What I learned during my time with Lipizzan Show.

Pictured is Neopolitano Primavera during one of the first shows that he was learning the Levade. This is a very balanced movement where the horse takes all the weight on the hind legs and balances there, ideally taking the soldier out of the enemy swords way. It takes a tremendous amount of strength and heart on the horses part, and I am trying to stay in perfect balance - not giving the rein or taking more tension on the rein, to help Neo maintain the levade.

This is a useful movement for body building the hind end muscles of the horse, but must not be used out of fear or anger for the horse. If the horse gets confused during half step excercises, he may rock back on the hind legs if he feels trapped in he bridle. The trick is to give the rein and push the horse forward a step or two, to regain his confidence through balance once again.