The best horseback riding comes from creating a true partnership between the horse and rider. The horse needs understanding and leadership from you, and you need respect and enthusiasm from the horse. Together you help shape each other. A well-balanced rider and a well-balanced horse, both physically and emotionally, create a graceful, beautiful team, capable of skillful athleticism. The best way to achieve this balance with your horse partner is by training from the ground up -- literally, by training your horsemanship skills and training the horse's understanding through ground work, on the lunge or at liberty in a large paddock or round pen.
Bring out the best in both horse and rider -- together, as a team.