The balanced horse: the aids by feel, not force

Inspired by the time-honoured traditions of the Classical World, Sylvia's desire to protect the horse is reflected in her training methods, which concentrate on a balanced seat and quiet aiding.

She abhors the use of force and gadgetry in the schooling of horses and believes that Classical riding is the best way forward for all the disciplines.

The Languages of the Aids is not as well understood today as it should be and it seems that it is frequently forgotten or fragmented, and it will be the horse that suffers most when this happens.

Incorrect aiding can have a very adverse effect. The aim of 'The Balanced Horse' is to confirm in people's minds what they should be doing for each and every request, and what they must avoid.

Every instruction is based on what the horse needs to feel - at that moment in time.

Each aid is based on the psychological and physiological effect placed on that sensitive animal underneath us.

Over time, applying each aid correctly can elicit a response as instant and involuntary as the knee jerk reaction of our own.