Control less. Create More!
Eddo Hoekstra
This is a wonderful quote from coach and trainer Eddo Hoekstra. My daughter took lessons with Eddo and he encouraged me to get back to riding after 30 years away from horses. Eddo’s discipline is dressage and so began my dressage journey.
I have always understood the words of the quote. You need to create more when riding your horse and not be so concerned about controlling your horse. Easy to understand the words but what it really meant did not dawn on me till years later. Riders, myself included, are concerned with controlling the horse so as to not be run away with , or bucked off or some other unwanted behavior from the horse that must be stopped. Controlled!! Creating more means more impulsion, more forward movement, more energy, more sparkle, more brilliance ….the list goes on. So for me the control part was easy and the create part not so much.
So what was my light bulb moment? I came to a point where I had confidence that my horse, Biasini would not bolt or buck or dump me in the dirt. Then I realized that it was not all about controlling him and more about creating the opening for him to show what he could do. But I still found it very difficult. Where was the balance between controlling Biasini who is a very strong horse and likes to take over and letting go in order to create more of the things that are so prized in dressage?
It has taken me at least two years to get a handle on it and start to execute it. My coach Belinda Trussell has been working with me for the past few months to adopt a new set of expectations. I must not settle for Biasini’s pulling and bullying. But a change in expectations means both of us have to adjust and implement new standards on a second by second basis.
Last week in one of my lessons we worked on the canter half pass. In this lesson I found that all the work we have been doing was paying off. The half pass was so much easier. I was able to ride with a lighter contact and to ask him to move sideways without loosing that nice light contact.
Was I creating more? I think so. Having him light and responding to my aids was a real joy. Here is a short video clip of the half pass left.
There is much more to achieve with this controlling less and creating more. I have only just begun on this part of the journey.
HorseAddict 
It sounds like the partnership between you and Biasini is falling together well. Good advice from Eddo, but it does take some thought to fully comprehend.
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Yes. The words are simple but the execution of the concept is difficult. Thanks for taking the time to leave this comment .🙂
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it is one of the secrets for building that true relationship and partnership. I think all riders struggle with this at times. Good work!
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Thank you for this comment Avery.
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Great advice, Anne. This certainly allows us to enjoy more. It can apply to many things we do .
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Thank you Amy. I agree that there a number of things in riding horses that can be applied across a broad spectrum of our lives.
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That video is so lovely to watch ma’am , you and Biasini looks like flying with the wind. And more beautiful is your words your thirst to learn.
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Thank you Subbashini for your very kind comment .
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Love, luck and success to you both, always!❤️
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Thank you so much for those good wishes. Much appreciated.🙂
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Well done! And well done Biasini too!
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Thank you Emma. I will tell him you have congratulated him!
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A lovely ride Anne. Biasini really looked so graceful and precise. You’re a wonderful team
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Thank you Tina. He is a talented horse and a challenging ride but always a rewarding ride.
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Great video clip! I’m working on the trot half-pass now, so I can sort of feel how well that canter half-pass is working for you. Nice!
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Thank you Alli. The half pass journey is an interesting one. I think you will enjoy it.
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You have the determination to do it, gracefully.
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Thirty years away from horses? Oh, my! Didn’t think it was possible to be any more impressed with you and what you do with Biasini. I was wrong. You are amazing, Anne.
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Thank you Irene. I appreciate your support.
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The joy of true partnership
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Yes. Thank you for this comment
You understand this partnership
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Like lots of good advice…easy to say…and hard to do. Good luck…remember to enjoy the journey.
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It is not an easy journey but the enjoyment is immense. Thanks for your comment!
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Take care.
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Control less. Create more. Very good quote and I agree not an easy thing to achieve while riding. LOVE your video clip, you two looked great and I’m glad Biasini and you are working together with control and creativity, you have such an excellent coach! ♥️
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Thanks Diana! I am very lucky.
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It looks really good Anne and I love the quote 🙂💜 Wishing you and Biasini a wonderful weekend and much love to you both from all of us here 🤗💖🐎 xxx
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Thank you Xenia
Best wishes for your weekend and a pat for Pearl and Eivor too from Biasini and me.🐴💕
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All the very best for you Anne. I am sure slowly and steady you will achieve your goal!
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Thank you Deeksha. I appreciate your positive and supportive comment.
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