Dressage Tips and Training Solutions

Three top German equestrian trainers join forces to provide a problem-solving manual for dressage riders. They outline the principles by which young dressage horses are trained in Germany, discuss rider psychology and explain how to acquire the right attitudes for training and competition.

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Three top German trainers join forces and provide a problem-solving training manual for dressage riders from novice to Grand Prix level. The German training principles, including the establishment of losgelassenheit (looseness), durchlassigkeit (submission and responsiveness) and schwung (impulsion and swing), are emphasized throughout, giving some insight into why and how Germany produces so many world-beating horses. The book covers the main elements of the horse's education - from early schooling on the lunge through to Grand Prix movements - stressing, throughout, the need for sympathetic management of the horse both during work and when at liberty. It includes a chapter on jumping, with gymnastic grid exercises to supple the dressage horse. It also discusses rider psychology and how to acquire the right attitude to training and competing. Training techniques are presented in an accessible "problems and tips" format, identifying training difficulties and offering solutions. The work may be used as a quick reference, to be dipped into at leisure or as the need arises.