Customer Reviews

The principles of riding : the official instruction handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation

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If you don't have much to invest in books on riding and dressage, do yourself a favor and get this one. I have Jane Kidd's Dressage Essentials and Sylvia Loch's Riding in Lightness, and I really enjoy both of those also, but Principles gets down to the real nitty gritty with excellent explanations and clear drawings.

I'm one of those novice, overage riders with a new, relatively green horse, and we're endeavoring to learn dressage. Our instructor/trainer recommended this book, and it's the best I've read yet on the basics of everything, from the different types of cavesons, to the horse and how he functions, and the rider, too. It confirmed to me also that I have an excellent instructor who is taking the classical approach and not trying to rush us, which seems to be happening too much these days.

This is a great book to read through, and then study in detail.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I expected the stereotypical German style and found a really excellent book on the basics for both horse and rider. The basics for the horse stress the classical stretching, relaxtion and throughness. But, the book also approaches the training of the horse with a very "soft" feel. I think this is a really excellent book for all riders, beginners esp., but a nice review for more advanced.

If you ride horses, and especially if you study dressage, you need this book. I'm buying it for the third time because I keep lending it out and losing it. This is horsemanship as it's meant to be done. If your trainer isn't teaching you consistently with this system, RUN AWAY.

All you really need for your beginning equestrian library is this book, Alois Podhajsky's "Complete Training of Horse and Rider," and the Pony Club manual (for guidance on grooming, stable management, health, etc.).

As a trainer, I give this book to all of my clients. Without a doubt, it gives a good foundation of the English riding sport. Principles covers the basics of seat, aids, basic jumping and elementary dressage. The concepts of through-lightness are discussed as are the half halt and being on the bit. The information is to the point and easy to understand then implement.

This book is extremely clear and concise but not dry. Written by the German Federation which has long been the leader of dressage in the equestrian world. Along with the 2nd book, Advanced Techniques of Riding, this is all you need! I have many riding books but an Olympic rider referred both to me as her favorites. I don't know how I ever rode without them. Simply the best.