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Building Blocks for Dressage Trainingwith Conrad SchumacherPractical Training at the British Dressage National ConventionBuilding Blocks for Dressage Trainingwith Conrad SchumacherPractical Training at the British Dressage National ConventionPart 1These DVDs were filmed at the British Dressage National convention and stars Conrad Schumacher. He demonstrates his systematic approach to training the dressage horse from the very early stages of getting the four year old to accept the contact through to the lateral work and changes needed at Advanced Medium levels.Whether it is developing the scales of training, the position of the rider or correcting a fault, Conrad suggests excellent exercises that are easy to follow and put into practice.Running time approx: 70 minutesPart 2In this DVD, Conrad demonstrates his systematic approach to training the dressage horse with Advanced horses from Prix St. George up to Grand Prix level. He also demonstrates and discusses the principles of in hand work with a young advance horse learning piaffe. Throughout Conrad makes reference to the scales of training and the importance of the development of the correct feel for the rider.Conrads number one goal is to try to improve the riders, believing that the horse then becomes better by itself. His philosophy is that you need a correct seat. From a correct seat you can develop correct feel and from that you can develop correct aids.Running time approx: 85 minutes ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

dressage interviews
Well written book about dressage competition and training. It is full of interviews with famous dressage trainers and personalities. Also has great photos. It is informative without being boring, not always easy for dressage books.Would make a nice gift for a dressage rider. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Wonderful Story About A Great Partnership
I first read this book 20 years ago, soon after it was published in English by Half Halt Press. I found many of the training concepts were far more advanced of my own dressage education at that time.But because the story itself about one man, his horse, and their climb to the top of the dressage world was so wonderful, I lent the book to another dressage enthusiastic.... never to see it again.

This year, I purchased a well preserved used copy of the book through Amazon.The story is still a joy to read, and now the training tidbits, concepts, and pearls of wisdom Reiner Klimke shares in the book are applicable to my own riding and teachings.This copy will not be loaned out to anyone! :-)

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves dressage and horses in general.And keep tight hold of it. Out of print, this book is a true classic.

Don't leave home without it!
This book covers the training of Ahlerich from the horses purchase up to winning an Olympic Gold medal.Dr. Reiner Klimke shows the sensitive, always thoughtful handling, that went into the training of this great horse.He explains in detail why he did things a certain way with this particular horse.Like a Diamond cutter with a precious stone, Dr. Klimke was ever careful to preserve the brilliance and purity of movement that Ahlerich was blessed with.How easily one careless touch of the spur or jab in the mouth could destroy all this brilliance forever. Dr. Klimke was the best!

Behind the scene look at dressage training.
Read about the emotions involved in thetraining of a horse to the olympic level.

very informative, light, able to relate training problem
It is a very helpful book on training, problems that can occur.The one-on-one relationship with Alerich and all horses is so special.His helpful tips in using patience and the basics throughout the levels makesthis a must read book.Book is also light and funny during the training.With his untimely death, this is a sure classic for all equestrians!

The story behind the 1984 Olympic Gold Medal in Dressage
Most people know who these two are. If you do not, Reiner Klimke and Ahlerich won the Olympic Gold Medal in 1984. In the book Klimke reveals the full story behind their achievements. Seems Ahlerich was difficult andheadstrong. I was given the book as a gift and to my surprise I reallyenjoyed the story. I was sorry the book ended. I think the book is fun,interesting with warmth and humor, enjoy. ... Read more

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Twenty-five years ago, the European equestrian art of dressage took root in the United States. Since then, serious American riders have dreamed of training abroad where dressage has been practiced for centuries. Taking Up the Reins finally gives readers a first-hand look at what this training entails and how such an experience can change and illuminate one's life. At age fifty, Priscilla Endicott left family and home to spend a year studying with dressage luminary Walter Christensen. In this memoir, she shares the ups and downs of her learning experience and the many challenges of her new surroundings. She writes of the numerous relationships that affected her stay in Germany: her connection with her teacher, her horse, other riders, and the local people. The author's voice is honest, intimate, and spiced with humor. This is a voyage of discovery on many levels. Priscilla Endicott lives in Harvard, Massachusetts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Taking up the Reins
Taking Up the Reins: A Year in Germany with a Dressage Master

A fantastic book.A reflection of time spent in Germany.Does not just apply to horse owners or riders of horses.It is about following a dream and reflecting on the experience.Learning, growing and changing.

Not what I was looking for
The book was written like a diary with most of the interesting parts removed.Priscilla does a nice job of sharing some of the people and personal observations of her experience, but does not cover what I was interested in.Where was she at in her riding when she arrived, what did she accomplish while she was in training, and how did that opportunity help her when she returned?She did share what she saw in stable management and horse care, but mostly at an observer's level.I was interested in finding out what she learned and how working with a dressage master changed her own riding.

Training in Germany!
Priscilla Endicott did what many people only dream about. She ventured to Germany for a year to train with master trainer, Walter Christensen. The ups and downs of the year were clearly explained and the ups always conquered the downs. The routine of teh stable was like nothing I have ever seen or read about before. And Priscilla came back to America with an experience that she will never forget.I got the book as a gift and could not stop reading it! I have loaned it out to my horse friends and they have all loved it! It is a must read for all dressage riders. It will make you more determined than ever to get to Germany and train with the best in the world!

I Wish I Could...
If wishes were horses (and for many of us, they so often are), then justabout any passionate dressage rider would want to follow in PriscillaEndicott's adventure.She clearly chronicles what it is like to enter intoa relationship with a wonderful horse, and then to trust her mentor, WalterChristiansen, with that relationship far from home.She submits herselfand her horse to the regimen so often looked upon with envy and awe byAmerican riders...German dressage training.She takes us from the barn shecomes to call home for a year to visits with the great Herbert Rehbein; andfrom Christine Steuckelberger and her trainer, Georg Wahl.Mainly, though,she takes us deeper into her growth as a rider and as a person, and intothose extraordinary way horses and dressage teach us about life.

It is awonderful read first from the standpoint of horses and the art of dressage,but it also speaks of the courage to leave your own country to learn fromanother culture.I loved this book.

satisfied curiosity
I find the book to be well written and well organized. A facinating revelation for many serious riders who have always wanted to know what it would be like to take this adventure. A void has been filled at longlast.Golden Hills Press ... Read more

Product Description
Suitable both for the novice and for the expert equestrian, this invaluable guide, written by Britain's premier dressage champion, offers advice on such topics as choosing or breeding the right horse and the principal movements of dressage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Dressage review
This is a fun book and quite informative.Good clean copy.
Thank you.
Mark Koslosky

The Complete Guide to Dressage is beautifully illustrated
The Complete Guide to Dressage is beautifully illustrated and detailed in the basic techniques on how to achieve "the movements". Having had this book for many years, and refering to it numeruos times for reference and to learn a new perspective, I was surprised to find it out of print. For shame, as it shows you the correct and incorrect and how to deal with some of the outcomes of a stubborn or fresh horse. It was even on a colleigiate Equestrian Studies program book list alongside the German Federation's Principles of Dressage, for many years for use in their classes until it became out of print. Warning this is not a heavy technical book for those looking for thoery, but it is helpful in its own right. It shows primarily how to get the movements done and correct. This is the one of the first foundation blocks of many throughout ones career in riding. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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Introduces readers to the basics of the dressage competition, often referred to as 'horse ballet'. Suitable for horse-lovers, this title details the history and rules of the sport. It features photographs and informative diagrams. ... Read more

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Product Description
This official handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation presents an instruction course in advanced dressage, describing in detail the criteria governing each stage of dressage training, from transitions to extensions to piaffe and passage, and giving the aids and training methods for each movement or exercise.Includes over 40 line drawings ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For professionals
I bought this book as a gift for someone who is a nationally ranked dressage rider.It is a very clear and precise description of the movements that a horse must master, in the right sequence, to achieve the best results in dressage showing.The text assumes that the rider is already highly competent and is working with a trainer &/or competent ground person.It is basically the standard of reference for dressage performance.

What it is NOT is a training manual that might help you train your horse by yourself, or improve your riding.There is little or no 'coaching', no warm encouragement, and no problem solving. ... Read more