Customer Reviews

A Gymnastic Riding System Using Mind, Body, and Spirit: Progressive Training for Rider and Horse

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book different from most other equestrian books, and with that it was very refreshing. However I must admit that for the rider on a busy schedule some of the ideas listed may not be very practical. I did , however find this book to be a great tool for some of my young beginning riders as it helps them get off on the right foot. It seems these concepts would be easier to master on a clean slate.

This is an excellent book with a approach that is easly to follow. I've read many books about the pyrimid approach, but this book really made sence of it. The outlined format is what I like. It's concise and to the point! I copied the pyrimid and posted in the tack room as a quick reference.

I've read Riding Success Without stress, Centered Riding, & Natural Riding & really didn't find them worth the purchase price because I had done kickboxing, ballet, stretching, & yoga before I ever got on a horse, so I already knew how to use my center muscles. Not that I don't have more to learn. But what I need is in this book. It's complete.
In case you need to know- in the title- 'spirit' = 'emotions'

Definitely a "must have" for all those interested in dressage as a sport and for other diciplines wishing to improve their horses. Gives a well-rounded approach to riding including being responsible as riders to be sympathetic and diciplined.
I especially liked the chapter about the horse's willingness and how to improve that. I give Betsy Steiner a lot of credit for making dressage theory clear and practical while speaking to those with years of experience. Great pictures and summary tables to clarify the rather detailed training maps. After many half-read dressage books that seem repetitive this one will be one I can use in real life as I train on my own at the moment.
I look forward to more of Betsy's work.

This book is a very different approach to dressage. It takes into account the rider and the horse, they are partners. I really like the spirit part for each participant. This gives me a much better understanding of how to approach a very difficult sport. Good for a dressage rider stuggling for the feelings that are necessary to ride well.

Betsy's book is easy to read - clear, concise, & full of information. Her love of horses is apparent in every page. Loved it!

This book does a great job of going through the development of rider and horse from the beginning. It teaches you all of the elements you need to be able to have a real relationship with your horse that is based on trust.

Glad I picked the book from the line up. Well written guide on approaches to improve one's riding. Excellent publication, highly recommended.