News — NATURAL DRESSAGE
Free excerpt from Xenophon Press' reprint of Mark Russell's opus, LESSONS IN LIGHTNESS
RICHARD WILLIAMS dressage with lightness mark russell dressage NATURAL DRESSAGE western dressage
"Yielding the Chest The purpose of engagement, whether in the forward gaits or in rein-back, is to rebalance the horse to lighten the front end. The phrase “yielding the chest” describes the ultimate lightening of the shoulder as the old masters envisioned it.Some horses, through breeding or natural athleticism, will naturally—or through discovery—lift the chest to increase engagement. Other horses can be taught the yield once they have sufficient strength to hold the additional change in balance.Keep in mind that horses can lighten to the aids and perform well in every aspect of this training program without ever discovering this...