Product Description

In this book, Philippe Karl, one of the most outspoken critics of the modern dressage world, reveals some disturbing facts about the physical, anatomical and mental effects through official dressage guidelines as issued by the German Horse Society (FN) on horses. By comparing these with philosophies of masters of classical riding such as La Gueriniere and Baucher, he shows possible solutions to the challenging situation of modern competitive dressage. This book explores key problems of modern dressage: physical aspects, straightness, balance, exercises. It describes the effects of modern dressage, breeding and business. It suggests a classical alternative: the philosophy of 'legerity'.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #63517 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

About the Author
Philippe Karl, a breeder and rider, is a respected and active participant of all areas of equine sport. For thirteen years, he was an active member of the Cadre Noir, the French elite riding school in Saumur. Philippe Karl lives in Southern France and teaches riding students all over Europe. His previous publications "Hohe Schule der Doppellonge" and "Reitkunst" have been translated into several languages and achieved international recognition. Phillipe Karl is also a talented artist, whose detailed and often satirical drawings complement this book.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding Dressage Reference!
I highly recommend every serious dressage rider get this book and read it over and over again. It will save you and your horse(s) untold frustration in following the FEI (German) method of training which is not horse-centered or even logical. This book is a great companion to Philippe Karl's four part DVD series and explains things more thoroughly than on the DVDs.

Excellent work
This is not a book for dipping into and garnering a small amount of information. This is a serious, reasoned and very well illustrated manual that already has had a profound and positive effect on my riding.
Most other dressage books, as the writer of this well produced tome points out, assume that we are all blessed with top notch, specifically bred, perfectly conformed dressage horses. This book, rightly, does not.
The author makes an interesting and valid comparison between the 'classic' dressage riders of 50 or so years ago and the modern 'competition' riders of today.
In short, this is a book to study, use well and consider carefully. A very worthwhile purchase for the dressage rider of today who wishes more from their horse and their technique.

Fantastic !
At last. simplistic training for every rider and horse partnership!!!!
i cannot praise Philippe Karl and his methods highly enough! Read and re-read, for this should be EVERY dressage riders bible!
FORGET:
rolkur
over bending
harsh use of spurs, whip and hands!
evil training methods, which are NOT horse friendly!
all the FEI dresage principles which are vague, complicated, AND DON'T MAKE SENSE !!!!

This book is great for everyone... from the future olympic medallists to the shaggy field pony!! All Philippe's methods are kind, clear and easy to understand for both horse and rider! All methods are backed up with photographic based drawings and photos!!!
all i can say is READ IT !! god bless Philippe Karl for saving our horses !!!! :)