Product Description

Carl Shares his training system and philosophy - in pictures and in his own words, 'jargon-free' and 'down to earth'. Follow his training system as he works with different horses at different levels and adpats his training to suit each horse's personality. Discover what Carl thinks about his horses' welfare and management, and why these are so important to him. Learn how he manages to achieve such polished performances, be it in elementary work with a five year old, or in the dizzy heights of Grand Prix - then, do it yourself!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #88416 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-06
• Binding: Paperback
• 120 pages

Synopsis
In Real Life Dressage Carl Hester shares his training methods and shows how they can be adapted to suit individual horses. Assisted by co-writer Polly Ellison, he outlines his training regimes and favourite exercises, following some of his own horses up the levels to Grand Prix. As the training progresses Carl examines the problems that are commonly encountered, and explains how he and other riders might overcome them. As Carl says, 'I have deliberately chosen horses with differing conformations and mental attitudes in order to illustrate the factors that need to be taken into account when training a horse to these levels.' Carl's training philosophy is very much on the lines of the German training system, the 'Richtlinien' or broad path, that German trainers use so successfully. 'With each of my horses, no matter what type or temperament, the fundamental ground rules from the "scales of training" apply. In working up the levels to Grand Prix you will see that I regularly refer back to various aspects of the training scale, as I believe these ground rules should be applied constantly if you want to get the best out of your horse.'

Customer Reviews

Review of Carl Hester's Real Life Dressage
I liked this book very much. It's written in a down to earth, easy way which reflects Carl's own personality. It isn't a training manual ( how could anyone train their horse by reading a book ? ) but it does describe how to manage different types of horses, from the sluggish to the hyper, and various types of conformation, using Carls' own experiences. He recognises that most horses are not perfect but isn't afraid to adapt the training to accommodate the horse's personality rather than trying to make the horse conform to a particular set of rules. He openly admits that he too has had to work through 'issues' with his horses but by being flexible in his approach he has improved them all. There are also lots of clear photographs which capture incorrect and corrected movements, and others which point out good and not such good conformation.
Refreshingly easy to read.

Coffee table book - not training manual
The book is just Carl's thoughts on the strenghts and weaknesses of his own horses.

Disappointingly, despite the title, there's little practical advice for the average rider.

Not really worth the money.

A must-read book for the amateur dressage rider
If you only buy one dressage book this year then buy this one. The style and format is easy to read, doesn't over-complicate issues and demonstrates that every horse will benefit from correct basic training whatever discipline ultimately you aim for. Based on real-life horses with all their individual hang ups it helps you to put into context your own training problems. For instance, Olympic hero Escapado has to be hacked around a venue for ages before he'll stop spooking and horses working at prix st Georges level sometimes work better in a big field rather than an arena! It gives you the confidence to carry on training but also to be brave and try something new.

I liked the use of clear photographs with simple instructions. Dressage doesn't have to be complicated!