From the Heart of Our Horseman, LHH Defined

Light Hands Horsemanship.... a Fabulous opportunity for all horsemen to observe the complete training of the horse from A-Z.  From the colts first ride to the finished horse.  Horses will be schooled in the beginning work, then on to the introductory stages, then on to the advanced work followed by the finishing work.  Good horsemen will work with the horses through the various stages of training and viewers will receive in-depth instruction on proper training of the performance horse. Light Hands Horsemanship...the ultimate in "how to" horsemanship. Excellent horsemen demonstrate training techniques, and training exercises to use on the horse at all stages of their ability. Probably the most comprehensive two day clinic in America.  A fabulous learning experience.

Jack Brainard
Legendary Texas Horseman and Author
Inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2010

LHH by Anne

It has been a privilege to work with and along side of the wonderful clinicians of Light Hands Horsemanship. I was truly THE example of the tolerance and open-mindedness that this group brings to the world of educating the horseman. Their ONLY goal is to make the life of each horse a bit easier by promotion of kind and intelligent training methods. My initial part in this clinic was as a volunteer. It was at this time that I realized that these men truly wished to promote methods that could help all disciplines and breeds. Their comfort level with their own methods became so evident as they truly opened their "bag of tricks" up for all to share....noting that this was only one of many ways to help educate a horse. Their openness in sharing with one another and with their audiences was life changing for me. Coming from a breed that is often misrepresented or misunderstood as well as a discipline also perceived in that manner, the clinicians were not only open with their ideas but were genuinely interested in what my breed group had accomplished and how we had achieved those goals. This free exchange of ideas and methods, their willingness to suggest that I try this or that method on a colt to teach him something new was nothing short of enthralling.

Now that is a big word, but it is very appropriate when you come from a background of training where "secrets" used to be kept only by the trainers and not shared with the owners and general public. It is clinics like this that are good not only for our horses but also for our own souls.  Reinforcement for what you are working on by another is great, and a different avenue to get there can be a real life-saver. The days spent at this clinic with the wonderful clinicians involved allow each participant to get to know the clinicians, and discuss their personal issues with horses they have or have had. It is a one of a kind experience. I was honored to be 2008's guest clinician discussing what I have become most noted for,....the rider. To have light hands one has to have a correct independent seat. The topic which did not really accentuate any one seat, but discussed the general similarities they all have, helped fill in our attendees on their responsibilities as a rider not just as a trainer.

To spend 2 days with clinicians of this type in the splendor of Art Perry's beautiful Intrepid Farm is a treat for anyone who loves a horse and wants to meet some of our horse world's true greats. What an experience for me to call these 4 men my friends as well as my mentors. Hope to see you there in 2009.

   Anne D Judd

LHH by Richard

I’ve watched the Light Hands Horsemanship event from afar and now I’m honored to be a guest clinician for 2010. This event has become the “gold standard” for those who are serious and passionate about horse/human relationships on a higher level. I’m excited about participating and learning from the extraordinary line-up of clinician presenters. I’ll be sharing my own insights and philosophy of horsemanship as well. I think people will see varied techniques and styles in each of our presentations. However, I believe the consistency of philosophy and attitude will bring harmony to the weekend and inspire all of us to reach for the next level of horsemanship. Light Hands Horsemanship has become a 5-star event in the horse world and I’m thrilled to be a part of their 2010 event!

LHH by Rick

One of the highlights of my year is emceeing the Light Hands Horsemanship Clinic each May in Santa Ynez, California. It’s always a learning experience for me and it renews my dedication to being light with my horse. Now, I’ll admit right up front that I’m just a pup in all this compared to the great horsemen who teach at Light Hands. But I’m learning, and I can tell my horse is grateful for the effort.

What is so good about being light in how you cue your horse? Well, it’s more humane, for one thing and that means it’s more worthy of a human being. It’s also more just in the sense of being fairer to the horse, allowing him to respond to the smallest amount of pressure possible. But here’s the real kicker: it works better! I’ve been experimenting with this, being as light as I can with the reins and legs. It means being really tuned in to the horse because the response may be just as light as the cue. But when you feel that and reward it and are able to build on it, well that’s one of life’s really special moments.

The other thing about getting light in the hands is that it requires you to be light throughout your whole body, even your mind. For us humans, the hands are so special. I mean, think of what is done with the hands. Everything from a piano concerto to brain surgery. The eyes may be windows to the soul but the hands are hardwired to the heart. You can’t be impatient or angry or aggressive and still have light hands. Conversely, when you consciously and deliberately lighten your hands, your heart, your entire being must follow. It has no choice. Exquisite prey animals that they are, horses respond to that.

So here’s my parting suggestion, which can be applied with horses and with people: the next time you are inclined to turn up the pressure, first try turning it down. You just might be surprised at the result.
Rick Lamb

LHH by Sheila

Of all of the training and horse education seminars I have been to the Light Hands Horsemanship (LHH ) leads the way. The clinicians are extremely good with each one's philosophy and teaching flowing into the next clinicians as smooth as glass. For a horse enthusiast that wants a method of training a horse from the beginning to the end the LLH is a must. For those of us that participated as clinicians it was extremely interesting to watch and learn from the other clinicians since there is always new things to learn, besides that it is fun to meet new trainers that are very talented and great teachers. I think all of us that have participated in this sort of educational horse activity before recognize how very special the LHH weekend is.
Sheila Varian
www.varianarabians.com

LHH by Leslie

With gratitude and excitement, I recently accepted an invitation from Eitan Beth-Halachemy and his wife, Debbie, to participate in the 2012 Light Hands Conference in Santa Ynez, CA next May 31 - June 3, 2012.

As part of this process, I was asked six weeks ago to share my ideas about "light hands" with them and the membership at www.westerndressageassociation.org

One would think that "light hands" should be easy enough for a writer to write about, particularly when it has been the subject of practice and a passionate focus for . . . 50 years! I thought it would be a simple pleasure to do this but I quickly learned that it was not simple at all. To the contrary, the challenge of selecting the words that best describe my thoughts has had me stumped for more than a month. The fact is, "light hands" is a subject so rife with nuance and complexity that I could not get a simple sentence to stick on a page!

After much thought, the words finally fell into place this morning. My notes are below.

"The lightest hands . . .

"The lightest hands carry intent that is recognized instantly by the horse, as seen in the maneuvers he chooses to make with his feet. Whether that horse is ridden or handled, the lightest hands can purposefully influence the speed, direction and sequence of each foot with accuracy, in a manner that is reflected in the horse's body and on his face. This horse is content with the understanding of what he is expected to do.

In my experience, the lightest hands depend on six main elements, the first and most important of which is awareness.

Added to this, the optimum use of the legs and feet, balance, line-of-sight and a crystal clear intent all affect the horse's understanding of when, where, and at what speed he is expected to raise and replace each hoof. Without a doubt, the horse cannot understand or do this, unless the rider/handler can picture exactly where, when and how the feet are needed, and also understands how to ask for these steps in a way that fits the horse at that time.

Finally, the handler/rider's hands will achieve their lightest possible degree of influence when these five pieces and another, essential element are combined. The critical link that ties it all together is the infinitely adjustable feel of release.

The jury has been out for centuries on the question of whether light hands are 'born' or 'made'. Perhaps it is still out. But, either way, what matters to the horse is that the hands connected to him convey essential information that fits the specific demands of his current circumstances -- no matter what they are.

When a horse is set up to succeed, it is improbable to witness the rider whose hands and face express an emotion other than contentment. Put another way, the lightest hands evidently belong to the individuals who do not give a horse the power to disappoint them. (Children are particularly adept in this area. Similarly, many adult beginners manage to avoid this attitudinal trap of self-defeat.) I believe it is one of the most important tangential goals associated with the successful riding and handling of horses.

In summary, the lightest hands may not be hands at all but, rather, an unswervingly sympathetic point of view. This phenomenon is evidently felt by the horse, but not always possible to see."
--- Leslie Desmond
www.lesliedesmond.com
www.horsesintransition.com