Customer Reviews

Dressage with Kyra: The Kyra Kyrklund Training Method

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

in a simple, systematic way, kyra has been able (with Jytte), to explain how to progress through training to grand prix while still retaining the thought that horses are not perfect and not all horses will be able to do as she describes, bu that the movemnet and quality will be improved. Recommended highly to all levels (it helps if you've ridden before.)

Initially, I purchased this book and was very unhappy with the choice of pictures. I think many of the horses look like they are fighting. BUT, I saw Kyra in person and she was excellent; very soft and gentle handling of the horses. No yanking or cranking. She insisted on more relaxed necks. So, I decided to give the book another chance and I am glad I did. Kyra gives really excellent descriptions and techniques that you can use right away.

Kyra writes as clearly as she teaches and rides. Her explanations are logical and simple, but not simplistic! This is a great aid for understanding dressage and the perspective of the horse.

I have read 'Dressur Med Kyra' (in both Danish and Swedish). I doubt this translation will improve upon it. Clearly - I have been told -- Kyra is an excellent instructor. This book (written together with a colleague of Kyra) is more of a showcase thing. I'd stick with Podhasky, la Guérinière, or Müseler (if you can get a hold of a copy). Most dressage and horsemanship (some arguably so) books at ... are getting the 4-5 star treatment. Every book has its fans. This rating, though, would be very misleading regarding Kyras book.

This book by Kyra and Jytte Lemkow (International Dressage Judge, journalist and photographer) is one of the more impressive contemporary books on Classical riding, and one from which the reader will definitely benefit. Worth every penny of its price.
The last chapter alone, on "mental training", preparing yourself psychologically to go into the ring and compete, will improve your scores.
Kyra has a clear and simple riding system, but she stresses that every horse is an individual, and you have to adapt training protocols to fit the unique personalities and body types. She talks about a respectful partnership, and how the horse must work with joy and not anxiety, and of the dangers of "desensitizing" the horse with too many demands or signals at the same time. The overriding message of this book is to keep the horse's front end free so he can find his own balance without a "blocking hand" as he is developing, and not to force the horse to work in a fixed frame too soon.
This book also has concise step-by-step diagrams of exercises for training the horse in canter, counter canter, change of leg, half pass, zigzag, etc., and also valuable exercises to check if the horse is reacting correctly to the rider's aids.
I found it amazing to see in the photos that Kyra's horse will perform a piaffe in hand by being stroked gently on the neck with the whip. Also apparent in the photos is the connection and trust between Kyra and her horses that can only be achieved by sensitivity and kindness.

This must be the best ever dressage training book I have read and used. It is written in a manner that it is not at all boring. The exercises are easy to follow and put into practice. I have tried them on my young horse and they worked exceptionally well. This book is for all horses/riders and can be used at the level you are at. I am now a veteran rider and successful teacher and competitor but still, there's always something to learn!
Dressage with Kyra

This was recomened by my Instuctor.I have always enjoyed articles about her clinics and demostations,I'm also a Show jump rider so the princles are not the dutch fashionable ones. Well written good photos.

Kyra is a well respected and admired champion international dressage trainer and competitor. Her admiration of horses comes through in this book, while still being very technical. Kyra talks not only about how to train dressage horses, but why we train them in certain ways.

Kyra goes into a lot of detail about the aids she uses while riding. I like this personal perspective. She also addresses how she prefers to start teaching the most advanced movement, piaffe, showing in hand work. Very nice.

Towards the end of the book, Kyra talks about dressage training vs competition, including mental preparation for competition. This, for me, was a pivotal chapter, changing how I personally approach dressage competitions.

This is a thoughtfully written book and easy to read. I think dressage trainers and riders will truly enjoy it.

Clear explanations and illustrations. Step by step guide to communicating with your horse. Very educational. A great reference book for anyone into dressage!

after reading this book from the Library and being only one copy it was wonderfull to purchase one for myself at such a reasonable cost, it is a great book and I only wish that I had of purchased it several years ago, now I have it to read and re-read when ever I feel the need to train my horse.

Kim