, Solo once had a (exceedingly strong-willed) mane! There are many layers of warm fuzzies in this blast from the past...June 2007, our clinic with Ian Stark (collected reports here) which took us to a brave new world.
Love it! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the rest of it, too :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, I hope I can get it posted! *looks pointedly at self*
DeleteI have a whole love/hate thing with Mary Wanless(see my blog post about the same) but there are many many insightful ideas and concepts in her various books. I sometimes get bogged down in her biomechanics explanations but I have gained a lot of knowledge from her body of work. I really recommend Master Dressage The Basics by Peter Dove and Mary Wanless as a pared down, 10 basic concepts explained simply, biomechanics reference...
ReplyDeleteI have observed lots of approaches with her stuff over the years -- I'm sort of in the same corner I think. The trap I've seen most often is when people get too bogged down the minutia, as mentioned, as "the only way" or "the exact way," but most of that responsibility falls on the interpreter, not the messenger. And that can happen to anyone, I know I've had phases where my focus was just on the wrong thing entirely! But probably an unavoidable part of growth.
DeleteI view it as a source for toolbox material & as I read, I think this is the way she has presented it. Insights, imagery, experiences, observations for us to try out & choose what applies or is useful to us. The unfortunate fact for any author is that you can't control what your readers do with your material. There are more than a few great resources out there that have been twisted around so much, they've grown their own stigma, which always saddens me. If only we had a way to ensure that everyone remained practical, thoughtful, and rational...oh wait, LOL. That might be impossible for any human, I know I've had my fail moments there as well!
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll have to go check that one out, I picked this book up randomly through a used book sale as the language & imagery is VERY much in line with "how my weird brain processes things." Same with instructors -- many say the same thing, but different people click with different trainers in part based on who says it in way that makes sense to the rider.
i need more of this in my riding...
ReplyDeleteYou have my permission to print & hang, LOL! ;P I definitely always need reminders!
DeleteLove the quote. :-)
ReplyDeleteThere's so many great ones, I have to read it with a highlighter - and I'm a person who generally thinks writing in books is a crime against the universe.
DeleteThat makes so much sense to me. I will have to look for this book. I have one of hers- For the Good of the Horse and it's quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteCheck thrift books.com - I found mine there and, well, if you are a book lover like me, sorry in advance for enabling! ;-)
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