Chazot Thoughts VI

Jean Luc Cornlle

"The discovery of how things work is intrinsically rewarding, and developing the practical applications of discoveries is no less so."

(Thomas W. Clark)

We moved recently. He told us that we were all moving to Georgia. However, the fear that we could return to our previous life crossed our minds. We were half way reassured when Manchester and I realized that we were moving together. However, the trip was long and while keeping our balance in the trailer, we were reflecting on our current existence verses our previous experiences.

We both agree that the practical application of advances in scientific knowledge is a great part of the considerable difference. It is not that we have never been touched with science. In fact, scientific progress has always been part of our life but mostly at the level of therapies that repair injuries. Instead, he does not use many therapies. He rather applies scientific findings to prevent injuries. He is doing so by developing and educating precisely our physique for the athletic demand of the performance. Manchester pointed out that even if he was already injured when he arrived; his reeducation was about creating a body coordination that reduces the stresses on his stifles. In an instant of deep thought, Manchester added. If I had been educated this way from the beginning, I may never have been lame.

The sign "GEORGIA in your mind" appeared through the trailer's window. The motto makes us think about our own cerebral evolution. Working with him has considerably extended our mental processing. We are now capable of developing sophisticated body coordination. The synchronizations are far beyond the scope of natural reflexes. We no longer function at the level of pecking order and other instinctive behaviors. He teaches us to orchestrate, efficiently, our physique for the effort and both Manchester and I are participating willingly; Manchester loves the work as he finds soundness and comfort. I do love the partnership as it guides me toward ease, confidence, and great body control.

He often refers to Kenneth Sollitt's thought, "No one learns to make right decisions without being free to make wrong ones."  This is the fundamental code of our partnership. He selects the gait, the posture, the balance, the body alignment, the gymnastic exercise and lets us process the most efficient solution. Our primary instinct is about natural reflexes, which of course are ill adapted to the demands of modern competitions. Our second inherent reaction is protecting whatever reflex contraction, weaknesses, muscle imbalance, or morphological flaws that are afflicting our bodies. Through discreet insights, he guides our mental research until our brain orchestrates, our physique, optimally for the effort. The process of course includes errors, which he does not treat as errors but rather genuine attempts. 

Manchester, who thinks that the Sforza equestrian model is an illustration of his physique, likes referring to Leonardo da Vinci. "Although individuals are endowed genetically with more or less talent in a given area, researchers such as Buzan, Machado, Wenger, and many others have shown that IQ scores can be raised significantly through appropriate training." (Michael J. Gelb, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci.) 

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Florida

Ridgepoint Stables

2000 Firetower Rd.

Haines City, FL 33844

863-438-0801 

Maine