Customer Reviews

Training Strategies for Dressage Riders (Howell Equestrian Library)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At last! A book that not only tells me what to ask the horse for, but also tells me how to most effectively submit my request! So often, an author writes a book full of great ideas that remain unusable by the reader because the author fails to describe how to ask the horse effectively. "Ask the horse for movement A" is only half of the equation. The rest of the statement is "by doing X with your seat, Y with your shoulders, Z with your legs, and adjusting your hands thusly." Mr. De Kunffy provides the whole statement. I am on the third reading of this book in a month, not because I didn't understand it the first time, but because of the depth, breadth, and significance of the material. Mr. De Kunffy tells me how to ride the horse in balance with my seat and legs -- not my hands -- with amazing results. He gives me the courage to reject any false quick fixes to meet with peer approval. I see immediate returns from my recovering saddle seat Morgan in the form of increased trust and reduction of fear. This is an excellent volume for those of us who lackacess to equestrian training meccas. I expect this volume will forever affect my interactions with horses. I thank the author for telling me, clearly and beautifully, what I can do to ride well and earn the trust and influence the development and performance of my equine partners.

Although I agree that the author advocates a thoughtful and gentle approach to riding which is to be commended, as a novice to dressage I found the information hard to put to use. There is much digression into theory during explanation of the aids for various movements. I didn't find it helpful to hear how, for example, the perfect half-pass "should" be done. I was hoping to be told what EXACTLY to do with my aids, what to avoid and how best to present this movement to my horse, as clearly as possible and without a lot of "pie-in-sky" wishful thinking. I agree with the reviewer from Charlotte that this book is not for beginners. If anyone thinks I am off the mark, please let me know - otherwise I will return this book.

The author demonstrates clearly his love for horses and the art of dressage. He emphasizes the fundamentals of good riding: a good seat and hence quiet giving hands. This is not really a 'how-to' book, but then no book on riding really can be, because riding is not something mechanical. I enjoyed reading this book, even though the text is quite repetitive at times. It made me newly aware of aspects of my riding, and I have been riding dressage for more than 20 years!

Do you have a horse? For the horse's sake, read this book, and when you are done, read it again! It took me a long time to read this book, because every time I read a page I felt that my head was so full of thoughts that I had to put it down for a minute just to absorb it, and then I'd read the page over again. And I loved every minute of it! This is a book based on dressage, but it covers things that are essential for every horse that is going to be ridden, no matter what type of riding you are into; this book contains information you do not want to miss. Charles De Kunffy is such a talented horse man and author, it is a true pleasure to read any one of his books, and this one is the best one yet. Besides being a very useful book in practical terms, it is so thorough in it's descriptions, what strikes me the most is the love and passion for the horse that comes through. A lot of people think that dressage is something for the few, but this book will show them how it can not only benefit every rider, but more importantly every horse.

This book tells you how to get the best results out of your horse. It has so much vital information if you want to become a good dressage rider or just in general riding. If you love horses and want to ride your horse with the most humane and loving way this book is for you!! I admire the author's love, dedication and respect for horses and there well being.

I have not actually finished this book, but so far, it is the BEST dressage book I have read. Mr. De Kunffy focuses on the horse being happy and relaxed. All of the horses shown in the book look GREAT! You can actually see the "elastic" feel in the reins. He also provides you with some good images for using while in the saddle; how it should feel when your seat is correct. I particulary like the fact that he emphasizes the relaxed horse. This is somewhat contrary to many dressage styles and many books I have read. I consider this book a "must have" for any horse person.

This is a fabulous dressage book. Be sure to get the 2nd edition as it is a joy to read and is clear and explains everything so well. If you only get one dressage book,this should be the one. I have tons of them and this one is the best.

Training Strategies for the Dressage Rider, Second Edition

This book is more than a bargain because you will get correct instruction and not be misled in any way, a problem with poor or misinformed tutelage.

Riding is a dynamic sport best learned under saddle with excellent, engaged coaching. Anyone fortunate enough to spend time with Charles de Kunffy and who has spent time with less skilled instructors can really appreciate the difference.

He gains his cues from the horse, observing subtle or not so subtle movements in the horse's engagement as indicators of what the rider should be doing differently rather than looking at the rider first. In every clinic, everyone see genuine performance improvement from each horse / rider combination whether relative beginner or Grand Prix level.

The problem is that Charles' clinics are few and far between, cost $200 to $300 per ride (plus transit costs) and you really ought to have an instructor at your home stable who trains with him as well. Nor does he have a video series (other than one for seat and aids) to supplement his books.

He is, however, an excellent author and shares his philosophy, perspectives and insights with a wide audience through his books. If you are serious about dressage specifically, want to obtain a better seat to use in hacking or eventing or simply want to learn to interact better with your horse, this book will help you understand what to do and why.

I remember Charles saying once that horses have been genetically selected through the generations so that now they are perfectly balanced by themselves. It is only when we mount them, that they become unbalanced. The goal, therefore is for us to learn to be balanced and it is therefore our primary duty as a rider to obtain a stable, supple seat (which most people fail to do even after 30 years of riding) in order for the horse / rider combination to stay in balance. Like Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."

There is nothing about riding that is inexpensive except the dirt and books. Although we can wash the dirt off, we can waste a lot of time reading the wrong books and following their directions. You will not waste any time reading Charles de Kunffy's books, nor following his directions.

I've watched and attended clinics with Mr. de Kunffy. I have ridden dressage for 10+ years. I have found his clinics confusing. I do like this book though. I wouldn't recommend it to new dressage riders it's better read by the trainers and people who have ridden "real" dressage. Now to slam the beginners but it, like his clinics can be very confusing. I would recommend reading this book.

He's got it all together. This is like an encyclopedia. One of the most thorough and inspiring books on dressage. Effective in creating a new confindence in me. Supported my deepest beliefs which I was not seeing in the dressage world around me.