Classical Horsemanship for Our Time: From Basic Training to the Highest Levels of Dressage

This book is highly recomendable to alle riders but especially dressage riders . Classical dressage described in details on "how to " and also descibing all the mistakes you or your horse can make and how to fix them. The book requires some degree of knowledge of the exercises since there is not many illustrations inside. The style of riding is that of the late Baucher , but wether or not one agree with him, this book is very useful on a practical level. The exercises work "for real" and it is detailed enough for the rider to go out and train by it. One does not have to ride exactly this style to get the use of it. If ever there is to come a video to attach - it would be perfect.

This is one of the classic dressage training books that is used in the complete development of a classic training program.

Please note that this book is now back in print, published in 2002 by The Lyons Press, with a new cover.

This book presents the classical foundation of dressage from France. I was quite surprised to find that everything covered here has been covered by my "Natural Horsemanship" trainer. There is a whole chapter about flexions. He stresses a relaxed horse and reminds us that the classical movements can not be done correctly without pure relaxation. I loved the book! It was incredibly motivating.