Dressage involves drawing out the natural capability of the horse and shaping it into something beautiful and expressive. The horse must learn how to balance under the rider and move in elegant self-carriage. When the rider has adopted a deep, balanced seat, then the time is right to start the first dressage steps that will lead to a disciplined yet flexible horse. This guide describes lessons in serpentines, halfhalt and basic paces with lengthening and leg yielding.