Reviews"Beran provides readers a twenty-first-century classical riding how-to guide. Throughout, gorgeous color photographs demonstrate movements and lessons on horses at various stages of schooling." -Equine Journal, "You'll get some great advice on training your horse in a sensitive and time-tested way. Beran effectively brings classical principles into the 21st century." -Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar, "For a long time now there has been a requirement for such a book--unreservedly dedicated to the well-being of the horse, despite training to the very highest level. It should become standard reading for every dedicated horse lover." --Klaus Balkenhol, Olympic gold medalist and coach to the U.S. dressage team "Beran provides readers a twenty-first-century classical riding how-to guide. Throughout, gorgeous color photographs demonstrate movements and lessons on horses at various stages of schooling." --Equine Journal "You'll get some great advice on training your horse in a sensitive and time-tested way. Beran effectively brings classical principles into the 21st century." --Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar, "For a long time now there has been a requirement for such a book--unreservedly dedicated to the well-being of the horse, despite training to the very highest level. It should become standard reading for every dedicated horse lover." --Klaus Balkenhol, Olympic gold medalist and coach to the U.S. dressage team, "For a long time now there has been a requirement for such a book-unreservedly dedicated to the well-being of the horse, despite training to the very highest level. It should become standard reading for every dedicated horse lover." -Klaus Balkenhol, Olympic gold medalist and coach to the U.S. dressage team, "Beran provides readers a twenty-first-century classical riding how-to guide. Throughout, gorgeous color photographs demonstrate movements and lessons on horses at various stages of schooling." — Equine Journal, "You'll get some great advice on training your horse in a sensitive and time-tested way. Beran effectively brings classical principles into the 21st century." -- Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar, "For a long time now there has been a requirement for such a book—unreservedly dedicated to the well-being of the horse, despite training to the very highest level. It should become standard reading for every dedicated horse lover." —Klaus Balkenhol, Olympic gold medalist and coach to the U.S. dressage team, "You'll get some great advice on training your horse in a sensitive and time-tested way. Beran effectively brings classical principles into the 21st century." — Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar, "For a long time now there has been a requirement for such a book-- unreservedly dedicated to the well-being of the horse, despite training to the very highest level. It should become standard reading for every dedicated horse lover." -- Klaus Balkenhol, Olympic gold medalist and coach to the U.S. dressage team, "Beran provides readers a twenty-first-century classical riding how-to guide. Throughout, gorgeous color photographs demonstrate movements and lessons on horses at various stages of schooling." -- Equine Journal
SynopsisWith the training of the horse in the "classical" artistic form first taught by Xenophon over 2,500 years ago at its heart, this honest examination of "horsemanship"--past, present, and future--stands alone today in its power of consciousness-raising. Anja Beran's gentle, but insistent, demand that every rider and trainer, beginner or expert, turn a critical eye toward his or her own methods urges readers to never forego their principle responsibilities in terms of their horse's development and welfare. Meticulous, conscientious attention to the physical evolution of the horse during training and patient, correct progression through levels of learning should always trump ribbons, prize money, and fame. Within these pages Beran provides readers a twenty-first-century classical riding "how-to" guide. The beginning of the book is devoted to developing the rider's mind, physical condition, seat on the horse, and instruction. Then readers learn how to choose a horse and manage him properly. Finally, Beran explains the complete training of the horse in the classical ideal. Throughout, gorgeous color photographs demonstrate movements and lessons on horses at various stages of schooling. In addition, a final chapter on basic equine anatomy by the renowned German veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, author of the groundbreaking book Tug of War: Classical versus "Modern" Dressage affirms Beran's methods with science. Whether a novice rider with limited experience, or an expert equestrian; whether training a green youngster or polishing an advanced competitor, this lovely, thoughtful book provides the ultimate modern reference in classical training technique., With the training of the horse in the classical artistic form first taught by Xenophon over 2,500 years ago at its heart, this honest examination of horsemanship--past, present, and future--stands alone today in its power of consciousness-raising. Anja Beran's gentle, but insistent, demand that every rider and trainer, beginner or expert, turn a critical eye toward his or her own methods urges readers to never forego their principle responsibilities in terms of their horse's development and welfare. Meticulous, conscientious attention to the physical evolution of the horse during training and patient, correct progression through levels of learning should always trump ribbons, prize money, and fame. Within these pages Beran provides readers a twenty-first-century classical riding how-to guide. The beginning of the book is devoted to developing the rider's mind, physical condition, seat on the horse, and instruction. Then readers learn how to choose a horse and manage him properly. Finally, Beran explains the complete training of the horse in the classical ideal. Throughout, gorgeous color photographs demonstrate movements and lessons on horses at various stages of schooling. In addition, a final chapter on basic equine anatomy by the renowned German veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, author of the groundbreaking book Tug of War: Classical versus Modern Dressage affirms Beran's methods with science. Whether a novice rider with limited experience, or an expert equestrian; whether training a green youngster or polishing an advanced competitor, this lovely, thoughtful book provides the ultimate modern reference in classical training technique., With the training of the horse in the "classical" artistic form first taught by Xenophon over 2,500 years ago at its heart, this honest examination of "horsemanship"--past, present, and future--stands alone today in its power of consciousness-raising. Anja Beran's gentle, but insistent, demand that every rider and trainer, beginner or expert, turn a critical eye toward his or her own methods urges readers to never forego their principle responsibilities in terms of their horse's development and welfare. Meticulous, conscientious attention to the physical evolution of the horse during training and patient, correct progression through levels of learning should always trump ribbons, prize money, and fame. Within these pages Beran provides readers a twenty-first-century classical riding "how-to" guide. The beginning of the book is devoted to developing the rider's mind, physical condition, seat on the horse, and instruction. Then readers learn how to choose a horse and manage him properly. Finally, Beran explains the complete training of the horse in the classical ideal. Throughout, gorgeous color photographs demonstrate movements and lessons on horses at various stages of schooling. In addition, a final chapter on basic equine anatomy by the renowned German veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschmann affirms Beran's methods with science. Whether a novice rider with limited experience, or an expert equestrian; whether training a green youngster or polishing an advanced competitor, this lovely, thoughtful book provides the ultimate modern reference in classical training technique., Recognizing that modern day dressage has become more of a sport than an art form, this guide advocates for a revival of schooling that emphasizes pleasure for both the horse and the rider. The discussion focuses first on how the rider learns in the classical system and then turns to the selection and management of the horse. Addressed to riders of all ages and skill levels--and to animal lovers generally--this moving appeal successfully showcases a humane riding tradition.