Dressage In Harmony

Maybe the best way to introduce this book to our audience is to quote Max Gahwyler when he read the book when it was in manuscript form: "You must publish this. It is superb!" We agree this is, truly, one of, if not the clearest, most readable books on training dressage ever written. It's just delightful! As Egon von Neindorf, a recognized master himself, says in the Foreword, "If you are not fortunate enough to be taught by Walter Zettl personally, he gives you in this book a very valuable guide to the art of classical riding. In clearly worked out and easy to understand chapters, he takes you through each step of the training stages, discusses problems that occur, and assists with competent, sensible corrections, from Beginner to becoming a Master. With Walter Zettl's guidance, it is made possible."

"My approach in teaching and training, as well as in this book, is that of complete sympathy for the horse and devotion to its happiness and well-being....I attempt to educate riders to make their horses happy, confident, and proud to work for them."--Walter Zettl While teaching lessons and clinics across North America in the late 1990s, Walter Zettl was struck by the hunger for knowledge of classical training principles, which was challenged by both the vastness of the geographic range and the lack of any organized system for delivering correct information. This book was written to meet what he identified then as a need: to serve as both a complete treatise and handy reference. Clear and easy-to-understand chapters take you through each training stage, discuss problems that commonly occur, and provide competent, sensible corrections with the good of the horse in mind.

Walter Zettl's first book, Dressage in Harmony, was dedicated to the riding and training of horses and received wide acclaim. In this beautiful new book, Herr Zettl discusses those who have a critical influence on the welfare of horses and the future of the sport of dressage. That group includes the breeder, without whom we would not have horses; the owner and sponsor, who finance and sustain the horse; the rider, who signals to the horse through proper aids; the trainer and/or instructor, who guide the horse and rider into harmonic partnership; the stable manager and groom, who keep the horse happy, safe and secure; the show committee, which regulates the competitive side of the sport; and the judge, who must recognize and reward correct training.

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.

A fantastically detailed and uniquely organized dressage reference for the rider. Discover the what, the how, and–most importantly–the why of more than 100 dressage movements. Color photographs of riders of various levels and on different breeds of horse show how each movement should look when ridden correctly. Each movement is clearly defined. Explanations include common mistakes and how to avoid them. Readers find out the benefits of each exercise and how it contributes to the “bigger picture” of the dressage training scale. “This book appealed to me,” says gold-medal-winning Olympian Isabell Werth. “Especially important is the emphasis on the meaning of the individual dressage movements within the overall context of a horse’s training. Only the rider who understands why the movements are important and what their purposes are can build a dressage horse systematically. This applies to both the development of the horse's muscles and the development of his mind.” Throughout, emphasis is placed on the horse as an individual and how it is the rider's responsibility to learn to customize movements and lessons to benefit any horse, with his particular physical and psychological characteristics in mind. Practical and easy-to-follow, this valuable resource provides explanations in seconds that will last a lifetime of rides.

Training Strategies for Dressage Riders is a unique guide to the art and technique of dressage, written by one of the most renowned equestrian trainers in the world today. It offers a complete training system for both horse and rider, paying special attention to how a rider s actions can influence a mount. The book provides practical, in-the-saddle advice on a wide range of dressage topics, including: * The art of classical equitation * The development of the rider s seat and aids * Developing the basic gaits * Gymnastic improvement * Horse insubordination * Clinics and competitions judging Whether you want to prepare for dressage competition or simply improve your riding skills, this is a matchless guide.

All horses can be improved by correct riding and anyone can learn to ride in a harmonious, balanced and effective way. Aimed at the novice through to the advanced rider, Riding in Harmony, explains how and covers the principles of classical riding which result in better riders and happier horses. Topics covered include: The mechanics of the classic position: hot to move in harmony with the horse The correct application of the aids and their effect on the horse The outline and correct carriage of the horse Putting the horse on the aids, bending and lateral suppleness, and two-tract lateral exercises Requirements and advice for different levels of competitions.