Creating a bond as strong as armour
There is a special bond between the discerning rider and their horse.
It seems like the two bodies are moving as one.
One can see it with the dressage horse who appears to be dancing with no commands from the rider. Just watch the stadium jumping horse lift over the fence with confidence or the eventing horse jumping into water or over a large ditch. One can see it with the cutting horse ducking and diving to keep the cattle in place.
Do you want to have that sort of relationship with your horse?
First we have to understand the horse's mind and body and then learning to talk 'horse'. Next comes learning to ride - that takes a life time! Riding is one of the few sports that you can continue to get better and better at throughout your riding life. It is not a strength sport rather one of building harmony and relationships.
A horse needs to trust the person before he will allow you to come into his space and pet him while lying down.
Horses are herd animals. You are the boss. However, remember that you must be a boss your horse trusts and wants to follow.
How can you get this confidence and joy?
If you take your time and progress one step at a time, you will build a foundation that is secure and safe for both you and your horse. Confidence is developed one step at a time. In small increments you can progress to jumping big scary ditches - if you want!
1. What are your goals?
Decide what your goals are. Do you want to do dressage, 
jump, event,trail ride or what? Once you know what your goals are you can look for a compatible horse.
2. Find a compatible horse
Finding your horse takes time and research. Take your trainer to evaluate whether the horse will meet your goals. Ask a veterinarian to check that the horse will be suitable for your job.
3. Find a compatible trainer
You need a trainer who can relate to you and your horse. Someone whom you can trust. Someone who has the knowledge to help you reach your goals without intimidating you or your horse.
4. Develop a program that works
Develop a program that takes into consideration your horse's mental and physical capabilities as well as your fitness level and time constraints with short-term and long-term aims and objectives.
5. Learn from your mistakes
"Those who never made a mistake never made anything is a well-know saying." Take the time to evaluate why an exercise did not work. Create a program to deal with the problem. Patiently work at it, listening to your horse. Repetition of a badly performed movement will not acheive success.
Training Opportunities
British Horse Society Instructor (Teaching and Stable Management)
Member of American Riding Instructors Association
While in Britain:
Listed Dressage Judge
Listed B.H.S. Examiner
Listed Pony Club Examiner
Irish Horse Shows Hunter Judge
Internal Verifier for Joint National Horse Education and Training Committee