Skip to main content
Books, videos, and music - all free from your public library!
LoginSign Up

Footer

Hoopla logo, Go to homepage
  • For Patrons
  • For Libraries (opens in new window)
  • For Vendors (opens in new window)
  • Facebook (opens in new window)
  • X (opens in new window)
  • Instagram (opens in new window)
  • YouTube (opens in new window)
  • TikTok (opens in new window)
  • LinkedIn (opens in new window)

Our Company

  • Our Story
  • Get Hoopla for your Library (opens in new window)
  • Get your content on hoopla (opens in new window)
  • Join our team (opens in new window)
  • Accessibility Statement

Our Content

  • Audiobooks
  • Ebooks
  • Movies
  • Television
  • Comics
  • BingePasses
  • Music
  • The Loop Blog

Help

  • Help Center
  • Submit Feedback
  • Facebook (opens in new window)
  • X (opens in new window)
  • Instagram (opens in new window)
  • YouTube (opens in new window)
  • TikTok (opens in new window)
  • LinkedIn (opens in new window)
  • Download on the App Store (opens in new window)
  • Get it on Google Play (opens in new window)
  • Available at Amazon Appstore (opens in new window)
© 2026 Midwest Tape, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
  • Hoopla logo
  • Browse
  • My Hoopla
  • Log In
  1. Navigate Home
  2. Ebooks
  3. Lessons in Lightness

EBOOK

Lessons in Lightness

Mark Russell
5
(2)
sign up
Pages
186
Year
2019
Language
English
Publisher
Xenophon Press LLC

About

Lessons in Lightness Full Color Expanded Edition by Mark Russell, published posthumously, further advances the concept of Art Form Riding first presented in the 2004 edition ofLessons in Lightness. Soft shaping and the development of the horse's flexibility, balance, and strength through a heightened sense of relaxation, this approach teaches us that mobility gives forward. Through logical gymnastic progressions, a positive feedback loop of relaxation, flexibility, and strength develops. From these progressions, energy springs forth so horses work in concert with their riders with calmness and exuberance.
Maintaining both relaxation and balance in a forward mindset can be a difficult state to achieve. Lessons in Lightness Full Color Expanded Edition offers in-depth guidance on how to create this often elusive combination.
Progressions include:
• Accessing the horse's jaw and spine.
• Teaching the horse that the bit is an indicator for relaxation.
• Development of the horse's often over-looked balance-inducing postural muscles.
• Development of flexion and strength through lateral movements and rein-back in relaxed postures.
• Necessary for success, each lesson begins in hand before progressing under saddle.
A new chapter entitled The Hidden Influences of the Bridle: The Stomatognathic Systemby Jillian Kreinbring M. S. underlines an expanded focus on equine biomechanics. Understanding the horse's functional anatomy is highlighted throughout this edition; it is the key to avoiding many common roadblocks.
In the 1980's Mark studied with Master Nuno Oliveira. He practiced Tai Chi and Chi Gong for decades. Later Mark infused certain Natural Horsemanship philosophies into his practice. Mark's gifts were to see, understand, and maintain an approach that did not stray from these unifying philosophies. Mark Russell lost his life on June 12, 2016. Mark's wife, Hela, is committed to preserving his life's work. For more information, Visit www.naturaldressage.com

Related Subjects

  • Equestrian
  • Animal Sports
  • Sports & Recreation
  • Adult Nonfiction

Artists

Mark RussellAuthor