Full Description
Christoph Hess, a Fédération Equestre International (FEI) "I" Judge in both dressage and eventing, is highly respected around the world as a teacher of riding and the development of the horse according to classical principles. Here he collects some of his very best riding and training tips along with well-honed insight related to the topics that he finds most often challenge equestrians and their equine partners. Ride Better with Christoph Hess provides thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice when dealing with issues with the gaits, in particular the walk and canter; high-headedness or the horse that is "too light" in the poll; inconsistency of performance; leaning on the bit; falling out; lack of straightness; and much more.
In addition, Hess breaks out particular skills and movements that often need specialized attention when in the dressage or jumping ring, and when going cross-country. Throughout Hess emphasizes that a rider must always strive to improve, for the simple reason that you can always do better for your horse. While competitive and training goals do, of course, bring a certain satisfaction, it is having an equine partner who is contented in his work and happy in your company that rewards most. This lesson, and all Hess's tips and solutions, are invaluable to equestrians of every level - everyone can walk away from this book a better rider.
Contents
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
