Study the Classics in Equestrian Reading
This summer, Dappled Grey has made a commitment to studying some of the classic texts on English riding and horsemanship. In some cases, we’re re-reading an old favorite with a fresh eye, while others are a new discovery.
With the little bit of extra reading time afforded by travel and the longer days of summer, why not join us in discovering new nuggets of knowledge or even exploring a respected text from another discipline? Do it for yourself and your horse.
Here’s our top three and a brief list of suggested further reading:
The Complete Training of Horse and Rider: The Principles of Classical Horsemanship by Alois Podhajsky is the definitive book on horsemanship, written in simple and exact terms by the dressage icon and long time director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Podhajsky “had us at hello” when he quotes the Greek horseman and general Xenophon on the first page: “Anything forced and misunderstood can never be beautiful.” The mustest of must-reads.
Reflections on Riding and Jumping: Winning Techniques for Serious Riders by William Steinkraus is a book that’s never far out of our reach. From the habits and mindset that made him one of the most successful American riders of all time to incredibly detailed and practical guidance on selecting and training a jumping horse, Steinkraus’ classic contains gems of wisdom on virtually every page. We have his “Two Dozen Useful Aphorisms” posted in our tack trunk. An unequivocal classic.
Three words adorn the back jacket of Dressage With Kyra: The Kyra Kyrklund Training Method - “systematic, logical, consistent.” This guide to the globally respected and successful dressage rider’s methods are just that and you’ll find her clearly written instructions entering your mind as you ride. Kyra’s basic theory is that in order for the horse to give, the rider should give first…can you apply that in your daily riding?
Want to go further?
The Art of Horsemanship by Xenophon
The De Nemethy Method by Bertalan De Nemethy
Give Your Horse a Chance: A Classic Work on the Training of Horse and Rider by Lieutenant Colonel Agoston d’ Endrody
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