Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind: Gentle Gymnastic Training Techniques Hardcover – Illustrated, October 28, 2007

This is a great book for an intermediate or beginning serious dressage student that is interested in learning how Dressage Horses were trained by the best trainers in the world in the Classical Dressage Method.The Author, Anja Beran has been blessed to ride with some of the most talented Classical Dressage riders the world has given us.Ms Beran runs an exclusive training barn in Southern Germany and she trains as she was taught. Her book includes her opinions on all things related to the horse, Stabling, the needs and requirements of the Rider, Basic Training of the horse, and advanced Dressage training.Central to Ms Beran's riding technique is the focus on slow measured empathic training for the horse.One point that should be emphasized which I noticed from other reviewers is the mentioning of the book's "pretty pictures."Those "pretty pictures" are not there for the purposes of being "pretty." Those pictures of some of the finest horseflesh the world has seen is for the reader to indelibly burn into their minds what the horse is supposed to look like at that specific stage of his riding career.So when you see Ms. Beran riding a colt at the beginning of its training, and you see the level of impulsion and movement of the hocks; Yes it is "pretty," but Ms Beran wants you to look at it and compare it to the quality and level of engagement that you are getting from your horse. For Ms Beran, her picture is the MINIMUM STANDARD. So, if you are looking at these pictures and seeing ONLY pretty pictures, you are missing the entire purpose of her wonderful book.In addition to discussing the training of the horse to the highest levels, Ms Beran emphasizes the importance of working with a competent trainer to guide the young Classical Dressage enthusiast to as perfect a horse as is humanly possible. She points out what to look for in a competent Dressage Trainer as well.Included in the book is an end chapter from the well known German Veterinarian, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, who in addition to being a registered dressage instructor and horse trainer is also considered an expert on equine physiology. In addition to his own books on the issue of Sport Dressage (which we see in competition) Dr. Heuschmann discusses how Classical Dressage actually builds horses up while sport dressage breaks horses down.So who should purchase this book? Young dressage enthusiasts that are looking for both inspiration, and a cheat sheet on how to develop their horses should purchase this book. Dressage enthusiasts interested in getting some more knowledge as to the old style of training that was in vogue with the original Dressage Masters through the 400 years of Dressage should purchase this book. And older more experienced Dressage riders that are interested in developing a solid foundation on their horses with an enlightened methodology of training that is completely focused on the proper development of their mounts should also purchase this book.And riders of other disciplines in western riding, for example should also purchase this book if for no other reason than to compare their training methods to the old dressage masters and ask themselves why so many highly talented young horses are breaking down so early in their competitive careers and what they can do about using more humane and more enlightened methods of training to give these young prospects the best chance they can to have excellent horses that perform for the long term at the highest levels.What is astonishing to me is how focused and disciplined Anja Beran is for her years. She writes with the wisdom of an old established dressage master yet in a simple and humble manner that any rider of any discipline can understand.And, when you look at the "pretty pictures," you can see the focus, energy, dedication and talent she has brought to her craft and her horses.In the past 400 years of known Dressage, we have yet to see a female Master Horseman. Something tells me that Anja Beran will be a prime candidate for that title. This is an important work by a relatively young trainer who's star is just beginning to ascend. And Dressage horses will be the better for it.

A "how-to" book on classical training of the horse and rider.This is the most amazing book on classical training/riding and the result of the author's 19 years of experience. Ms Beran first trained with the French Ecuyer Marc de Broissia for 16 years and was a friend of Manuel de Oliveira for over 19 years. This book motivates you to look for the mistakes within yourself - to be hard with yourself and gentle with your horse. This book is intended to open your eyes and help you to find the truth and your ability of being able to feel perfect harmony between rider and horse in all movements. Classical equestrianism is also summed up as "the ability to train horses in such a way that they follow the rider's will with contentment and self-confidence" also "the ability to train the horse according to its individual physical and mental potential". The illustrations are superb and an absolute must-have book for those interested in classical riding and training. The anatomy section helps the reader/trainer understand the how and why of what happens during the horse's movements. Absolutely stunning. Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind: Gentle Gymnastic Training Techniques

I have done a lot of horsemanship and have a good relationship with my horse, but I have been frustrated with his poor musculature and bearing, and my own inability to help him. I am now learning everything I can about classical dressage, which is daunting in its precision and difficulty. Anja Beran has a nice spirit about her, and this book has provided gentle inspiration, beautiful photos, encouraging patient instructions, and a tiny bit of practical help. You can't learn to do dressage from books, but you can learn the theory, and I recommend this book, also because of the exerpts from the German veterinarian Dr Gerd Heuschmann.

Training a horse is not a wam, bam, thank you ma'am process. It is a step by step process that can be done without all the gadget and gizmos some people use. This book will help you to achieve the classical approach to training your horse.

Every rider should read this.

A wonderful book full of information and beautiful pictures. I really enjoyed this book and use it for reference. Not for beginners.

This book is great for the technical rider. Very good points on classical schooling and riding.

Exactly what it says - gentle, classical and with the well-being and longevity of hte horse as a goal. Perfect supplement to my trainer (also a student of Nuno Oliveira).

Beautiful publication and very ethical.

Useful, methodoical training guide