Description
Book SynopsisChristoph 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.
Trade ReviewChristoph's book is delivered wholly around his classical development training principles. It's thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice and a collection of his best riding and training tips. The most common challenges for riders of all levels (that he has encountered) are also addressed — the regular, most frequent ones such as leaning on the bit, falling out, lack of straightness, as well as 'Top at home, flop at show' — a horsey 'problem' that crops up regularly at all levels and one of the reasons riders ask him for help. * Essex Rider *
Ride Better with Christoph Hess, is a new book, out now, which is full of helpful tips and pieces of advice for riders and their horses whether they are interested in dressage, eventing or showjumping.
Christoph (pictured top) is an FEI I judge in both dressage and eventing and is highly respected around the world as a trainer too, adhering to classical principles. Here he picks out problems and sticking points he finds most common when training horse and rider and shares his advice in a very easy-to-follow manner.
No matter what level you are riding to, this book is a must-read. Throughout Hess emphasises that a rider must always strive to improve, for the simple reason that they can always do better for their horse.
Deserves to be a bookshelf reference for every barn, regardless of discipline-after all, we all want to ride better.
Aspirational in an inviting way, and Hess's advice is straightforward, easy to understand, and of course, classically correct.
What I like about this book is it is a real problem-solver... a very good book for specific issues. Two thumbs up.
Table of ContentsForeword 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
