Top 19 Quotes & Sayings by Nuno Oliveira

Make it a habit to praise the horse when the horse yields.

Ask often, be content of little, reward always.

When the rider demands the piaffe, he has to halt the horse a few strides before the latter wants to stop of his own accord.

The horse must understand and accept any demands made by rider without any resistance. Reward the horse each time he does what is asked of him. Never ask for more than he is capable of giving. Make him a COMPANION, and not a slave, then you will see what a true friend he is.

For the young, the practice of equitation is a valuable lesson, as it requires the exercise of all human virtue. If they are introduced to the practice of riding by understanding and patient teachers, then they too will develop these traits. The young rider grows to realize the horse is a partner rather than a slave who also deserves love and understanding.

The secret in riding is to do only a few things but to do them right

A horse will never tire of a rider who possesses both tact and sensitivity because he will never be pushed beyond his possibilities.

The apex of perfection in equestrian art is not an exhibition of a great deal of different airs and movements by the same horse, but rather the conservation of the horse's enjoyment, suppleness and finesse during the performance, which calls for comparison with the finest ballet, or performance of an orchestra, or seeing a play by Racine, so moving is the sight of perfectly unisoned movements.

Equestrian art is the perfect understanding and harmony between horse and rider.

Don't lose sight of the fact that hip and legs drive the horse forward and the hands merely channel this power by gentle rein aids.

Training a horse is above all feeling and trying, according to what you feel, to help the horse and not to force him.

It is a mistake to keep the horse on the bit for too long. He must be relaxed at the walk on the long rein regularly and afterwards he must be carefully put back together again.

I don't want riders who work physically hard. Work by thinking.

The secret in riding is to do few things right. The more one does, the less one succeeds. The less one does, the more one succeeds.

The hands have to be like concrete when the horse resists and like butter when he yields.

In the calmness of the walk, horse and rider can find the time to think and to prepare the quality of the following trot and canter.

Shoulder-in is the aspirin of horseback riding - it cures everything.

Every time the rider forgets to regulate the cadence, the horse begins to take control.

Every rein aid must be preceded by an action of the torso. Otherwise you only address the horse's head.