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 processes 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; the how-to section; the liberal use of diagrams and photos; and sidebar notes. There are frequent reminders that patience is of the utmost importance 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; 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, horse’s and rider’s one sidedness, circle training, timing the aids to the horse’s hoof beats, 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 a 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 in its 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 goal of riding with lightness.

Reviewed by Lynne A. Miller, www.gmhainc.org

Ellen Leffingwell

This book is terrific. It is respectful of both horse and rider, written clearly and thoughtfully with an easy to use layout and beautiful illustrations that support Mr. Russell’s ideas. Photographs and illustrations are clear, succinct and helpful. The anatomical analysis is interesting and useful and does not require a doctorate in veterinary medicine for the reader to quickly make connections between structure and performance. Russell interweaves “natural horsemanship” theories and admonishes against over-reliance on draw reins and spurs.

If you don’t have time to read a book on riding better, buy this one – it is made for you. Thumbing through the book, even the briefest pause in the three pages of “The Position of the Rider” can make you ride better tonight; just-the-right-length bullet points and bolded notes alongside the text make key information easy to assimilate for those with little time or a short attention span.

Seventeen chapters highlight: Understanding Lightness, Meet The Horses/How to Use This Book, Teaching Lightness, Working In Hand (The TMJ, Relaxing the Jaw, Lengthening Down, The Halt, Rein-Back, Shoulders-In, Counter Shoulders-In, Half-Pass, and Summary of Work-InHand), Longeing, Body Mechanics of Horse and Rider, Tack and Accessories, Phase 1: Beginning the Circle, Phase 2: Building a Working Frame, Lateral Work Under Saddle (Shoulders-n, Counter Shoulders-In, Half-Pass, Travers, Renvers) the Half-Halt, Rein-Back (Yielding the Chest), Developing the Canter,Cantering the Circle, Developing Collection, Transitions, Phase #: Counter-Canter and Flying Changes.

Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar, September 2004

Ellen Leffingwell

While the basis for much of this book is dressage, the concept of lightness is relevant to most horse sports. Even the speed events could benefit from a horse that is easy to turn and stop.

I especially liked the discussion of using a controlled back-up to engage the horse over his topline. The horse is asked to lower his head and neck before backing up, causing him to use himself more effectively when he begins to go backward.

The explanation of how to get a horse to relax, soften and lower his head and neck is excellent. The horse is encouraged again and again to relax and lower his head and neck. Each time he is rewarded with an easing of the pressure, and after a few repetitions, it takes less time to achieve the result.

This tool forms the basis for ongoing training, whether you aim for serious dressage or western pleasure. The dressage principles are explained clearly, and it becomes apparent how these methods can be used in all types of training.

Inspired by the late Nuno Oliveira, one of the legendary masters of modern dressage riding, trainer Russell has done a terrific job of writing a book that is useful and a pleasure to read. The photographs are of excellent quality.

If you are interested in any type of horse training, this book deserves your time and study.

By Pat Ingram, The American Quarter Horse Journal