THIS JUST IN - NEW TITLES

Dressage in the French Tradition by Dom Diogo de Bragança - Paperback (2011)

This seminal book on the goals and methods of French dressage has finally been translated into English. Dom Diogo de Bragança originally wrote it in 1976, revising it in 2005, when he also added a chapter on dressage specialized for bullfighting. There, the horse, while flirting with grave danger, "offers us a breathtaking spectacle of beauty, precision, and brilliance."

A modern "Renaissance man" for whom the equestrian art is but one of his passions, he studied equestrian theory extensively in both Portuguese and French. He was one of Nuno Oliveira's first and best students, and has applied these theories in training numerous horses. This is surely a a welcome addition, to be studied by dressage enthusiasts everywhere.

Code: 5518 Price: $34.95   Click Here to Order.

Baucher & His School: with Appendices by General Albert Decarpentry - Paperback (2011)

Baucher and his School, originally published in 1948, is an equestrian biography of Baucher and an analytical examination of his method and its lasting effect on French equitation. Decarpentry, grandson of Eugè�ne Caron who was a direct student of Baucher, is considered the most knowlegeable Ecuyer of his generation, and contributed actively to the influence of French equitation, both through his writings and as chairman of the FEI dressage jury. His treatise is considered essential for understanding the importance of Baucher.

The first Appendix in this new edition includes excerpts from the memoir of Louis Rul, clarified and completed by his friend Eugè�ne Caron. Their accounts provide valuable first hand anecdotes of the life and times of Baucher.The second Appendix consists of excerpts from Baucher & his Art: Serious Warning to the Riders of Germany. In it, Louis Seeger, Baucher's German rival, compares and contrasts his own method to Baucher's nouvelle méthode. This counter-argument sheds light on the "German" versus "French" method, which has endured to the present.

Code: 5517 Price: $28.95  Click Here to Order.

Meditation for Two: Searching for & Finding Communion with Your Horse by Dominique Barbier, with Keron Psillas - Hardcover (2011)

Dominique Barbier is one of the first contemporary dressage rider/writers to have openly espoused the spiritual connection's role in training horses, with his first book, Dressage for the New Age. Now, with his latest book, Meditation for Two, this spiritual link between horse and rider, and the two-way learning that results from it, is central in the book.

With the exception of an interesting explanation of the value of "shoulders-in" as a training tool, there is little that directly addresses training. And yet, as Barbier enlarges upon the rider's journey to oneness with the horse, it becomes clear why and how the horse is as much or more our teacher as we are his. The image of the oneness of the mythical centaur takes on new meaning.

He reminds us, as do many of the best trainers today, that horses live "in the now." But he fleshes out the concept, showing how critical it is to gain the horse's trust, a feat only possible if we too, focus on the now, acknowledge and face our own ego and any fear that may obstruct our relationship.

The book is punctuated with evocative photographs from Keron Psillas, prose that reads like poetry at times, and Dominique's key thoughts, in both French and English. This is an uplifting meditation. Barbier's gratitude for a life spent among horses comes through on every page, as a Zen-like "work" toward harmony, love and oneness. He asks us to take a break from our busyness, stop and revere the present, and leave ourselves open to the next lesson our horses may offer us.

Code: 5537 Price: $24.95 Click here to order.

Methodical Dressage of the Saddle Horse by François Faverot de Kerbrech (2010)

Many consider Franç�ois Faverot de Kerbrech's Methodical Dressage of the Saddle Horse to be the 'Bible of Baucherism.' Following the translation of de Kerbrech's work, this edition also includes Dressage of the Outdoor Horse: recalled by one of his students, an essay by General George de Lagarenne, who was a student of Faverot de Kerbrech. Both are translated by Michael L. M. Fletcher.

Franç�ois Faverot de Kerbrech's (1837-1905) first riding master was his father, General Baron Faverot, student of Chevalier D'Abzac. At Saint Cyr, his teachers were students of the Count d'Aure. Faverot completed his studies by following Fran�çois Baucher, becoming one of Baucher's favorite students. A horseman of great repute, he remained the loyal successor to the work of Franç�ois Baucher.

Franç�ois Baucher brought numerous modifications to his first method of dressage. Faverot de Kerbrech gives us a definitive description and explanation of Baucher's second manner in his work: Methodical Dressage of the Saddle Horse from the Last Teaching of Baucher, recalled by one of his students (1891). Published twenty years after the death of Baucher, this work is the result of a quest to bring French equitation out of its academic approach; enriched by the experience of Faverot de Kerbrech himself. It is widely considered the best representation of Baucher's second method. In Dressage of the Outdoor Horse, General de Lagarenne gives us the last teaching of Faverot de Kerbrech. This work consists of a simplified progression of the second manner of Baucher with regard to the preparation of a horse for outdoor riding.

Code: 5511 Price: $34.95 Click here to order.

Anne Kursinski's Riding & Jumping Clinic: A Step-by-Step Course for Winning in the Hunter & Jumper Rings by Anne Kursinski, with Miranda Lorraine - Paperback (2011)

Anne Kursinski's Riding and Jumping Clinic was a classic reference when it first came out in 1995. Since that edition went out of print, it has been sorely missed. It has now been reissued, in a new paperback format. You will find the familiar step-by-step course to winning in the hunter and jumper rings from that original reference.

From basic flatwork and dressage through jumping, the book also includes Anne's secrets of analyzing jumper courses and strategies for riding them. This is a welcome addition for any rider serious about jumping!

Code: 5524 Price: $24.95 Click here to order.

Rider Fitness: Body & Brain - 180 Anytime, Anywhere Exercises by Eckart Meyners - Paperback (2011)

Riding isn't like other sports: it's about timing, not speed; it's about balance, not strength. Working on the horse's training and fitness can't progress far unless you also develop the rider's training and fitness.

Many are familiar with Eckart Meyners, who has focused on the relationship between kinetics and riding for more than 30 years. He now offers this fitness program to help riders achieve the athletic ability needed to carry their side of the horse-rider partnership.

The program covers both unmounted and mounted exercises, from warm-up to cool-down, and includes aerobic work, stretching, strengthening, stress-reducing, balancing and rider specific exercises. The mounted exercises work to reduce stress, and train the rider's brain with gymnastic movements to improve coordination, spatial awareness and general fitness. Meyners ties the rider's development with the Training Scale for horses, so the rider is able to work with the horse toward the ultimate goal of "throughness."

Olympic dressage rider Heike Kemmer demonstrates the concepts in photos. Line drawings of exercises complete the illustrations in this useful guide to improve the rider's range of motion, motor control, reaction time, flexibility, balance and muscle memory.

Code: 5509 Price: $29.95 Click here to order.

Adult Longeing Guide: Exercises to Build and Independent Seat by Emily Esterson - Hardcover (2011)

Although we usually think of longeing as an exercise primarily for the horse, it's also a great skill for a rider to learn. It enables two riders to work as a team with one horse, and it helps riders to build an "independent seat," the goal of every rider.

Emily Esterson has put together a book that invites you to pick a human partner and start a longeing routine for both of you to improve your riding and work on your balance and flexibility. It has easy-to-follow instructions, accompanied by dozens of photos.

Code: 5542 Price: $24.95 Click here to order.

Rider & Horse Back to Back: Establishing a Mobile, Stable Core in the Saddle by Susanne von Dietze - Hardcover (2011)

Susanne von Dietz's book explains how to dynamically stabilize your back so you can ride with feel, and in tune with your horse. She carefully discusses body awareness, perception and the necessary physical fitness needed to help you train without strain. The included exercises are designed to help you improve your flexibility, dexterity, mobility and stability, while improving transitions, half-halts, sitting trot, straightness and collection.

Von Dietz's background as a physical therapist as well as riding instructor and upper level dressage rider enables her to clearly present the complex physical relationship between horse and rider. She introduced this principle of the dynamic balance of rider with a horse in movement in her earlier book, Balance in Movement, and DVDs, Balance in Movement 1 & 2. Her new DVD, also called Rider & Horse Back to Back, explores visually how the back is central to all of the rider's movement on the horse, and demonstrates numerous exercises to strengthen it and improve flexibility, as well as to learn to move in harmony with the horse's back.

Code: 5519 Price: $29.95 Click here to order.

Rider's Aids: How to Get It Right by Anne-Katrin Hagen - Paperback (2004)

A handy little guide to basic aids (for half halt, halt, gait transitions, and reinback among others) and schooling movements (circles, change of rein, serpentine, and voltes). Brief sections also cover forward seat (how it differs from the dressage seat), and riding in the open and on hills. The colorful graphics illustrate occasional long-winded text explanations (perhaps due to awkward translation from the German original). This is one of the Cadmos' Horse Guides series that exhibits an overall quality I turn to for reliably sound advice.

Code: 5538 Price: $9.95 Click here to order.

Free Jumping: A Practical Handbook by Claudia Götz - Paperback (2009)

A helpful guide to the basics of jumping a horse without a rider. Most horses benefit from free jumping--it encourages freedom of movement, increases muscular strength, and improves coordination and jumping technique. This practical book contains many helpful illustrations; the reader will gain a better understanding of how to prepare for and carry out free jumping, while developing an eye for the horse's general improvement during training.

Code: 5522 Price: $24.95 Click here to order.

Pocket Guide to Build a Better Horse: 16 Gymnastic Exercises for Your Horse by Leslie Webb - Spiralbound Paperback (2011)

Here's a great pocket-size guide intended as a go-to companion when you're in the arena. It presents Leslie Webb's original progressive program of gymnastic exercises featured in her Build a Better Athlete book, and is drawn from the series of articles that ran in Practical Horseman magazine.

Code: 5528 Price: $12.95 Click here to order.

Trust Instead of Dominance: Working Towards a New Form of Ethical Horsemanship by Marlitt Wendt - Paperback (2011)

Trust Instead of Dominance posits that recent insights in behavioral science challenge the validity of dominance theory in training horses. Wendt offers a nuanced view of the horse's evolution, suggesting that many differences in horse behavior result from differences in the ancestral herds of each horse type: pony breeds tended to live in herds, for example, while warmblood ancesters had looser connections. This has implications both for our domestic herds of mixed breeds today, and for how each horse responds to our training methods.

The author presents an interesting alternative, albeit sometimes overly critical of current theory, arguing for a more horse-friendly training style. By making us aware of the many aspects of a horse's behavior, and his reactions to living space and herd mates, Wendt gives us valid points to consider as we plan the care, housing and training of our horses. The book is less a book on training than on behavior, and on how that should inform our relationship with horses. There is good food for thought here.

Code: 5540 Price: $29.95 Click here to order.

Riding Free: Bitless, Bridleless, Bareback by Andrea & Markus Eschbach - Paperback (2011)

The authors have developed a training method, for both young horses and horses returning for training, which has as the ultimate goal to eliminate obstructions to communication between horse and rider. While the result will differ depending on each horse's personality -- and many will still need at least a bitless bridle -- working toward that goal helps riders develop a closer union with their horses. You can learn to feel and respond to the horse's movement, using more subtle aids, in order to cue him better.

The Eschbachs advocate use of Dr. Robert Cook's bitless bridle, and have extensive advice on its use and how it differs from other bridles. There are some unique training ideas in the book; even if you don't intend to ride "free," it offers some great suggestions for developing your, and your horse's, communication, confidence and trust in this relationship.

Code: 5544 Price: $22.95 Click here to order.

Beyond Horse Massage: A Breakthrough Interactive Method for Alleviating Soreness, Strain, and Tension by Jim Masterson - Spiral-Bound Hardcover (2011)

Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for some of the horse world's finest equine athletes, first became interested in equine massage in 1997. Jim recognized that the horse visibly responds to touch as it releases tension in his body. Using those responses to guide his work, the author developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is a unique, effective method of bodywork that anyone can learn to use, to improve performance while at the same time opening new levels of communication and trust with the horse.

The book is filled with illustrations and photos demonstrating each step of this technique. In addition, the DVD, Beyond Equine Massage(5531, see below), brings to life how horses participate in Masterson's equine massage method. As you perfect your skill at this method, you will also develop a stronger bond with and understanding of your horse. More

Code: 5530 Price: $32.95 Click here to order.

Horses Never Lie About Love: Remarkable Horse Who Changed the World Around Her by Jana Harris - Hardcover (2011)

Jana Harris shares with us the remarkable path she has followed since she purchased True Colors as her foundation Thoroughbred brood mare 25 years ago. Picking her from a dispersal herd, as much on instinct as sound judgement, she expected to receive a beautiful, blood bay mare, the one she had observed caring for her young foal.

But when the mare was delivered three months later, Jana found a damaged, traumatized mare, the survivor of a forest fire. What transpired in the coming years, as the mare's true colors came out, is the subject of the book. Today, with True Colors 33 years old, having cared for her own foals as well as others beyond number, we can well understand why Harris cherishes this mare. This is a heartwarming story, at times humorous, heartrending, delightful, but throughout, it's a story that you'll want to share.

Code: 5543 Price: $24.00 Click here to order.

Winter Pony by Iain Lawrence - Paperback (2011)

A unique account--from the viewpoint of a pony--of what it was like to be part of Scott's expedition as the team tried to reach the South Pole before their rival, Amundsen.

In the forests of Siberia, during the first years of the 20th century, a white pony runs free with his herd. But his life changes forever when he's captured by men. Years of hard work and cruelty wear him out. When he's chosen to be one of 20 ponies to accompany the Englishman Robert Falcon Scott on his quest to become the first to reach the South Pole, he doesn't know what to expect. But the men of Scott's expedition show him kindness, something he's never known before. They also give him a name--James Pigg.

As Scott's team hunkers down in Antarctica, James Pigg finds himself caught up in one of the greatest races of all time. The Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen has suddenly announced that he too means to be first to the Pole. But only one team can triumph, and not everyone can survive-not even the animals.

Code: 5541 Price: $16.99 Click here to order.

A Circuit by Georgina Bloomberg with Catherine Hapka- Paperback (2011)

The A Circuit is the top of the top when it comes to horse shows. It's a world with its own rules and superprivileged lifestyles. Teens travel the circuit all year, showing horses that cost as much as some homes. Tommi, Kate, and Zara are all elite competitors on the circuit, but they come from totally different backgrounds. Tommi is a billionaire heiress trying to prove she has real talent (not just deep bank accounts). Kate puts the working in working student -- every win has been paid for with hours of cleaning stalls. She's used to the grueling schedule. But Fitz, the barn's resident hot guy, is about to become a major distraction. And then there's Zara. She's the wild child of a famous rockstar, but she's ready to take riding seriously. Can a party girl really change her ways?

Georgina Bloomberg, Michael Bloomberg's daughter and a survivor of A Circuit competition, joins with veteran YA writer Catherine Hapka to create a lively and realistic story of life in this high-powered world of young equestrians.

Code: 5529 Price: $9.99 Click here to order.

Stable by Ted Lewin - Hardcover (2010)

There was a time when horses dominated every aspect of American life. Now Kensington Stables, just off Brooklyn's Prospect Park, is one of the last remaining stables in New York City. Ted Lewin's book is about that stable: its past, its present, and its uncertain future. With his characteristically warm, intimate scenes and simple story line, Lewin recreates the world of this city stable.

Code: 5539 Price: $17.99 Click here to order.

Oh, Harry! by Maxine Kumin - Hardcover (2011)

Barry isn't the most handsome or graceful horse in the barn, but he has a knack for calming even the most excitable filly. All's well until the arrival of six-year-old Algernon Adams the Third--a boy with a talent for mayhem. When Algernon finds himself in a pinch, will reliably helpful Harry come to his rescue or go back to sleep and let the little terror figure his own way out of a sticky situation?

Barry Moser has wonderfully illustrated this book with a humor that adds to Kumin's delightful story. Haven't we all wished there were a Harry in our barn to handle such "little terrors" at some time!

Code: 5545 Price: $16.99 Click here to order.

DVD - School of Légèreté 1: Hands-on training with students of the School of Légèreté by Philippe Karl (2011)

This video focuses on Philippe Karl's training sessions with a variety of horses and riders at his School of Lég�èreté. We are treated to everything from the well-endowed, sweet but dressage-challenged Haflinger, to a young distracted stallion, an off-the-track race horse, a lovely sport horse and an energetic Lusitano. The riders are almost as varied as the horses, and this shows us Karl at his versatile best, working on the specific level of each horse-and-rider pair. Karl's style of training emphasizes the basic principles of French classical riding with lightness, asking the horse to reach into contact with the rider's hands, through the reins and bit(s). Showing such a wide variety of sequences in this video, with all types of horse-and-rider combinations, helps us better understand the goals and the problem-solving approaches that can be used to achieve the schooling of an all-around horse that is light to the rider's aids at all times. 89 minutes.

Code: 5525 Price: $49.95 Click here to order.

DVD - School of Légèreté 2: Hands-on training with students of the School of Légèreté by Philippe Karl (2011)

This second part of the series shows the advanced work of students at the School of Lég�èreté. This includes combined lateral movements in walk and trot; lateral movements in canter; preparation for flying changes; development of the Spanish walk, piaffe and passage; and a summary of a complete training session. 83 minutes.

Code: 5526 Price: $49.95 Click here to order.

DVD - Pas de Deux / Pas de Trois / Magic of Classical Dressage by Jensen, Klimke et al (2011)

This DVD includes three celebrated videos from the 1980s, capturing memorable performances of past, but not forgotten, horse-and-rider combinations. Pas de Deux shows Anne-Grethe Jensen on Marzog and Dr Reiner Klimke on Ahlerich. Pas de Trois features the -- at that time -- most famous dressage horses of the world with the then three most famous riders of the world: Christine Stückelberger on Gaugin de Lully, Dr Reiner Klimke on Ahlerich and Margit Otto-Crepin on Corlandus. The Magic of Classical Dressage shows some of the 20th century's best dressage riders in brillant slow-motion replays. Ahlerich in New York features Dr Reiner Klimke and Ahlerich in New York's Madison Square Garden during their presentation in front of an enraptured audience. 85 minutes.

Code: 5534 Price: $49.95 Click here to order.

DVD - Rider & Horse Back to Back by Susanne von Dietze (2011)

Susanne von Dietz's new DVD, Rider & Horse Back to Back, explores visually how the back is central to all of the rider's movement on the horse, and demonstrates over 50 practical exercises to strengthen it and improve flexibility, as well as learn to move in harmony with the horse's back. Riders in the video work, on the lunge as well as independently mounted, to show how the rider's position should interact harmoniously with the horse's back movement, for the health of both the rider's and the horse's back. 45 minutes.

Code: 5520 Price: $29.95 Click here to order.

DVD - Balance in Movement 2 by Susanne von Dietze (2011)

Susanne von Dietz introduces the concept of the dynamic balance of the rider with the horse in movement in her book, Balance in Movement. Now the new DVD, Balance in Movement 2: Riding with Light Aids, complements the first DVD, Balance in Movement 1: the Seat of the Rider, and explores visually how to apply light and effective aids, using a wide range of detailed suggestions for daily training and all levels of riding.

Code: 5521 Price: $29.95 Click here to order.

DVD - The Rider's Eye by Jim Wofford (2010)

Helmet camera in place, Doug Payne lets you ride with him through jumping exercises in the arena and out on cross country, seamlessly blending traditional training instruction with modern technology. Jim Wofford analyzes each exercise, first letting you observe from the ground, then riding seemingly in the saddle with Doug. Each exercise is first performed incorrectly to illustrate common mistakes, and then immediately re-ridden to demonstrate the right way to execute it. This is a great way to use DVD technology for instruction.

Code: 5536 Price: $29.95 Click here to order.

DVD - Team O'Connor Technique from Practical Horseman's editors (2010)

Karen and David O'Connor and their team demonstrate the success that can be achieved with a solid foundation of horsemanship principles and techniques. Along with their longtime stable manager, Max Corcoran, they offer their valuable insights in this DVD.

Tour the O'Connor barn with Max as she shows you how to horse-proof your barn aisle, stalls, wash stall and paddock. David teaches you how to train your horse to load into a trailer easily. Max offers tips on proper feed, minerals, and supplements, as well as selecting and storing hay. Karen demonstrates suppling exercises and discusses rider responsibility, to name just a few tips.

Code: 5527 Price: $29.95 Click here to order.

DVD - Beyond Horse Massage: Introducing the Masterson Method by Jim Masterson (2011)

Released at the same time as Masterson's book (above), also called Beyond Horse Massage, the DVD shows you the step-by-step practical method for learning and practicing Masterson's massage techniques. If you had any question about whether the horse responds to massage touch done this way, the DVD shows clearly both the ways the horse expresses himself and the results of the massage. At one point Masterson "shows" the horse how to release his shoulder muscles, and you can see his whole limb relax, from withers to foot -- quite impressive!

This is an extremely helpful addition to the book (5530), although either can stand alone.

Code: 5531 Price: $34.95 Click here to order.

DVD - Circus School #1 by Bea Borelle (2011)

Borelle demonstrates basic exercises and tricks with different obstacles. Her focus is tricks with a humorous turn, as well as some of the classics. Exercises on the first DVD include the basics of leading, free standing, and rein back; rattling items like a sack, umbrella or watering can; and standing on a platform. 49 minutes.

Code: 5532 Price: $39.95 Click here to order.

DVD - Circus School #2 by Bea Borelle (2011)

In part 2, Borelle demonstrates more challenging tricks, including work with different obstacles, including a seesaw, as well as game tricks like nudging, bowing, laying down, sitting and dressage exercises on long reins and at liberty. 44 minutes.

Code: 5533 Price: $39.95 Click here to order.

DVD - The Driving Certificate: following the training guidelines of the FN by Frank Lutz (2010)

This is a two-DVD set, and should be required watching for driving newcomers. It offers information about basic driving training and driving knowledge, as established by the German National Equestrian Federations (FN). You will learn about suitable conformation for a carriage horse, and appropriate equipment as well as driving techniques and how to drive with multiple horses. 100 minutes.

Code: 5535 Price: $49.95 Click here to order.