Equestrian Book Reviews - Modern and Classical Dressage, Training the Horse, Horse Health and Welfare

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Duis vulputate magna viverra diam. Donec sagittis velit eu dui. Donec eget tortor quis felis adipiscing blandit. Nulla est libero, tincidunt nec, vestibulum rutrum, elementum in, est. Nulla tortor sapien, tincidunt sed, consectetuer a, pellentesque a, dui. Suspendisse in ligula eget nulla rutrum facilisis.

Academic Horse Training by Dr Andrew McLean and Manuela McLean

Title: Academic Horse Training: Equitation Science in Practice

Author: Dr Andrew McLean and Manuela McLean

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0-939481-69-3 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: AEBC, 2008

Extra Information: 144 Pages / 0.250Kg / 15cm x 23Xcm x 1cm

Rating: TBA

Title: Advanced Techniques of Dressage

Author: German National Equestrian Federation

Translation: Cynthia Hodges, M.A.

ISBN: 0-939481-69-3 (Paper Back)

Publisher: Kenilworth Press Ltd, XXXX

Extra Information: 144 Pages / 0.250Kg / 15cm x 23Xcm x 1cm

Rating: TBA

Title: Anatomy of Dressage

Author: Heinrich Schusdziarra and Volker Schusdziarra

Translation: Cynthia Hodges, M.A.

ISBN: 0-939481-69-3 (Paper Back)

Publisher: Half Halt Press, 2004

Extra Information: 144 Pages / 0.250Kg / 15cm x 23Xcm x 1cm

Rating: TBA

First published in German as Gymnasium des Reiters. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Duis vulputate magna viverra diam. Donec sagittis velit eu dui. Donec eget tortor quis felis adipiscing blandit. Nulla est libero, tincidunt nec, vestibulum rutrum, elementum in, est. Nulla tortor sapien, tincidunt sed, consectetuer a, pellentesque a, dui. Suspendisse in ligula eget nulla rutrum facilisis. Nulla facilisi. Fusce gravida nunc nec pede. Donec pulvinar.

Title: Ausgewählte Hengste 2008/2009 Deutschlands: Ein Jahrbuch der Hengste

Author: Bernd Eylers and Claus Schridde

Translation: N/A in German - available in English

ISBN: 978-3-932433-35-1 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: Eylers Vertriebs GmbH, 2008

Extra Information: 720 Pages / 0.000Kg / 21.5cm x 30Xcm x 5cm

Rating:

An invaluable Warmblood breeding and blood line research book. Contains addresses of associations, explanatory notes on stallion descriptions, national and international brands, stallion descriptions and beautiful colour photographs. Includes articles on stallions, again with beautiful photography. The rear of the book holds an index of stallions and what yearbook they are listed in ranging from 92/93 to 08/09.

WANTED: Ausgewählte Hengste Deutschlands, years 92/93, 94/95, 96/97, 98/99, 00/01, 02/03 and 04/05. If you are selling these yearbooks, please contact me.

A Dressage Judge's Handbook by Brigadier General Kurt Albrecht

Title: A Dressage Judge's Handbook

Author: Brigadier General Kurt Albrecht

Translation: Nicole Bartle

ISBN: TBA (Hard Cover)

Publisher: J.A. Allen, London, 1996

Extra Information: 134 Pages / 0.000Kg / Xcm x Xcm x Xcm

Rating: TBA

Essential reading for judges, trainers, competitors and anyone with an interest in the art and practice of dressage. This authoritative work written by the former director of the Spanish Riding School describes the necessary qualifications for judges, examines the judging of carriage, gaits and movements in tests of all standards and gives advice on the marking of the test sheet.

A Dressage Judge's Handbook by Brigadier General Kurt Albrecht, published by JA Allen, London, 1996. Hard Cover, New. - sold by clarricoates on eBay for £2.99 + £2.99 = £2.99.

New hardback book in like dustwrapper.No inscriptions,not price clipped. 134 pages,illustrated. Essential reading for judges,trainers,competitors and anyone with an interest in the art and practice of dressage. This authoratative work,written by the former Director of the Spanish Riding School describes the necessary qualifications for judges, examines the judging of carriage,gaits and movements in tests of all standards and gives advice on the marking of the test sheet. Beautifully illustrated with elegant engravings by Johann Elias Ridinger,which serve as a superb accompaniment to the text.

Title: A Horseman's Notes

Author: Erik Herbermann

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0-9723875-0-1 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: Core Publishing, 2003

Extra Information: 119 Pages / 0.520Kg / 16cm x 24cm x 1.5cm

Rating: TBA

Title: Breaking and Riding

Author: James Fillis

Translation: M.H. Hayes, F.R.C.V.S

ISBN: Unknown (Hard Cover)

Publisher: Core Publishing, 1973

Extra Information: 359 Pages / 0.675Kg / 14.5cm x 22cm x 3cm

Rating: TBA

Breaking and Riding - James Fillis (1973)
J.A. Allen, London, United Kingdom, 1973. Hard Cover, Used. - sold by octavobooks on eBay for $8.00AUD + $9.60AUD = $17.60 AUD.

Dustjacket has previous owner's name. Plastic covered. 359 pages with b/w illustrations. Reprinted from the original English edition of 1902. "One of the most important works ever written on dressage," this book details the results of a lifetime spent in training horses by James Fillis (1834-1913). Translated by M.H. Hayes. "A fundamental text in classical dressage, this information is more relevant than ever with the growth of "riding in lightness." The legendary James Fillis details his theory and methods on a fascinating array of subjects, including:- Bits and bitting- Early training, feeding, and care of the young horse - Lateral, direct, and indirect flexion - Riding side-saddle - Horses with vices - High school riding, including piaffe, passage, shoulder-in, two-tracking, the Spanish walk, and canter in reverse... The light and often humorous style make this a pleasant read... "

For more info about James Fillis click here.

Title: Dressage: A Study of the Finer Points of Riding

Author: Henry Wynmalen

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0-273-48518-0 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: Pitman Publishing, London, 195975

Extra Information: 288 Pages / 0.724Kg / 16cm x 23.5cm x 3.5cm

Rating:

Title: Dressage in Harmony: From Basic to Grand Prix

Author: Walter Zettl

Translation: N/A

ISBN:

Publisher: Half Halt Press

Extra Information: 288 Pages / 0.724Kg / 16cm x 23.5cm x 3.5cm

Rating:

I am pre-empting myself a little here as I have only just received this book through the post. From my initial read however I am very pleased with it and will expand this review more when I have completed reading it.

From the brief flick through I get the feeling that this book will serve the reader as a really good guide through the levels as it appears to break things down into understandable language and also give the problems and corrections to the various movements. Not only does the book appear to be thorough in the content it covers but also expands on areas where other books would keep to brief sections.

The forward is by Egon von Neindorff and gives a glowing report on this book saying that "It is a wonderful aid from starting with the basics to reaching the pinnacle of the art of classical riding. It will show you how to ride your horse at all training stages in balance and rhythm".

Title: Dressage in Lightness: Speaking the Horse's Language

Author: Sylvia Loch

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0-85131-781-2 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: J.A. Allen London, 2002

Extra Information: 264 Pages / 1.175Kg / 21.5cm x 27.5cm x 2cm

Rating:

Title: Dressage Riding: A Guide for the Training of Horse and Rider

Author: Richard L Watjen

Translation: Dr V Saloschin

ISBN: 0-85131-275-6 (Paper Back)

Publisher: J.A. Allen London, 1979

Extra Information: 128 Pages / 0.210Kg / 13cm x 21cm x 1cm

Rating:

Dressage Riding: A Guide for the Training of Horse and Rider is in two parts; elementary dressing and Haute Ecole, "the classic work on classical equitation". A book produced from intense study but also a lifetime of practical experience. Richard L Watjen was a pupil of the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna and trained the British Olympic team in the Helsinki Olympics (1952).

Dressage Riding for Training of Horse & Rider Watjen R. 1979.
Soft Cover, Used. - sold by lin131 on eBay for $19.90 AUD + $5.90 AUD = $25.80 AUD.

Good secondhand condition. Dressage Riding for Training of Horse & Rider. 113 pgs,by German author R L Watjen,translated by Dr V Saloschin, with 31 plate illustrations,in 2 parts-Elementary Dressing and Haute Ecole, "the classic work on classical equitation",not only a book produced fronm intense study but also a lifetime's practical experience.The author was a pupil of the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna and trained the British in the Helsinki Olympics of 1952,with photographs showing the classical paces,etc.demonstrated by the Lipizzan stallions of Vienna.

Title: Equitation Dressage Sports Equestres - Fontainebleau 1971

Author: Colonel Cavaillé

Translation: N/A in French

ISBN: 0-85131-275-6 (Paper Back)

Publisher:

Extra Information: 65 Pages / 0.078Kg / 13.5cm x 21cm x 0.5cm

Rating: TBA

Colonel Cavaillé led the Military Center National Equestrian Fontainebleau. Colonel Cavaillé was the head coach of the French team. In 1974, ilitary Center National Equestrian takes the name of CSEM and became the school military training in the trades of the horse.

Terre-Centre Sportif d'équitation Militaire

Title: Exploring Dressage Technique: A Journey into the Art of Classical Riding

Author: Paul Belasik

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0-85131-606-9 (Paper Back)

Publisher: J.A. Allen London, 1998

Extra Information: 144 Pages / 0.230Kg / 15.5cm x 23.5Xcm x 1cm

Rating: TBA

Title: Grundsätze der Dressur und Reitkunst (Principles of Dressage and Equitation)

Author: James Fillis (1834 - 1913)

Translation: N/A - German

ISBN: Unknown (Hard Cover/Leather)

Publisher: Schickhardt & Ebner, Stuttgart (Germany), 1905

Extra Information: 427 Pages / 1.783Kg / 17cm x 25cm x 5cm

Rating:

"I regard the Fillis work as one of the best and most important of the entire hippologischen literature". Krosigk, General of the cavalry to the first German edition 1894. James Fillis is a well-known French riding master. A student of Francois Baucher, he introduced his instructor's methods to his home country as he trained horses for twelve years as ecuyer en chef (chief rider) of the St. Petersburg Cavalry Riding School.

Grundsätze der Dressur und Reitkunst - James Fillis (1905)
Hardcover/Leather Used - sold by henryt on eBay for $170.97AUD ($132.50USD) + $43.00USD = $? AUD (Check PayPal).

Aus dem Französischen by Gustav Goebel (from the French by Gustav Goebel). Dritte verbesserte Ausgage (Third improved Ausgage (edition?)). Mit dem Porträt des Verfassers und 70 Abb. auf 36 Tafeln (with the portrait of the author and 70 fig. on 36 boards). Verlag von Schickhardt & Ebner, Stuttgart, 1905. In German. (Publishing house of Schickhardt & Ebner, Stuttgart, 1905. In German).

Three-quarter leather over boards covered with imitation animal skin pattern, ribbed spine with gilt lettering and decoration, 6.6 inches by 9.9 inches, xv + 427 pages, gilt top edges, color endpapers, frontispiece portrait of James Fillis, b&w drawings and photographs, footnotes.

"Ich halte das Fillissche Werk für eines der besten und bedeutsamsten der gesamten hippologischen Literatur." (von Krosigk, General der Kavallerie zur ersten deutschen Ausgabe 1894). (I regard the Fillis work as one to the best and most important entire hippologischen literature - of Krosigk, general of the Kavallerie to the first German edition 1894).

“James Fillis (1834-1913) was a well-known French riding master. A student of Francois Baucher, he introduced his instructor's methods to his home country as he trained horses for 12 years as Ecuyer en chef of the St. Petersburg Cavalry Riding School. He then went on to train in a German circus in 1892, during which time he performed for the Grand Duke Nicholas in Russia, and was subsequently offered a position to train the Russian Cavalry.

Fillis is credited with teaching his horses to canter on three legs and to canter backward, neither of which are trained to classical dressage horses today, as they are considered "unnatural" movements. He also taught the spanish walk, a movement still seen today, despite the fact that it is not considered to be "classical." Fillis was also the developer of the fillis-style stirrup iron commonly used by riders today, and the "Fillis Hold" of the reins of a double bridle, which makes the curb rein especially easy to activate.” From Wikipedia

Condition: Covers are in Very Good condition with light edgewear, moderate corner wear. Contents are in Very Good + condition (Name of former owner on front endpaper. Clean contents. Tight binding.

Note: Hippology - the study of horses.

Title: Hauptbeschälerbuch Trakehnen 1732-1945

Author: compiled by Jurgen Von Henninges

Translation: N/A in German

ISBN: 3-9800298-2-4 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: Selbstverlag des Herausgebers, 1985

Extra Information: 1,600 Pages / 1.985Kg / 15cm x 21cm x 8cm

Rating: TBA

Hauptbeschälerbuch Trakehnen 1732-1945 (Chief/Main Stallion Book of Trakehnen 1732-1945) is an extensively detailed book on German Trakehner breeding records from 1732-1945. Hauptbeschälerbuch Trakehnen 1732-1945 contains a wealth of facinating historical data journaling all the attributes of these bloodlines that have influenced the Trakehner and many other warmblood breeds.

Title: Misconceptions and Simple Truths in Dressage

Author: Dr H.L.M. Van Schaik

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0-85131-417-1 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: J.A. Allen London, 1986

Extra Information: 127 Pages / 0.395Kg / 16cm x 24cm x 1.5cm

Rating: TBA

Dr Van Schaik is much concerned with the future of dressage as a correctly applied science and and art form. He draws attention to the widening chasm between the principles of classical horsemanship and the standards and practices of international competition dressage. Foreword by Brigadier Kurt Albrecht, former director of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

Title: Piaffer and Passage (Limited Edition to 1000 Copies)

Author: Colonel Albert Eugene Edouard Decarpentry

Translation: Patricia Galvin

ISBN: Unknown (Hard Cover)

Publisher: John Howell Books, 1961

Extra Information: 76 Pages / 0.475Kg / 17cm x 25.5cm x 1.5cm

Rating:

Illustrations and black and white photographs. Piaffer and Passage was translated by Patricia Galvin (former member of the U.S. Olympic Team) from French into English. Patricia Galvin added a note on translation where she explains, "Many equestrian terms are as elusive as their definitions. For the purposes of this text, new terms have been adopted for those which have no precise English translation". She explains two important classical terms and their meanings.

HORSE book.DRESSAGE.1961.Decarpentry.PIAFFER & PASSAGE 1961
Hard Cover, Used. - sold by horsebookends on eBay for $60.87 USD ($85.26 AUD) + $AUD = $ AUD.

PIAFFER AND PASSAGE by Colonel Decarpentry. Translated by Patricia Glavin. 1961. Edition Limited to 1000 copies. Ills. with photos. Decorated Hard bound cover with original glassine cover. SUPERB.

This is a amazing book that was translated by Patricia Galvin, a former member of the U.S. Olympic Team, who translated this important work from French into English. She put a nice Note on the Translation in the beginning where she explains--many equestrian terms are as elusive as their definitions. For the purposes of this text, new terms have been adopted for those which have no precise English Translation. She explains to important classical terms and their meanings.

Part 1--Piaffer and Passage--the Preferable order in Which to Begin the Two Movements; When to Begin traiing for the Piaffer; How to Prepare for the Piaffer; How to Begin the Piaffer; Developing the Piaffer; Raising the Forelegs; Developing the Fullmes of Movement.

Part 2--Development of the Piaffer. Rectifying the General Posiiton by Raising the Forehand. Developing the Action of the Forelegs.

Part 3--The Passage.

Part 4. Going From Piaffer to Passage.

Part 5. The Passage obtained from a Trot.

Biographical Note.

Colonel Decarpentry-a short biography.

This is a hard bound book, published by John Howell, San Francisco, Calif. 1961 and is LIMITED to 1000 Copies. Book is bound in a fine binding, has black dressage horse on cover and gold title on spine. This book has a charmgin old photo tipped on the second front end--see photo 5. On the back is hand written General John Considine--My Dad. Previous owners named embossed at top of free front end-she was D. Considine. This is just a lovely book and one that is not easy to find, especially in such nice condition.

Title: Riding Towards the Light: An Apprenticeship in the Art of Dressage Riding

Author: Paul Belasik

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0-85131-509-7 (Paper Back)

Publisher: J.A. Allen London, 1997

Extra Information: 128 Pages / 0.255Kg / 15.5cm x 23.5Xcm x 1cm

Rating: TBA

Title: School of Horsemanship
Author: François Robichon de la Guérinière

Translation: Tracy Boucher

ISBN: 978-0-85131-575-1 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: J.A. Allen London, 1994

Extra Information: 330 Pages / 1.865Kg / 23cm x 28cm x 3cm

Rating:

School of Horsemanship is a beautiful book translated from French to English for all to enjoy. Part two is a must read, "On the manner of training horses according to the various uses for which they are intended". "This book should not just go on a library shelf for scholars. Scholars know as Guérinière. It should not be a museum piece. It is a practical book. Young people must read this book". Paul Belasik on School of Horsemanship.

Title: Selected Sires of Germany: A Yearbook of German Sires 2008/2009

Author: Bernd Eylers and Claus Schridde

Translation: MM-Translations

ISBN: Unknown (Paper Back)

Publisher: Eylers Vertriebs GmbH, 2008

Extra Information: 245 Pages / 0.650Kg / 21cm x 29.5cm x 1.5cm

Rating:

An invaluable Warmblood breeding and blood line research book. Contains addresses of associations, explanatory notes on stallion descriptions, national and international brands and an English translation of all stallion information in Ausgewählte Hengste. No photographs of stallions as referenced to appropriate colour page in the German version. German articles reprinted in English with black and white photographs.

Title: The Complete Training of Horse and Rider in the Principles of Classical Horsemanship

Author: Alois Podhajsky (1898-1973)

Translation: Colonel V.D.S Williams and Eva Podhajsky

ISBN: 0-87980-235-9 (Paper Back)

Publisher: Wilshire Book Company, 1967

Extra Information: 287 Pages / 0.360Kg / 13.5cm x 21cm x 1.5cm

Rating: TBA

Title: The Elements of Dressage: A Guide for Training the Young Horse
Author: Kurd Albrecht Von Ziegner

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 1-58574-735-1 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: The Lyons Press, 2002

Extra Information: 127 Pages / 0.507Kg / 18cm x 25cm x 1.5cm

Rating: to be rated.

The Elements of Dressage is a brilliant book explaining the "Training Tree" and what elements make up this tree - balance, collection, contact, durchlässigkiet (suppleness), freedom, on the aids, regularity, relaxation, schwung (impulsion) and straightness. The Elements of Dressage explains what sequence the elements are conducted. It finishes on transitions and lateral movements. The Elements of Dressage contains lots of black and white drawings and images to clarify explanations given.

Title: The Flight of the East Prussian Horses
Author: Daphne Machin Goodall

Translation: The Horses with the Elk Antler Band (Die Pferde mit der Elchschanfel).

ISBN: 1-58574-735-1 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: The Lyons Press, 2002

Extra Information: 142 Pages / 0.507Kg / 18cm x 25cm x 1.5cm

Rating: to be rated.

The Flight of the East Prussian Horses chronicles the history of the East Prussian horses that are the foundation of the Trakehner breed as we know it today. The story of their 900 mile trek from Trakehnen, fleeing the war during the winter of 1944-45, is a heartbreaking account of the hardships these horses endured and prompts a great appreciation for the stamina and heart of those that survived to rebuild the breed. In addition to personal stories of trek survivors, there are many interesting, old photos including stunning pictures of the famous stallions Abglanz and Persimmon.

The Handbook of Riding Essentials by François Lemaire de Ruffieu

Title: The Handbook of Riding Essentials
Author: François Lemaire de Ruffieu

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0060155175 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: Harpercollins, 1986

Extra Information: 112 Pages / 0.507Kg / 18cm x 25cm x 1.5cm

Rating: TBA

A master horseman in everything from dressage to the steeplechase, Francois Lemaire de Ruffieu has written a superb riding guide. Clear directions and fully illustrated step-by-step instructions throughout. For beginners and advanced riders.

Title: The Simplicity of Dressage
Author: Johann Hinnemann, Coby van Baalen and Claartje van Andel

Translation: Marji McFadden, M.A.

ISBN: 1-57076-261-9 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing, 2003

Extra Information: 128 Pages / 0.754Kg / 21.5cm x 28.5cm x 1.5cm

Rating:

The Simplicity of Dressage is based on the German scale of training - rhythm, suppleness (losgelassenheit), contact, impulsion, straightness and collection. The Simplicity of Dressage is a beautifully presented book with lots of colour photographs clarifying written explanation. "It's not because dressage is so simple to do, but because dressage is simple to explain. Regardless of which level one rides, the basics are always the same". Coby van Baalen.

Title: The Songs of Horses: Seven Stories for Riding Teachers and Students

Author: Paul Belasik

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 0-85131-7588 (Paper Back)

Publisher: J.A. Allen London, 1999

Extra Information: 125 Pages / 0.250Kg / 15.5cm x 23.5Xcm x 1cm

Rating: TBA

Title: Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative

Author: Philippe Karl

Translation: Andrew Weal

ISBN: 978-3-86127-953-2 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: Cadmos Verlag GmbH, Brunsbek, 2008

Extra Information: 160 Pages / 1.210Kg / 24.5cm x 27.5Xcm x 2cm

Rating:

Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage is a brilliant book that compliments Philippe Karl's (School of Légèreté) set of 4 Classical Dressage DVD's. Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage looks at the principles from dressage manuals and more particularly from those of the German Equestrian Federation: The Principles of Riding and Advanced Techniques of Riding and draws comparisions to the classical way of training. A lovely hardcover book with explanatory drawings by the author himself.

Title: Workbooks from the Spanish School 1948-1951

Author: Charles Harris

Translation: N/A

ISBN: 978-0-85131-845-5 (Hard Cover)

Publisher: J.A. Allen London, 2007

Extra Information: 320 Pages / 1.620Kg / 22cm x 28Xcm x 3cm

Rating:

A book review to Charles Harris's Workbooks from the Spanish School. On Amazon and written by Dr Nancy L Nicholson.

This book is beautifully produced and edited, with a fascinating collection of photographs. We owe much to Harris' nephew Robert Sherman for understanding and for preserving valuable knowledge. As one of the other reviewers points out, it is an outstanding volume for one's own library or as a gift. But let me indicate exactly why this is the case.

1a) This volume is an important technical work in its own right. Its drawings are in the order from Harris' notebooks and not a rider's "curriculum," so the savvy reader might make a custom index for items of specific interest. The Spanish School notes are wide-ranging, from exercises basic to riding a green horse to setting up a flying change (don't try this one without a truly supple horse that can execute a flawless passade - not passage! - in canter - see Sections 23, 32 & 53). One updated answer you can take into the technical portion of the book is the reason for the importance of tempo (strides per minute), as this was one issue that Mr. Harris did not fully resolve in 1948-51. An examination of frames of equine gaits plus data from dressage gaits shows that dressage horses use only a fraction of the gaits and tempos available to horses, and these are in the slower range of strides per minute. Milton Hildebrand's article on this is in the journal Science (1965), forming one important pillar of understanding the relation of tempo to dressage gaits. The rhythm (order and timing of leg motions within walk, trot, canter) in those slower tempos is what enables the transitions between the dressage gaits. Dressage transitions, which are the most frequently ridden movement in dressage, must be fluent, level, prompt. Hasty or quick tempos exclude them from the needed step order in a stride, precisely because the legs in the start gait must be shifted to the new pattern in the end gait: and this requires nearly two seconds - much more demanding of ground contact time (aerobic demands on big muscles!) than just scooting from one gait to the next. So dressage transitions are completely dependent on tempo. Curiously, very little has been published on dressage transitions BioMechanical Riding and Dressage: A Rider's Atlas, and this volume has that problem. However, its discussion of passage/piaffe transitions is very clear on the aids for that High School movement.
1b) Harris' notes are focused on correct position of the rider, the position that unifies rider and horse, enabling clear communication between partners. Look carefully at Harris' diagrams for the aids, because they form an unambiguous set of motions for safe, balanced riding.

2) Biographical material is relevant not only to the personal and intellectual development of Riding Master Charles Harris, but offers historical windows into the general social order of the Continent and of England in the 20th century. The transfer of true knowledge (in the scientific sense of verifiable, repeatable and data-dependent) is at the mercy of personality conflicts and of institutional inflexibility. Thus Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere's observation more than two centuries ago about the lack of truly fine riders. This multifaceted problem persists in our era and a portion of it is nicely chronicled in this book.

3) Charles Harris' recollections are outstanding and straightforward, especially refreshing in an era of twaddle, pop-psych advice about riding and general departure from biomechanically correct classical equitation (by this I mean equitation in general, not only dressage). A couple of brief examples should whet your appetite for the whole repast of this volume. On what to eat before a longe session (Section 54): "Diet is important for earnest riders . . . avoid eating anything fatty or greasy until after you finish the lesson." Toast/bread and jam illustrated. And from the biographical section pages (38-9) comes the reason for the Classical Seat (survival through balance). ". . . that holiday in Switzerland. They had a festival . . . a kind of pre-hunting festival where they all go crackers on horses between two points fifteen or twenty miles apart. [?Hubertusjagd] I get on the horse and the Swiss officers (on theirs) and off we start. Now the first thing I see is a bloody drop of about eight foot in front of me, a little stream. I thought 'Bloody ____, what's this? We've gone off on a bloody split _____ gallop. . . . I can do this. . . . I'm on a horse. I'm in control. I'm not doing anything.' Some of the riders are tumbling off, some are hanging round their horses' necks. Some horses are falling . . . I just sit there like the Duke of Rhubarb." Harris attributes his survival of this potentially lethal four hour adventure correctly to his year on the longe at the Spanish School learning to balance without stirrups or reins. Get the book, as there are even niftier accounts on its pages! And there is enough information in his notes so, if you are a kinesthetically aware person, you just might be able to ride like the Duke (or Duchess) of Rhubarb.

4) It is a companion volume to these other outstanding works:
Because Charles Harris roomed with Spanish School Director Aloys Podhajsky in exchange for giving lessons in English, Podhajsky's <Complete Training of Horse and Rider> plus his <My Horses, My Teachers> will provide additional pleasant years of reading. The Spanish School is, in its turn, is historically inspired by the masterwork <School of Horsemanship> by Francois Robichon De La Gueriniere translated by Tracy Boucher (you can also find this in the original French). Finally, centuries of safe riding are aptly founded on Dom Duarte's 15th century masterpiece the or "How to ride well in any saddle" (the answer: a calm, alert mental state needed for any rider to be safe). This jewel of horsemanship has been issued in English under the title <The Royal Book of Horsemanship, Jousting & Knightly Combat: Dom Duarte's 1438 Livro da Ensinana de Bem Cavalgar Toda Sela> by Antonio Franco Preto and Steven Muhlberger. These books will give you a hint of a unique art passed forward through centuries in the companionship and touch between two species.

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Diseases of the Horses Hoof - H. Caulton Reeks

On Horsemanship - Xenophon

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