"How many times have you blamed your horse for being disobedient, when, in fact, the problem stems from a lack of control of your own body or because you're sitting crookedly when you give an aid. If you give your aids from an unsteady, crooked, or uncentered position, those signals can't be as clear and effective as aids that are given from a fit body and a stable seat. It might not be glamorous to work on your position or your fitness, but the rewards are well worth it. Your horse will thank you!" Jane Savoie
"As in most athletic endeavors, the rider must develop the seemingly contradictory qualities of relaxation and strength." "If you can't discipline your own body, you cannot discipline your horse." Charles de Kunffy
"A good piece of advice to all who want to ride well, and who wish to acquire a good position, would be to do gymnastic exercises, which give suppleness, ease and sureness in riding...Only the rider who is free from any contraction will have a horse equally free from contraction."
Nuno Oliveira, Reflections On Equestrian Art
"Everyone who rides should incorporate a cross-training program and proper nutrition in their regimen to stay fit and healthy and prevent injury." "Riding alone does not provide the fitness required for performance, especially if you only ride occasionally. Like any other sport, riding requires that other athletic activities be added to the mix."
Mary D. Midkiff Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian
