Customer Reviews

Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind: Gentle Gymnastic Training Techniques

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Anya Beran is a beautiful rider, and in this book shares her methods in a way that is easy to read and digest, and then put into practice. Her methods are of great benefit to the horses well being and longevity, and the inserts from Dr Gerd Heuschmann, help to understand the mechanics of the horse and why this type of training works so well.

I was so disappointed in this book that I returned it, which I have never done before. The philosophy of humane treatment of the dressage horse is great, and the anatomical analysis is good, but I really wanted training techniques and there was little of that in my opinion in this book. I bought Dr. Gerd Heuschmann's "Tug Of War: Classical Versus 'Modern' Dressage" and that is great -- has the philosophy and the anatomy that I need to take good care of and strengthen and improve my horse in training, and it was less expensive. I still need to find a good training manual.

First read Dr. Heuschmann's "Tug of War" and then Ms. Beran's "Classical Schooling". Then think. Then get on your horse. Please: in that order.

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 read this book just after I re-read Podhajsky's 'Complete Training of Horse and Rider'. I felt that I completely understood where Beran was coming from, because she is very much in the same tradition of gentle classical riding with lightness as the ultimate goal.

I must say however that her book cannot be compared to Podhajsky's book, as they are at extreme ends of the spectrum in terms of detail. You could not read Beran's book and then go out and teach your horse (or learn yourself) a schooling exercise. Having said this, this was probably not her aim. Her book is more intended to get the rider thinking about their style of riding and whether they are sympathetic enough to the horse and really working towards lightness. For the advanced rider (which I am not) I am sure she offers a great deal of practical tips.

One of Beran's real hates is the style of riding that emphasises strong rein contact and correspondingly strong leg aids (she refers to this as the German style). In this respect, it is quite likely that her book is directed at dressage riders around the world who use this method and didn't realise there was any other (better) method. Coming from the backwoods as far as dressage is concerned, I myself am only dimly aware of this fact, and have had instructors in both camps. Luckily my instincts came to the fore and I refused to get draw reins or pull and boot my horse at the same time. Having read this book I will now have my antennae much more finely tuned and will hopefully always reject the severe method despite it being presented as the only method.

The beautiful photos in the book (mearly all of Beran but on a range of georgous horses) must be mentioned. They are an inspiration in themselves and when you feel you have got enough out of the book you could cut them out and frame them and put them on your wall for re-inspiration when needed.

This book is a great reminder that in all training, the first goal of training should be that the process is first of all, for the good of the horse!

This is an extremely well written book, and very ably and beautifully illustrated. The text was thoughtfull and informative, and questions asked and answered from the equine anatomical/structural point were extremely valuable in the understanding of the working of the equine body. The notion that the whole way of being and doing of the horse being of paramount importance to training was so good to read - too much of that seems to be lost in these days of 'instant' expectations.

Love this book! This book clearly shows how how Dressage SHOULD be ridden. This book along with Anja's video "Elegant Dressage Training" show how a correctly trained horse should look. I have become a great fan of Anja and keep her beautiful images of the horse and rider in mind when training my own. She is a great inspiration to me!

I purchased this book as a compliment to another dressage book I had read entitled Tug of War: Classical versus "Modern" Dressage (by Dr.Gerd Heuschmann). Although Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind strongly supports the points made in Tug of War, it won't add much to your knowledge of dressage nor expand very much on the arguments made in Tug of War. The photos are lovely, the author rides beautifully, but the book by Dr. Gerd Heuschmann addresses important training issues in dressage more directly and more forcefully. Tug of War is the more important book to read if you wish to know more about some questioned techniques used today in dressage horse training.

A book that every rider should have and use, no matter what their riding interest is. Dressage riders should be paying much more attention to classical training and she really increases the levels of understanding.