Customer Reviews

Mastering The Basics [VHS]

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

 

 

Mr. Barbier's Mastering the Basics video was an audio delight. His attitude and approach to lightness and partnership can serve to be an inspirational message to trainers who struggle daily with horses that, through previous forceful methodology, have become lumbering, difficult and resistant. Unfortunately the visual elements of this particular video, at best do not compliment and at worst mock the enlightening narration. His horses appear compressed and over-bent and traveling too much sideways to deliver a light ride. His instruction, although pleasant to listen to, is unproductive and his riding seems thoroughly contradictory to what he is saying. I have had the pleasure of watching his previous videos and they are far superior to this decimation of what used to be the purity of his French Classical work. I fear he has sold out in order to be more commercial. I hope this is not true.

Mr. Barbier's philosophy is wonderful to hear and highly recommendable. Regretfully, my praise must end there as the visuals in this video clearly demonstrate that old "do as I say, not as I do" principal. We are treated to visions of lovely horses being over bent in the neck, compressed into their shoulders by pulling hands (both his and his students) and horses who cross over their hind legs instead of bringing them forward in the shoulder-in. Mr. Barbier's first video was the reason I pursued Classical French Dressage in the first place (for which I must thank him). What a pity he has chosen to allow "modern techniques" to dictate his current methodology. Save your money and buy his "Intimacy in French Classical Dressage" instead.

It seems to me that some people are missing the point - this is a simple video...a starting point if you will.

Domique's main video's: " Intimacy In French Classical Dressage" & "The Spirit of Sideways Movements" - are the advanced features. It is a mistake to see "Basics" as anything but--- it is not part three is a series - rather it is a simple introduction to his wonderful concepts and wisdom!

I highly reccomend this video to anyone who is looking for the key to lightness in classical dressage. This basic "how to" is fundamental to the Barbier philosophy. His philosophy is absolutely classical without regard to the "modern dressage standards" If you are tired of fighting with a horse who is not happy in his work, watch and absorb what Mr. Barbier has to say. To quote Mr. Barbier "It's so simple, no one does it"

I loved this video. My daughter and I have been taking lessons for six years, but we both learned a lot from this video. I recommend it.

One thing you should know, though, is that it's only 30 minutes long. That was very disapointing. Also, you won't be able to "Master the Basics" using this video. Lunge-lining is glossed over, but is covered in his other video, French Dressage.