The Classical Rider

For over a quarter of a century, Colonel Alois Podhajsky was the Director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, home of the famous white Lipizzaner stallions whose remarkable performances have thrilled audiences throughout the world. Now for the first time, Col. Podhajsky has set forth explicitly and in practical, instructive fashion the step-by-step methods of training both horse and rider that are used at the School and that are the applicable foundations of all good horsemanship, for their purpose is to develop the natural abilities of the horse and to make riding a graceful, pleasurable experience.

Loch demonstrates her keen insight into the relationship of horse and rider in this concise, easy to understand guide to classical riding. Written for riders across the spectrum of skill and experience, this book is an invaluable tool for those who wish to improve their own and their horses' performance and experience.

Out of print for more than 20 years, this classic book on equitation introduces and explains the art of riding. Updated with all new color photography of contemporary riders and horses, it includes details on training the rider, schooling the horse, cross-country riding, dressage exercises, and jumping techniques. It expertly provides a wealth of practical knowledge and experience and concisely lays down rules and guidelines that are as applicable today as when the book was written more than 70 years ago. Beginners and experts alike will find the instructions easy to follow and will benefit from the essential theoretical background provided here but so often overlooked in modern riding.

"The first edition of The Principles of Riding was published more than 50 years ago, imparting mandatory basic knowledge for all areas of equestrian sport and horse-keeping and this 28th edition, Basic Training for Horse and Rider, has been completely revised regarding language and content, while still taking into account the well-established principles. The consideration of traditional principles leads to the education and training of the horse according to its nature and thus to its health, well-being and performance capability. The horse's instincts and natural behaviour are presented in detail as the basis of communication and understanding between horse and rider. Modern scientific research relating to training theory and biomechanics has influenced the systematic training of the rider as well as that of the horse. The Principles of Riding provides versatile, practical assistance to horse lovers and readers of this book who want to learn, irrespective of whether they ride for leisure or competitively, are interested in hacking or hunting, or want to develop and improve their basic training for dressage, show-jumping or eventing. These Principles should be indispensable for all riders, drivers, trainers and judges, and to all of those who are interested in the appropriate training of the horse, according to the horse's nature, and who place importance on a harmonious cooperation between horse and rider." -- Amazon.com.

The director of the riding program at Sweet Briar College for more than 30 years, Cronin is a well-known and highly respected trainer and riding instructor. Here he presents a clear and practical guide to getting the most out of a horse in a humane and sensitive way.

How to Understand Your Horse to Become a Better Rider To move in harmony with a horse, you must first understand the animal's mind and develop a deep appreciation for its natural movement. In The Classical Rider, celebrated equestrian author Sylvia Loch unlocks the history and philosophy of classical riding, explaining the anatomy, physiology, and psychology of the horse to its rider. Equal parts instructional guide, sports history lesson, and spiritual meditation, this classic manual conveys important dressage concepts to help you find the proper balance and body position with clearly illustrated techniques and visualizations. More than a standard how-to manual, with easy and accessible prose, Loch presents memoir-style stories and anecdotes from her own equestrian experiences. Drawing upon her ten years spent in Portugal and Great Britain, as well as colorful lessons learned from years of teaching, she makes it clear that to become a better rider, you must consider the anatomy and physiology of the horse, how they move, and how they think. She reveals how a horse's movements relate to and express the laws of nature. The possibilities of better communication with horses have spiritual overtones for Loch as well, who considers the horse a beautiful creation and gift from God. This book is a your key resource to improve your riding and establish a stronger connection with your horse. Written for all levels of rider, reading The Classical Rider is like getting your own personal riding lesson. Equestrians of all levels will also enjoy reading Sylvia Loch's other books, such as Invisible Riding, The Royal Horse of Europe, Dressage in Lightness, The Classical Seat, and Dressage: The Art of Classical Riding.

The author believes that in order to be at one with a horse, riders should study his physiology and psychology and work within the laws of Nature. Riders at all levels of attainment should find this book both stimulating and an inspiration.

Classical equestrianism represents the basis of all other equestrian disciplines. It serves exclusively to keep the horse healthy, strengthen it and help it develop into an attractive and expressive personality.

Widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of "soft eyes," proper breathing, centering, and balance, Sally Swift has been a pioneering riding instructor for half a century. In book form for the first time, her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally, without pain. Unlike traditional teachers, Sally Swift does not believe in forced training techniques that cause stiff bodies and tense riding. Instead, through the use of vivid, unusual, and highly creative images that transcend mechanics ("Pretend you're a spruce tree; the roots grow down from your center as the trunk grows up"), plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this wise and inspiring teacher enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses, in order to ride in natural positions, break through frustrating plateaus, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision. Precise illustrations and photographs never before used in riding books explain anatomy and image work to give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding. Centered Riding is for those with little experience all the way up to world class.

Because of the great demand for the book: "The Rider Forms the Horse", which was first published in 1939, and the ongoing topicality of this topic, Xenophon Press decided to reissue this unique work. In this book, the authors Udo Bürger and Otto Zietzschmann describe the requirements for successful training and ultimately for a long and healthy life as a riding horse in a very understandable and clear way. The authors explain physiological findings as the basis for riding lessons and explain important clues for training the horse and recognizing and resolving training problems. This is confirmed by the team Olympic champion and former national trainer of dressage riders Klaus Strahlhol: Countless top horses disappear into obscurity due to improper training, never to be seen again, while other difficult and rather averagely gifted horses are transformed into top horses with good trainers. What is needed is an understanding of the connections between muscle activity and the skeleton in the interaction during the various training phases and lessons, regardless of which branch of riding you choose. Target group: For all responsible riders and trainers who are involved in the training of horses as well as for tournament judges and equine veterinarians