Being aware not only means being alert and mindful; more importantly, it means having knowledge about something - in this case, horses...
The conversation between rider…and horse is never-ending; always, during every stride, the rider asks little questions...
A basic question which we must answer regarding ourselves and our horses is: What kind of relationship do we want? Do we want a relationship where the horse is a beast of burden made to do our bidding and we are the master and he is the slave? Or, do we want a relationship which brings us together in a partnership?
Just what are "the basics" that everyone talks about and how long will it take to master them? In answer to the second part of the question it is to be noted that Nuno Oliveria considered a horse to have mastered the basics and to be ready for High School work when he was "light" in all parts of his body at all times during riding. It took up to 15 years for him to "educate" a horse to this level...