An accessible guide to improving riding skills at all levels using the Alexander Technique. Featuring 90 photos and drawings. The Alexander Technique, founded over a century ago to enhance the way we breathe and move, is becoming increasingly popular as the importance of the mind-body connection gains acceptance. Now, this innovative guide combines Alexander principles with thorough riding instruction to help riders improve their skills on horseback. Following a short introduction to the Alexander Technique, Sally Tottle clearly and concisely explains posture, muscle tone and sensitivity, breathing, balance, sense of feel, the independent seat, horse and rider communication, and poise in performance. Filled with crisp photos and detailed drawings, BodySense will help both novice and experienced riders to improve their position and, as a result, the performance of their horse. Sally Tottle is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique as well as a riding instructor; she teaches BodySense courses at her home in England. 128 pp 7 x 10 48 b/w photos, 43 line drawings.
The art of successful riding lies in the development of harmony to such a degree that, to the onlooker, horse and rider perform in total unity. The rider's key to this ideal is not a static seat, but one that is capable of making finely tuned movements with which to communicate and remain in perfect balance with the horse. Susanne von Dietze, a well-known physical therapist and riding instructor in her native Germany, has made a study of the complex physical relationship between horses and their riders. In Balance in Movement, she breaks new ground in helping riders to understand the anatomical requirements that are crucial for establishing the perfect seat. She explains how riders can control their movements effortlessly and exactly in order to achieve a uniquely efficient system for aiding and influencing the horse. Illustrated throughout with exceptionally helpful photos and drawings, Balance in Movement is an invaluable contribution to technical equestrian literature.
Learning to ride well is a mammoth task-far larger than most riders realize-yet Mary Wanless believes that the essential skills of riding can be mastered by virtually every rider if given the right tools. Over 23 years, Wanless has made it her mission to reveal the secrets of talented riders and to break down the necessary skills into "bite-size chunks." This book sets out to simplify her methods and to provide a basic tool-kit for using the hands, legs, and body correctly. Best of all, she offers advice on how to make corrections when things don't go exactly as planned. In each section, the instruction is supported by practical self-tests and exercises to ensure success, and there are ideas for troubleshooting during the learning process and beyond. Mary Wanless is known throughout the world for her Ride With Your Mind method. Her previous titles include The Natural Rider, Ride With Your Mind, For the Good of the Horse, and For the Good of the Rider, plus eight videotapes. She teaches regularly in the United States, but makes her home in Oxon, England.
"Mary Wanless has combined her equestrian knowledge with other experience gained by studying psycology, biofeedback, neuro-linguistic programming, the Alexander and Feldenkrais systems of bodywork, Tai 'Chi, massage, dance, anatomy, sports psycology, and educational kinesiology."
"By using this knowledge gained from sources right out side the sphere of riding, Mary Wanless has evolved an understanding of the physical and psycological relationships between the horse and rider that has led to a unique and extraordinarily effective method of teaching and learning."
She is based at the West Wilts Equestrian Centre in England and teaches riders of all levels from beginner to International in the UK, USA, and Austrailia! She is the author of several other books and videos that concentrate on "Right Brain Riding".
Eleven masterclass lessons illustrated with concise drawings and photographs in which the changes to horse and rider can clearly be seen. This makes it easy for readers to recognise and identify with the whole range of problems exhibited in the lessons and to put the ideas and solutions into practise for themselves. Published in 1991.
This booklet contains a chapter on teaching and learning, including a section on what learning is and is not.
There is also a glossary of terms, a generic lesson plan, and an explanation of the required levels of achievement for 'Ride With Your Mind' certified coaches.
Accredited coaches are listed by name and by county.
Mary demonstrates with real riders, on real horses, with real problems, how to gain the equilibrium and proper body alignment necessary to establish correct riding skills.
Mary shows the rider how to gain the horse's attention and the horse's commitment to the task at hand: working on the bit. Once this is accomplished, the rider can develop the correct interaction between herself and the horse, thus establishing the foundation for self-carriage.
Too often the hands are used abusively in a attempt to bring the horse on the bit. Mary shows riders how to develop correct use of their bodies so they no longer rely on their hands and gain instead a truly independent seat.
Now that the rider is able to work the horse in the basic gaits, it is time to pay attention to tempo and learn the biomechanics of riding transitions as well as lengthening and shortening of stride.
Mary explains the dynamics of riding by using dismounted exercises which mimic the biomechanical challenges invloved. Learning this muscle-use away from the horse can create fast and profound learnings which are then transferable to riding itself. These enable the rider to recognise and maintain a 'neutral spine', along with the balance, stability, and refined pelvic co-ordination which are needed to ride well.
Mary is joined by physiotherapists Anne Howard MPT; Catherine Hamber, MCSP, MAPA; and by Alexander Teacher Trisha Abrahamsen, MSTAT, BHSII. Together they illustrate the principles, the exercises, and some simple stretches which help to mitigate the muscle shortening which inevitably results from riding.
For many riders learning lateral work is like learning a new language. Issues of symmetry take on new dimensions and only by stabilising her body on the correct vertical axis can the rider remain causal and limit the horse's evasions. Introduction to Lateral Work shows Mary's work with both novice and advanced riders as they tackle the initial stages of learning and discover the skills which enable them to position their own and their horse's body with increasing precision.
The issues of asymmetry affect the rider throughout her career. Working on a circle often causes the novice rider to pull on the inside rein and collapse to the inside. Similar issues haunt more advanced riders as well, for they are symptoms of a lack of functional symmetry in the horse/rider system. Symmetry and Circles shows Mary working with riders, novice to advanced, analysing and correcting the problems inherent in turning and amplified by the asymmetries of the riders.
Many people aspire to ride half pass, flying changes and canter pirouettes without realising that the issues commonly faced in these movements have their origins in sound basic work. Basic Principles... Advanced Movements shows more advanced riders preforming advanced movements as they rediscover the basic principles which are the foundation of riding. Their work shows that the quality of the basic gait determines the quality of the movement and that subtle control of the rider's body is the key to more subtle control of the horse.
This is THE Essential Riding Manual!
Gayle Lampe is among the nation's most respected riding instructors. She has been the saddle seat program director at William Woods University for 28 years and has judged just about every major horse show. Now her knowledge and insight is available in a beautiful and easy to read 280 page book. It is an absolute must for anyone interested in the Saddle Seat riding style! "Our industry is indebted to Gayle for her wonderful contributions." Helen Crabtree
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.
The result is a definitive book on classical hrosemanship from first introduction to the ultimate in haute ecole - a record and a manual of the fundamental prinicples, the techniques, and the practice of the art of riding. It is a book that belongs in every horseman's library.
In this book, Podhajsky recalls his most memorable equine mentors from a lifetime with horses. Each anecdote is filled with insights to help you through training problems with your own special horse as well as just plain being fascinating reading.
Available through "Out-Of-Print" Book Service
Informative and well-researched instructional book, there is much here for the advanced student of dressage as well as the beginner. The author reminds us how, in order to ride better, we must constantly pay respect to how the horse is built and how his mind works. She reminds us again and again of the horse's natural instincts in the herd and of the disciplines which he understands and of the laws of Nature herself. Also included are colorful glimpses of Sylvia Loch's ten years in Portugal and of some of the characters that she has met in her learning and teaching career.
Back-to-basics lesson to music. Tape provides a good workout against a supportive musical program for any horse and rider at any level.
As an encore to her popular "The Classical Rider," Loch has now written a book that focuses attention on an equal relationship between horse and rider, exploring riding from both the rider's "and" the horse's point of view.
A lavish history of classical riding, from ancient times to modern competition, now available again. Featuring more than 100 photos.
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.
A thorough treatise on the history and development of the Iberian horse, who's descendants include Andalusians, Lipizzans, Lusitanos and Friesians as well as numerous other familiar breeds. Lavishly illustrated with photographs as well as art from the Baroque period, this work stimulates the eye as well as the intellect. Carefully and thoroughly researched, it's scholarly content is a real treat for anyone interested in the development of horsemanship in general and the Iberian horse breeds in particular.
The first omnibus edition of master horseman Paul Belasik's trilogy of books on the art and science of dressage.
A remarkable illustrated work on the art of dressage by a modern-day master, featuring a lavish selection of color photos and drawings.
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.
This ringside exercise book is a favorite of riding instructors and enthusiasts. Classic exercises and original patterns and drills are presented in a unique "read-and-ride" format. The book can be hung like a calendar or draped over the rail of the ring for quick and easy reference. Exercises such as working walk, canter, two squares, half halt, and flying changes progress through skill levels for both English and Western riders.
This sequel to Cherry Hill's top-seller 101 Arena Exercises presents step-by-step instructions for unique patterns in the most popular classes of English and Western competition. The book's comb-bound format allows it to hang in the barn or lay flat on a barrel for easy reference. Full-page arena maps for every pattern make this the perfect in-the-saddle workbook for riders of all abilities.
In 101 Longeing and Longlining Exercises you find complete ground lesson training plans from square 1 to square 101. Cherry Hill starts with basic in-hand and free longeing lessons, then takes you through the addition of a longe line, cavesson, bridle, surcingle, side-reins, saddle, and longlines. You'll learn a wide variety of ground training exercises suitable for both English and Western horses.
Horse owners will find How to Be Your Own Veterinarian a fine do-it-yourself guide which differentiates home care from when it's time to call for professional help. From horse management, safety, and foaling to treating common injuries and recognizing skin, eye and digestive problems, this should be on the shelves of any horse owner.
Riding depends on communication: the horse and the rider's muscles both have to understand what is wanted. But, as we all know, wanting is not always the same as achieving! Wendy Jago's book sets out to show for the first time how the best CUITent understanding of how our minds work and what makes for good communication can be applied to riding. There is clear and practical help here for every rider and every horse, whatever their level or goals. The idea for the book came when List 3 dressage judge Dr Wendy Jago was training to become an NLP Master Practitioner. While training, she found that she kept using her new NLP skills to sort out the schooling problems she and her horse were having. She then found that the more enthusiastic she became and the more she could point to the differences that NLP had made, more of her horsey friends became interested.
So she started helping them with their schooling problems. ..and so it went on What is NLP? NLP was fIrst developed in the 1970s as a description of how really outstanding communication works: a description at a real nuts-and-bolts level. It grew from this to become the nearest thing we have to a 'user's manual' for human beings. It makes sense because it's based on observation and on asking people how they actually do things, not on theories, 'oughts' or 'shoulds' and 'do' means not only how they behave on the outside but how they think or feel on the inside -and also how the two interact.
Wendy Jago comments, "I have called my book SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH NLP, because most of us really want to get away from the tensions, anxieties and frustrations we feel when things go wrong and we seem to get stuck. Also because NLP is about pattern- structures~ it helps us discover the structure of what does work for us~ so we know how to do it again, or do more of it. Like using a good recipe, NLP is a way of knowing how we can reliably get the results we want again and again."
In Overcoming the Fear of Riding, sports psychologists Theresa J. Jordan, Ph.D. and Peter E. De Michele, M.Ed, talk with some of the most successful equestrians about overcoming their fears.
The experts discuss fear of injury, embarrassment, failure and performance anxiety. These interviews and the authors' professional approach provide the insight you need to deal effectively with many different manifestations of fear that relate to your horseback riding activities.
You will learn to:
A unique, highly illustrated book that offers training techniques for the mind, body, and spirit of both rider and horse, including a specially designed Pilates program for riders.
Most books on dressage discuss the physical aspects of riding: horse position, rider position, use of the aids, and movements. International dressage rider and trainer Betsy Steiner believes that the physical(body) is just one-third of the riding equation, with two vital components-the intellectual(mind) and the psychological(spirit)-playing roles of equal importance. Each level of the classical training pyramid-rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection-is addressed in all three dimensions for both rider and horse. Never before has such a multifaceted training system been laid out for riders and horses of all levels. Betsy Steiner is a teacher, trainer, and clinician based in New Jersey and Florida. Jennifer Bryant is the editor of the U.S. Dressage Federation's monthly magazine, USDF Connection.
Wyatt Webb blends horse sense with common sense in a revolutionary new form of therapy. If you want to deal with your demons, it helps to make a pit stop in Tucson, Arizona. His tools are not a leather couch and a standard therapist's stopwatch that informs you when "time is up." Time has been up for some of his clients for a long, long time. They are long overdue when it comes to changing their lives. And they want some help. With Webb's therapy, how you relate to the horse will tell what you've learned over the course of your lifetime and about how you relate to all living things. Wyatt tells his audience, "Remember one thing. It's not about the horse. It's about YOU." With his help you will learn a few ground skills that will keep you safe in any barn in the world. But your main goal is to look at what you've learned over the course of your lifetime and whether it works for you or against you in your relationships. Wyatt states, "The horse is the same for every person who chooses to be with them. The horse will serve as a mirror to your energy system. It's the person dealing with the horse who tells the whole story," he insists.
WARNING
UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), AN EQUINE PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUINE ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES.