The Giving Moment

The most important part of the aid is the release of the aid.” I’ve seen that quote attributed to Germany’s Olympic gold medalist Klaus Balkenhol, but I know he isn’t the only dressage great to speak those words. In fact, most of the top riders and trainers I’ve listened to echo some variation on that idea: The most important part of taking is letting go. And you know what? It’s not a coincidence that this is a common theme among the best in the world.

Intellectually speaking, I understand the concept: When you apply an aid, such as your leg, seat, rein, spur or whip, the part that is most educational to horses is when you release the pressure upon their correct response. That’s the reward, and that’s what horses learn from. Otherwise, you