Table of Contents
introduction 1
A Time of Change 1
To Preserve Classical Principles 2
Beyond Xenophon, Baucher, La Guérinièe, and Oliveira 5
chapter 1 the science in the art of equitation 7
Why Science Is Important to Riding at This Time 7
The Scientific Story 8
What Happens between Horse and Human on a Molecular Level 8
Who We Are, Not What We Do 9
Molecules as vehicles of Information Transfer between Two Beings 11
The Web of Connection 12
The DNA Code of Communication 12
The Molecules of Emotion 14
A Molecular Summary 15
A New Paradigm 16
Small, Simple Tasks 18
Misconceptions Become Barriers 19
Early Lessons from Mestre Nuno Oliveira 20
Why Lightness Is Considered the Ultimate Connection 21
Lightness Is a Perception of the Rider 21
Teachers as Facilitators of Molecular Change 24
Learning Is Remembering 24
Old Perceptions Create Room for New Ones 25
chapter 2 when two become one 27
Can "Mental Riding" Become Spiritual? 27
"Togetherness" Seen through a Scientific Lens 28
The Perfect Relationship with the Horse 33
How Emotions Affect Our Relationship with the Horse 35
Love and the Principles of Lightness 38
Can We Transcend Fear Molecularly? 39
Finding "Grounding" and Creating Trust 41
The Horse as a Conduit of Enlightenment 41
Visualization to Facilitate Communication 42
Riding What We Think Is Possible 43
Visualization Seen through a Scientific Lens 45
How to Assess Oneness 46
Creating Oneness Seen through a Scientific Lens 47
The Role of the Teacher 48
Teaching and Learning across Distance Seen through a Scientific Lens 50
French Classical Principles Facilitate Molecular Connection 51
chapter 3 the horse: healer, teacher, partner 53
The "Mental Contract" That Needs to Exist between Horse and Rider 53
Healing from the Horse and Healing of the Horse Seen through a Scientific Lens 54
What Do We Wish for the Horse? 55
Why Direction Is So Important 58
Why I Say "On the Bit and Light" 58
How Do We Get the Horse on the Bit? 59
Assessing the Horse's Comfort When on the Bit 60
Rethinking "Natural" 60
Physically Balanced, Mentally Balanced 61
Balance Is Strength 63
Intuitively Evaluating the Horse's Energy 64
Learning through Expression and Molecular Connection 64
Learning Seen through a Scientific Lens 66
Awareness of Intent and Being of Two Minds 67
Intent Seen through a Scientific Lens 69
chapter 4 creating lightness 71
When the Artist Becomes the Art 71
Simple Goals for the Rider 74
Preparing to Facilitate the Molecular Relationship 75
Centering and Consciousness Seen through a Scientific Lens 75
What Can Happen Molecularly in Three Days 77
Feeling is Key 78
Feeling Seen through a Scientific Lens 79
How Feelings Affect Our DNA 80
Theory 1: Our Feelings Can Affect Other Living Things at a Distance 80
Theory 2: The Heart Radiates a Powerful Energy Field 81
The Role of Energy in Creating Lightness 82
Using Energy to Overcome Resistances 83
Energy's Effect Seen through a Scientific Lens 83
Physical Elements Necessary to Facilitate Molecular Change 87
By the "Tips of the Fingers" 88
Mental Elements Necessary to Facilitate Molecular Change 90
How to Use Our Breath When with the Horse 91
Power in Mindfulness of Breath Seen through a Scientific Lens 91
The Story of the Bubble and the Golden Ball 92
"Take Care of Your Onions" 95
chapter 5 change our consciousness to change our riding 97
Where Do We Begin? 97
Clarity of Vision Seen through a Scientific Lens 98
The "Lightness" State of Mind 99
How Observation Is an Important Element in Facilitating Molecular Change 101
The Power of Observation Seen through a Scientific Lens 102
Clarity of Intention 103
Clarity of Intention Seen through a Scientific Lens 104
The Happiness Factor 105
The Happiness Factor Seen through a Scientific Lens 106
Positive Emotions Affect Global Consciousness 108
Keys to Meeting the Challenges of the Horse 108
The Mind and Biomechanics 112
Common Pitfalls that Disrupt Oneness with the Horse 112
Enhancing the Relationship with the Horse 113
chapter 6 living in lightness 115
Improving Our Relationship with Our Equine Partner 115
"Staying Present" Seen through a Scientific Lens 116
Understanding that "Being" Is Enough 118
Finding Childlike Innocence and How It Affects Our Relationship with the Horse 119
How Our Relationship with Our Horse Affects Our Soul 119
Change Is Never Bad 123
Dealing with Expectations 124
Learning to Embrace Change 124
Limiting Our Limitations 125
The Brown Bag 128
Rejoicing in Abundance 129
an end and a beginning 131
Endnotes/References 133
Acknowledgments 139
About the Authors and Photographer 140
Index 144
