This revised and updated version of Reiner Klimke’s classic book on cavalletti work now has an extended section on gymnastic jumping by the author’s daughter, Ingrid Klimke. First published over 30 years ago, the original information on schooling horses over cavalletti is still valid today but the book also encompasses the changing face and requirements of the modern sport horse. (6 1/2 X 9 1/2, 144 pages, color photos, illustrations, diagrams)

Riders and trainers of any discipline will find value in… practical advice but in the author’s philosophy of horsemanship. — Steven D. Price, author of The Whole Horse Catalog.

About the Author
Reiner Klimke is an Olympic Gold Medalist widely regarded as one of the best all-around riders in the world. Rider Ingrid Klimke is his daughter.

See larger image Cavalletti: Revised Edition: Schooling of Horse and Rider over Ground Poles (Hardcover) By (author) Reiner Klimke, Ingrid Klimke List Price: $29.95 USD New From: $42.01 In Stock Used from: $39.86 In Stock

These numbered notes are faithfully reproduced just as he wrote them, forming a unique record of classical horsemanship.

Reviews:

A wonderful companion volume for a rider’s library!, June 30, 2007
By Dr. Nancy L. Nicholson (Oxford, OHIO USA)
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 plus his will provide additional pleasant years of reading. The Spanish School is, in its turn, is historically inspired by the masterwork 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 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.

OK, you may be spending serious money on these volumes (all available on Amazon), but they are classics in the formal sense of durable knowledge. Eat your toast and jam and ride with joy.

For The Serious Classical Dressage Trainer, December 8, 2006
By Patricia M. Ross “Foxwin Morgans” (Elmira, NY USA)
This book is not an easy read, especially the biography chapters, but contains a wealth of information when used as intended, as a daily workbook. Open to any page in the “workbook” chapters, and you will find something of value.

A Book Every Rider Should have!!!, October 26, 2005
By Cecilia Gutierrez
It is an excellent reference book, the drawings show the movements very well, all riders should have it and use it. It is a delight to read!
I have already bought six of them and given them away as presents, to colleagues, students and friends.
You will not be dissapointed, I am sure of that!

About the Author:
Charles Harris was a student of the Spanish Riding School.

See larger image Workbooks from the Spanish School 1948-1951 (Hardcover) By (author) Charles Harris List Price: $110.00 USD New From: $68.46 In Stock Used from: $84.80 In Stock

This is an excellent illustrated handbook on training the dressage horse on the lunge line and long reins in the classical Iberian and Viennese styles. A good basic knowledge of lunge line methods is a recommended prerequisite to this book.

From the Back Cover:
In this handbook you will find fascinating information on the development of the horse, using all methods of work in hand:

• Lungeing
• Long reining
• Training in hand according to the Iberian school
• Training in hand according to the Viennese school
• Schooling between the pillars
• Working with shortened long reins and free long reins

The art of riding lies in being able to understand the cause and effect of everything you do. If you abide by these rules when you work with your friend the horse, he will in return be a joyful companion who will be eager to do anything for you.

Nothing written in this book is “my method.” There are experiences that are thousands of years old, which I have been allowed to discover in my own life and have become richer for doing so. Everything you read here is therefore “clinically tested” through the skill and knowledge of the old masters and myself, and only written in modern words. So I wish you a tremendous amount of fun as you read and apply this old wisdom.
- from the Introduction

About the Author:
ALFONS J. DIETZ trained for eight years at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. In Spain and Portugal, he studied the classical Iberian riding styles of Alta Escuela, Doma Vaquera, and Rejoneo. Today, he is one of the most respected trainers of Baroque horses in Vienna.

See larger image Training the Horse in Hand: The Classical Iberian Principles (Hardcover) By (author) Alfons J. Dietz List Price: $29.95 USD New From: $16.83 In Stock Used from: $16.83 In Stock

About the Author:
Kyra Kyrklund has trained more than a dozen horses in international Grand Prix standard and is a five-time Olympian. Jytte Lemkow is an international dressage judge and an experienced, rider, journalist, and photographer.

See larger image Dressage with Kyra: The Kyra Kyrklund Training Method (Hardcover) By (author) Kyra Kyrklund, Jytte Lemkow List Price: $35.00 USD New From: $20.87 In Stock Used from: $17.40 In Stock

About the Author
Britta Schöffmann is a journalist, the recipient of a gold German riding badge, a Grand Prix rider, a competition judge, and an instructor. She is the author of Klaus Balkenhol: The Man and His Training Methods as well as several German-language books that focus on the value of a strong mutual bond of trust between rider and horse.

See larger image Dressage School: A Sourcebook of Movements and Tips Demonstrated by Olympian Isabell Werth (Hardcover) By (author) Britta Schoffmann List Price: $29.95 USD New From: $18.68 In Stock Used from: $18.77 In Stock

From the Publisher
This major, eagerly–awaited work from Paul Belasik combines modern, innovative thought with an unshakeable belief in the timeless, layered progression of the classical system of training horses. While it deals comprehensively with all the technical aspects of training, from breaking to the most advanced movements, the book also offers many examples of the author’s philosophy: to view riding and training essentially as an art form, to be practiced and celebrated for its own sake. Dressage for the 21st Century is a truly inspirational, thought–provoking book from an emerging modern–day master of horsemanship. Paul Belasik has already gained a large and appreciative international following from the publication of his trilogy, Riding Towards the Light, Exploring Dressage Technique, and The Songs of Horses. He lives and trains at his farm in Pennsylvania.

See larger image Dressage for the 21st Century (Hardcover) By (author) Paul Belasik List Price: $35.00 USD New From: $59.99 In Stock Used from: $45.00 In Stock

From the Publisher
Classical riding historian Sylvia Loch here traces the development of classical equitation from antiquity, through the Baroque period of splendid enlightenment, to Nuno Oliveira, the Spanish Riding School, and modern dressage competition. Remarkably, this is the only English-language book to comprehensively cover all the great masters, past and present, and to explain in depth the methods and schools that they represent. Loch’s practical knowledge of her subject enables her to illustrate what motivated and influenced the masters and what and how they taught. She also contrasts the teachings of the classical masters with modern dressage at the Olympic level, offering her thoughts on how this ancient art has been influenced by the modern idea of sport. All those interested in dressage will welcome this illuminating work back into print. Sylvia Loch teaches riding and lectures worldwide on the history of classical horsemanship. She is the author of The Classical Rider, Dressage in Lightness, The Classical Seat, and The Royal Horses of Europe.

See larger image Dressage: The Art of Classical Riding (Hardcover) By (author) Sylvia Loch List Price: $45.00 USD New From: $414.21 In Stock Used from: $26.82 In Stock

This authoritative guide also includes the dramatic and colorful history of dressage, an overview of proper terminology and equipment, as well as information on competition, crosstraining for other disciplines, management of the dressage horse, cross-training for achieving rider fitness, and more.

This intricate ballet of athleticism and grace, demanding precise movement and excellent communication between horse and rider, is particularly appealing to the growing group of “baby-boomer” riders who are looking for opportunities to expand their riding skills and knowledge without the physical challenges and risks involved in jumping and racing. Whether they’ve been in the saddle for years or are just taking up or renewing their riding practice, these eager riders will find The USDF Guide to Dressage key to building a more satisfying relationship with their horse.

About the Author
Jennifer O. Bryant is the editor of USDF Connection, the member magazine of the United States Dressage Federation. Her writing has appeared in numerous equestrian publications including Paint Horse Journal, Horse & Rider, and Horse Show. Jennifer lives in Chatham, New York.

See larger image The USDF Guide to Dressage (Hardcover) By (author) Jennifer O. Bryant List Price: $35.00 USD New From: $19.00 In Stock Used from: $15.09 In Stock

The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse is the first book devoted entirely to classical manege exercises that are ridden to supple, strengthen and, when necessary, correct. Internationally known instructor, coach and judge Charles de Kunffy details a program of exercises that will enable horses at all levels of dressage and combined training to improve their performance as equine athletes. Unlike other dressage books that explain how to exercise a horse in order to ride a standardized test, this book explains how such exercises can and should be used to increase performance ability, suspension, collection and changes of gaits through true patterns and counter patterns that are accompanied by diagrams and demonstration photographs. Those who have attended Charles de Kunffy’s clinics know that horses inevitably and rapidly improve under his guidance and that riders themselves improve as well. And those encountering him for the first time will experience in this, his third dressage book, what others already know: Here is a horseman of uncommon intelligence and wit who expresses himself clearly, simply and elegantly.

The Howell Equestrian Library is a distinguished collection of books on all aspects of horsemanship and horsemastership. The nearly fifty books in print offer readers in all disciplines and at all levels of competition sound instruction and guidance by some of the most celebrated riders, trainers, judges and veterinarians in the horse world today. Whether your interest is dressage, show jumping or Western riding, or whether it’s breeding, grooming or health care, Howell has a book to answer your needs.

Get to know all the books in the Howell Equestrian Library: many are modern-day classics and have achieved the status of authoritative references in the estimation of those who ride, train and care for horses.

See larger image The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse: Manege Patterns (Howell reference books) (Hardcover) By (author) Charles de Kunffy List Price: $29.95 USD New From: $12.00 In Stock Used from: $6.40 In Stock

“Even the best riders know what it’s like to hit a learning plateau– a time when, no matter how hard you work, you seem to get nowhere. Such interruptions in a rider’s progress often stem from a false or imprecise understanding of what he or she is trying to do, or the lack of a key image that could put things together, working in synchrony. For the rider who needs either or both of these (and who does not, from time to time?), Sally Swift’s Centered Riding will prove indispensable. Wonderfully explicit in explaining and showing what should work how, Centered Riding is also wonderfully imaginative in finding just the right psychological images to help go beyond the mere mechanics. A work of truly remarkable originality and ingenuity, it cannot fail to help many riders attain their present goals, and then move ahead to set higher ones.”–William Steinkraus, Chairman, U.S. Equestrian Team, Inc., Olympic Gold Medalist, Show-jumping, 1968, Mexico City”.

See larger image Centered Riding (A Trafalgar Square Farm Book) (Hardcover) By (author) Sally Swift List Price: $25.95 USD New From: $14.19 In Stock Used from: $4.78 In Stock