True dressage begins in the pelvis

Isaac Ares Quotes on Dressage

True dressage begins in the pelvis, not in the hands.

Classical dressage does not begin in the hands.

Nor in the legs.

It begins in the pelvis.

The true seat does not rely on the stirrups. It is built in the pelvis.

From the pelvis, balance is transmitted.

From the pelvis, intention is born.

From the pelvis, the rider’s rhythm becomes the movement of the horse.

This is where the true dialogue begins.

The hands and legs are not the origin of this language.

They are only:

"Extensions of the Pelvis"

tools that help explain when the horse does not yet understand. Their role is temporary.

They clarify.
They refine.
They guide.

But the true path of horsemanship always moves in the same direction:

Less human intervention.
More understanding from the horse.

When the horse begins to listen to the rider’s body, the aids become lighter.

More subtle.
Almost invisible.

Then movement is no longer imposed.
It becomes shared.

Grand Prix is not the end of horsemanship.
Nor its ultimate limit.
It is simply an international convention created to publicly demonstrate a certain level of equestrian skill.

But true dressage does not end in a test.

True dressage begins when horse and rider no longer need to impose themselves on one another.

When movement arises naturally.

When communication exists with the least possible interference.

And this is where most riders realize…

how far they still are from it.

Question:
Where do you believe true dressage begins?

In my “Manual for the Young Rider” I explain in a simple way how to develop a seat and contact that help the horse instead of blocking it..

Isaac Ares