Ride Better with Christoph Hess

Christoph Hess is an FEI “I” Judge in both Dressage and Eventing. The German National Federation (GNF) awarded him the title of Professional Riding Instructor; a title that labels him as an international expert and educator of professionals. Hess currently holds the positions of Head of Instruction and Head of the Personal Members Department at the GNF, where he's been employed since 1978. Hess is actively involved in the education of judges and instructors both within Germany and around the world. He conducts clinics, workshops, forums, and symposiums for judges, trainers, and riders throughout the international dressage and eventing communities. He is an examiner of judges and trainers at the highest levels of the sport of dressage, including seminars and testing sanctioned and sponsored by the FEI (Federation Equestrian International). Hess resides in Germany.

Foreword by Uta GrafIntroduction



1. General Challenges in Dressage Work


Walk - The Most Difficult Gait
Losing our Rhythm in Seven-League Boots
Enough Already with Short Strides
The Wooden Canter
Born to Stretch - Long and Low
Young 'Pushy' and 'High-Headed'
Light in the Poll - A Challenge
Stretch, Then Stretch, Then Stretch Some More
A Horse That Leans on the Bit
Help - My Horse is a 'Wiggleworm'!
The Infamous 'Sweet Side'
Falling Out Over the Shoulder
Straightness - A Challenge
Unbalanced Canter to the Left
Out of Control at Canter
Flying Changes - A Challenge for Horse and Rider
The Secret to a Good Half-Pass






2. Special Challenges in Dressage Work


When the Mare Runs Away
Rein Lame - A Rider Problem
Grinding - A Long Term Issue
The Move from Snaffle to Double Bridle
Backward - Never with Pressure
Determining the 'All-Rounder'
Conditioning for the Dressage Horse
Rehabilitating a Riding Horse
Briefly and Quickly Trained Under Saddle
The Unfocused Horse
From Broodmare to Riding Horse
From the Racetrack to the Dressage Arena
From School Horse to Personal Horse
From Riding Horse to Driving Horse
Fearful, Arrogant, or Fresh?
A Young Whippersnapper Lacks Respect
My Horse Fidgets






3. Challenges in Show Jumping and Riding Cross-Country


Training Over Single Fences
More Courage on Course
'Top' at Home but a 'Flop' at Shows
Hacking Out on a 'Loose Canon'
When your Child wants to Event
When Trust Fails Cross-Country






4. Select Challenges


The Art of the Canter (Departure)
Laziness in Horses






Acknowledgements
Photos & Illustrations
Index