"The main secret for a horse that is heavy upon the hand, is for the rider to have a very light one; for when he finds nothing to bear upon with his mouth, he infallibly throws himself upon the haunches for his own security"

William Cavendish's quote about horsemanship concentrates on the vibrant relationship in between the horse and the rider, especially in terms of physical communication through the reins. Cavendish, a 17th-century horseman and aristocrat, is highlighting the value of lightness in the rider's touch as an essential method for managing a horse that tends to be heavy on the hand.

A horse that is "heavy upon the hand" generally leans too much on the bit, which can make it harder for the rider to manage and navigate. Such horses might not bring themselves correctly, resulting in ineffective movement. Cavendish's advice is essentially to reduce the counter-pressure applied by the rider. By keeping a "extremely light" hand, the rider encourages the horse to move its balance away from the forehand. This subtle decrease in contact allows the horse to naturally change its weight to its haunches (hindquarters), promoting better posture and balance.

The recommendation to have a "light" hand is rooted in the understanding that horses look for stability and convenience. When there is no significant resistance or pressure from the rider, the horse naturally seeks out balance by engaging its stronger hindquarters. This shift not only boosts the overall gracefulness and efficiency of the horse's motions however likewise improves its responsiveness to the rider's commands.

Cavendish's wisdom in this quote underscores the importance of nuanced interaction, patience, and a deep understanding of equine behavior in horsemanship. Rather than subduing the horse through force, the rider achieves consistency by helping with the horse's natural movement. This approach highlights the more comprehensive concept that efficient control is not about applying power, but about promoting a good understanding and cooperation between horse and rider. This viewpoint remains pertinent in modern horsemanship, highlighting the value of softness, level of sensitivity, and regard in the rider's approach.