Do less, receive more
Nelly Abbenes takes the horse back to total balance as if it was not ridden at all. In a halt, if necessary, after which she adds small bits of movement. In this 'small' approach the rider will be able to recognize unbalance of his horse sooner. In this way, movement of the horse is controlled from the first steps while immediately being in balance. The rider, in turn will feel pressure at his hands or a lack of impulse much sooner. Both are an expression of loss of balance.
By taking the horse back to that posture and form, as if he were riderless, he will be able to move freely and with much expression without continuous impact and aids of the rider. Many excercises will become easier to do. The rider will change his posture and the horse will adjust its body almost automatically.
This way of training demands from the rider that he masters his body and is not afraid to disengage his aids after the horse has found its balance. For many, the experience of 'doing less and receiving more' is a true miracle. Some horses will show this immediately during a training and surprise rider and audience with a Grand Prix-worthy piaffe, virtually out of the blue.
This is caused by the closed frame necessary for good balance. A closed frame invites movement in the highest collection, from piaffe to an extended trot. It is the effect of balance and the shortening of the base of support.