Over time, horses (like people) acquire postural habits, compensate for soreness and injury, and develop poor movement patterns. This limits performance ability, causes unsoundness and health issues, and ultimately undermines the horse's overall well-being.
Jec Aristotle Ballou has made a name for herself advocating for the horse and providing sensible instruction in his schooling, conditioning, and care. Her bestselling books and popular clinics are designed to enable any horse person to correctly apply proven principles that bring measurable progress while avoiding boredom and confusion.
In her latest collection of mounted and unmounted corrective exercises, Ballou demonstrates how we can actively work to improve the horse's posture and movement, whether he is:
Ballou's positive cross-training techniques are free of shortcuts, and her guidelines for analyzing the horse's posture and way of going help readers gain a new awareness of the equine body. Applicable for all disciplines and full of quality color photographs to explain the exercises, this is an integral collection that optimizes how the horse uses his body and helps ensure he stays sounder and healthier for more years of his life.
The well-known veterinarian, trainer and author, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann devotes himself to the topic that is central to developing collection: correct bending and positioning. He shows how we can strengthen and condition the horse's haunches to bear more weight and alleviate and lighten the load on the forehand, thus preserving it, and protecting the delicate front legs from injury. The only way to go from a horse in ordinary, horizontal balance to a collected horse is through the path of correct bending. The anatomical and bio-mechanical background of this important training component is explained here for the first time in writing, taking into account anatomy and the science of movement.
The necessity of riding in a specific and correct way, and the corresponding development have been known since the 19th century, however, why we must use this method has not been explained in depth, until now.
This book will help you understand the multi-dimensional, functional way the horse can best carry us.
This work includes many topics, including:
Why halt a horse, why bend it?
Positioning and bending in classical equestrian literature.
The horse's natural crookedness
The correct positioning of the horse - a requirement for correct bending
The biomechanics of positioning and bending.
This book is a must have for every trainer and rider!
This edition's translation was completely re-checked and redone by Xenophon Press editor and publisher in chief, Richard F. Williams, an expert dressage trainer and teacher. All changes and corrections were made directly in consultation and discussion with the author, Gerd Heuschmann and the result is a clear, exact authentic translation of the original German text. This book covers a vital, often missing concept behind the mystery of how to collect horses progressively.
Cherry Hill's comprehensive collection of 101 ground-training exercises gives you a strong foundation of both in-hand and guide-line skills to work on with your horses.
Internationally known instructor and trainer Cherry Hill leads you and your horse through catching, yielding, turning, sacking out, backing, longeing, long lining, doing obstacle work, and much more. Every exercise is fully illustrated and described in easy-to-follow, step-by-step language that you can refer to during your ground training work -- simply hang the book in the barn or on a fence post, and you're ready to go! The exercises include clear goals, variations, common problems to watch out for, and lesson reviews.First published in the late 19th century, this book is truly a work of remarkable coherence, comprehensiveness, and depth of understanding. Steinbrecht's reputation as a master in the art of dressage makes The Gymnasium of the Horse a cornerstone of equestrian literature. Originally published in German; this translation from the 10th German edition by Helen K. Gibble, into English. Sections are: Rider's Seat and Aids; Purpose of Dressage; Systematic Training of the Horse; School Movements; Epilogue. Scarce title and long awaited for the many dressage enthusiasts who are familiar with the thoroughness with which Steinbrecht first addressed this topic.
Gustav Steinbrecht's Gymnasium of the Horse is one of the great milestones of equestrian literature, alongside Xenophon, de Pluvinel, Newcastle, and de la Gu rini re. It forms a connection and transition between two eras.
On one hand, it is the culmination of the equestrian literature of the late 18th century and 19th century that, under the influence of the Industrial Revolution, tried to explain equine biomechanics by comparing the body to a mechanical device.
On the other hand, it forms the theoretical foundation for the H. Dv. 12 German Cavalry Manual on the training of horse and rider Xenophon Press 2014] and its successor, the Richtlinien fuer Reiten und Fahren of the German National Federation. The Gymnasium of the Horse belongs on every dressage rider's bookshelf. It's the kind of book that needs to be studied, because every word is chosen deliberately, and every sentence is full of knowledge and meaning. It's a book that needs to be re-read regularly because, with each new reading, your understanding will evolve and deepen.
It is a true classic because it is universally accepted and admired, not only in Germany but also in the rest of the dressage world, as it contains so much wisdom, so much invaluable advice that even 130 years later, it has lost nothing of its relevance. Steinbrecht formulates rules, principles, and guidelines for horse training more concisely and more sharply than almost any other author. His book has truly stood the test of time.
Master Nuno Oliveira is considered to be one of the leading figures (if not the leading figure) in the Equestrian Art of the 20th century. He was not only an expert in the discipline and its history but also an outstanding teacher and mentor, an instructor with unusual intelligence and a highly developed equestrian feeling, an unrivaled artist in the saddle.
His great genius consisted of the comprehensive synthesis of the two emerging but up until then, contrary schools of the Old French riding masters as represented by the teachings of Francois Robichon de la Guérinière (of the 18th century) and Francois Baucher (of the 19th century). What made Oliveira stand out was his unwavering, unprejudiced pragmatism, which let him find the best method from all of the schools for working on a specific goal with a specific horse at a specific moment.
He believed that every single horse had to be trained to the highest degree of perfection and shine within the scope of its individual possibilities. He rose above any doctrinal dispute and focused on the task at hand. A rider should not only ride but also observe, study, read and think carefully. He/she should act rationally and calmly, never act brutally or with force; he should have love of the horse and develop great equestrian feeling, the greatest of all equestrian virtues.
To achieve this, he taught with the messages of Etienne Beudant and Faverot de Kerbrech: Ask often, be satisfied with a little, and reward often.
Now, the collected later writings of Master Nuno Oliveira are now made available to English-speaking readers in one economical volume. These works have been re-translated from Nuno Oliveira's original manuscripts in both Portuguese and French. The collection of photographs is unmatched. Photographs are carefully reproduced and rarely seen images will come to light in this unique collection of texts.
This long-awaited publication is a must for riders and lovers of fine riding and classical equestrian art. Together with the companion volume to this book, Equestrian Art: The Early Writings (1951-1956) of Master Nuno Oliveira, we now present, for the first time in English, in a set of two volumes, the complete written works of one of the greatest equestrian masters of the twentieth century.
This volume contains the following works:
Book 1 Classical Principles of the Art of Training Horses
Book 2 Horses and Their Riders
Book 3a Notes on the Teaching of Nuno Oliveira
Book 3b Notes on Elementary Equitation
Book 4 From an Old Écuyer to Young Riders
Book 5 Reminiscences of a Portuguese Rider
Appendix: Conference on Descente de main (Yielding of the hand)
In our brand new, accurate English translation, in very understandable and clear prose, authors Udo Bürger and Otto Zietzschmann, describe the essential requirements needed for good performance, and health and longevity of the riding horse. e content of this eagerly awaited re-publication, first published in 1939, is still true and even more needed today! is book is perfect for acquiring a better understanding of how to design correct riding lessons and classical training sessions. The authors explain physiological findings as the basis for riding lessons and explain important guidance for training the horse as well as ways of recognizing and resolving training problems.
Olympic champion and former national coach Klaus Balkenhol says that countless top horses disappear into obscurity due to improper training, never to be seen again, while other difficult and rather average horses are transformed into top horses with good trainers. He explains that through proper training informed with an understanding of the interactions between muscular activity and the skeleton during the different training phases, average horses can become top horses.
Veterinarian Gerd Heuschmann believes that good and well-thought-out riding is the only and best protection against all health problems for horses.
Dr. Gerd Heuschmann views this book as mandatory reading for responsible sport and recreational riders, trainers, judges and veterinarians, regardless of their disciplines.
This book is for all responsible riders and trainers who are involved in the training of horses as well as for tournaments, judges, and equine veterinarians alike.
Previously published as ISBN: 978-3885424888
Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that dances when you are on him, and the one that doesn't? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, Trainer and Examiner for the La F d ration Fran aise d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse's posture.
The horse's ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal core muscles control the horse's posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance.
Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse's body and:
In this highly illustrated book, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse's posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you've always imagined.
Olympian Anne Kursinski's acclaimed book on riding horses over fences delivers on-target counsel and the kind of sophisticated, quality instruction you can only get in top barns around the world. Let this medal-winning international competitor show you how it's done with step-by-step descriptions of dozens of exercises to improve your position, your feel, and your overall understanding of how to confidently and successfully master a jump course.
Inside, you'll find a top-notch education in both basic and advanced flatwork and jumping, including:
Throughout, Kursinski's explanations are clarified with hundreds of illuminating photographs, completely reshot in full color for this new edition. Even better, the photos feature Kursinski herself in the saddle, and the text includes her illuminating personal commentary describing what she is experiencing in the saddle during a particular exercise. In addition, this revised edition includes an all-new chapter on riding derby-style courses as well as course walks with Kursinski, to give readers a sense of how she plans a winning ride. This classic references offers time-tested techniques and invaluable skills for every hunter, jumper, and equitation rider.
The go-to reference for riders and trainers aiming to improve equine conditioning in ways that are strategic, engaging, and fair to the horse.
For just about everything we do with horses--from trail riding to top level competition--a healthy state of fitness is key to both performance and longevity. Every horse will go better for longer if his mind and body are well prepared for the ask.
When it comes to improving fitness, whether for humans or animals, the success of an exercise relies on dosage. How an exercise is applied, the duration and frequency of execution, and the weekly schedule within which it is incorporated determine its impact on fitness.
Equine training and conditioning expert Jec Aristotle Ballou has now provided a book that takes the guesswork out of fitness gains. It clarifies how long and frequently to do a particular exercise and provides guidance in how to combine it with others for best results. The result is maximized health and athleticism in the horse.
The 33 workouts in these pages help accomplish the performance goals that many riders strive for but fall short of reaching--stronger, more agile, and more balanced horses. They do this by circumventing the tension, both physical and mental, that often spoils conditioning attempts made within a discipline-specific or skill-based training session. By providing the right amount of stimulus while avoiding boredom, fatigue, and habituated neuromuscular patterns, Ballou's workouts lead to positive physiological gains. Her plans include:
With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and clear illustration, this book is a fundamental piece of any conscientious rider's training plan and a key component to keeping horses performing happily for more years of their lives.
Everything you know about riding and the horse's movement isn't what you think it is! Did you know that:
- On a functional level, traditional ways of teaching rider position and horse movement do not actually work with the biomechanical system that is horse and rider? - Use of the inside rein does not encourage the horse to bend to the inside? - Training exercises and lessons that claim to be simple cannot be as easily applied as it might seem?In these pages, physical therapist and equine movement specialist Stefan Stammer uses a startlingly unique collection of color illustrations to make movement patterns in the horse visible to the human eye, in order to help riders better understand the principles of energy and motion happening within the horse. By forming new mental images for the rider, Stammer's goal is to profoundly impact the rider's daily work with her horse so that it is harder for her to make common mistakes or interfere with the horse's natural mechanisms.
With his hind end as his engine, the horse generates kinetic energy (the energy his body possesses due to its motion). For optimal movement and performance, this energy should flow through the horse's body to the horse's mouth, where it is fine-tuned with the rein aids before cycling back to the hind end. However, this movement flow is often unintentionally disrupted on its way through the horse by the rider. When, however, the cycle of kinetic energy within the horse is supported through the correct understanding and application of biomechanics--the mechanical laws relating to his and his rider's movement and structure--the outer shape of horse and rider together achieve positive tension. This is the rhythmic stimulation of all the neuromuscular functions necessary to perform harmoniously and at peak ability.
Most importantly, once the rider understands the basic principles of the biomechanics of a horse in movement, her feeling in the saddle will improve. Better feel is an integral building block for the small and subtle steps of progress, which should accompany a rider for her entire life with horses. This smart, fascinatingly composed book is for any horseperson looking to limit riding and training mistakes, grow an understanding of how the horse best functions, and optimize equineability and performance.
In this highly illustrated book, equine physical therapy expert Helle Katrine Kleven begins with a comprehensible introduction to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as an instructive conversation covering biomechanics basics, then explores the major areas of physical therapy in detail.
Readers will find practical how-to guidance in the most popular therapeutic modalities, as well as cutting-edge alternatives that are currently gaining ground:
With this incredible course in preventive and rehabilitative techniques, horse owners and professionals will be thoroughly prepared to ensure their horses' comfort and well-being. The book includes:
Coach Daniel Stewart, author of the hit mind-and-body equestrian workout Fit and Focused in 52, is back with new plans to power you up, bolster your confidence, and supply you with the mental tools you need to be all you can be, in and out of the saddle. With Coach Stewart's infectious optimism and indomitable sense of fun, readers will find themselves embracing exhilarating changes in their outlook and their abilities. The evolution from good enough to better begins with:
Infusing his words with energy and compassion, Coach Stewart offers everyone a chance of attaining self-fulfillment and joy when working with and riding horses. His concepts are friendly, fun, and easy to implement, making his book chock full of potential--just like you. Bolder, Braver, Brighter is for every rider seeking improved performance in the saddle and partnership with the horse.
In A Beginner's Guide to Owning a Mule, Becky Coffield has written a humorous, helpful, and engaging guideline for those interested in buying and owning a mule.
Each of the nine chapters in the book covers a crucial topic relating specifically to riding and caring for mules. In addition to offering friendly advice on how to buy the mule and things to look for and be aware of, the author also covers a host of other helpful topics, such as appropriate mule tack, saddling up, trail riding and mule behavioral problems. Other topics that Coffield discusses are mule medical issues, boarding the animal, clinics, and making friends with your mule.
A Beginner's Guide to Owning a Mule is unlike any other mule advice book you may read. The author is not dogmatic and includes other perspectives on some of these topics. Coffield readily admits she is not a trainer or a mule whisperer. She's not afraid to confess her own mistakes either, and many of them are extremely funny. Her blunders with her mule provide hilarious examples of what not to do..
This publication also includes photos.