Customer Reviews

Klaus Balkenhol: The Man and His Training Methods

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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The book is well written and an easy read, however, a lot of space is used to boost Klaus Balkenhol which should not be needed. He is already well known and respected. I think this can happen when the author is a friend to Balkenhol or too much of an admirer. I would have liked more of his training methods, more horse facts. The overall impression though is that the book has its place in the flood of horse books, and that Balkenhol's love for horses, and respect for them, comes through very well.

Carina Gerken Christiansen

This book is a combination of Mr. Balkenhol's life story and his training methods. It's not a step 1, 2, 3 book. How his philosophy on training evolved over his lifetime with specific examples is fascinating. The book has a unique format, the top half of each page is his philosophy and examples and the bottom of each page is his life biography. I highly recommend this book for both the advanced and the beginning rider.

This is really three to this book. The first is Mr. Balkenhol's biography, the second is his training methods, and the third concerns the duties of riders and coaches.

In his biography, the author presents a fascinating story of Mr. Balkenhol's childhood, his riding career as a mounted policeman, to his rise to the top of the international scene and coach of the US dressage team. Throughout this part of the book, Mr. Balkenhol also talks about the different horses he has ridden and what they have taught him.

In the second part of the book, Mr. Balkenhol also discusses his specific training methods for the upper-level movements of piaffe, passage, and one-tempi changes. In the third part of the book, Mr. Balkenhol discusses what makes a good riding coach. He offers advice on what a rider should get from a good coach.

An excellent book that looks at the life of an interesting master. Includes some nice tips on training, but the highlights are the stories of his horses and how he dealt with different issues with them. Lovely pictures.

While some might say it is disjointed in segmenting Klaus's story from his training methods - I found it drew me in. A great read for a rider!

This book is a breath of fresh air,how compassionate training CAN get great results.

What an interesting man who has contributed so much to the art of dressage.

Buy the book and enjoy! Once opened, it is very hard to close the book....... I have recommended this book to all my students who train with me and we all share the same view. Happy reading!!!