In this beautifully written and richly illustrated book, Charles de Kunffy advocates for uncompromising devotion to the well-being of horses. Riding must be restorative and therapeutic prior to schooling horses to gymnastic excellence.

Xenophon Press is pleased to present this softcover edition of what many followers of Charles de Kunffy consider to be their "bible." Since our publication of the collector's edition in 2021, riders and trainers alike have asked for a more portable version. This text is a favorite of riders and trainers alike and stands as a cornerstone of Charles' writings: to treat our horses with dignity, respect and kindness. This edition will be treasured and referred to often. The chapters are succinct, and cover essential topics that need to be embedded in the minds of riders and trainers. We encourage you to read, and re-read the material, study the diagrams, photos, and method. I would like to thank Mary Fleishman sincerely for her valuable copy editing suggestions. For those of us fortunate enough to have studied and taught with Charles, this volume serves as a valuable reminder of his decades of dedicated pedagogy. Edited by Richard Williams

An elegantly written appraisal of classical riding by a highly respected equestrian author, enhanced with 50 superb color photos.

Training Strategies for Dressage Riders is a unique guide to the art and technique of dressage, written by one of the most renowned equestrian trainers in the world today. It offers a complete training system for both horse and rider, paying special attention to how a rider s actions can influence a mount. The book provides practical, in-the-saddle advice on a wide range of dressage topics, including: * The art of classical equitation * The development of the rider s seat and aids * Developing the basic gaits * Gymnastic improvement * Horse insubordination * Clinics and competitions judging Whether you want to prepare for dressage competition or simply improve your riding skills, this is a matchless guide.

Miguel Tavora emphasizes that through correct, gradual, progressive, logical and systematic gymnastic work, we develop the physical and mental abilities of the horse, so he will find all the activities he is asked easy to perform, and will do it looking as if it was by his own will.

James Fillis' classic work Principes de Dressage et d'Equitation originally written in French was translated into English in 1902 by Mathew Horrace Hayes and came to be known under the title of Breaking and Riding. This faithful Xenophon Press edition, restores the title to its clear meaning: Principles of Dressage and Equitation. In the interest of preserving this title forever, Xenophon Press has painstakingly reformatted the text and illustrations in a convenient, well laid out format including all of the text and imagery, unlike lesser facsimile copies on the market."My method of equitation consists in distribution of weight by the height of the neck bent at the poll and not at the withers; propulsion by means of the hocks being brought under the body; and lightness by the loosening of the lower jaw. When we know this, we know everything, and we know nothing. We know everything, because these principles are of universal application; and we know nothing, because they have to be applied practically. "Practice cannot be taught in a book; but I will try to set forth principles." - JAMES FILLIS. "Having fortunately had many opportunities of seeing Mr. Fillis ride both in Germany and at the St. Petersburg Cavalry Riding School, where he is Ecuyer en chef, I can fully endorse the correctness of the good opinion held about him by his most enthusiastic admirers. "With extremely few exceptions, school riders abuse their power, and sacrifice freedom of movement to exaggerated control, with the result, in many cases, of getting their animals behind their bits and straining their hocks. Such men ride in a mechanical manner, which is inelegant in a school...and is entirely unsuited for work in the open. Mr. Fillis, on the contrary, acting on his motto "en avant" (ride forward), has succeeded in showing how a horse can be made clever in his movements, without in any way diminishing his usefulness on the road or over a country. I therefore trust that all English-speaking horsemen...will profit by the valuable instruction which he now puts before them." - M. H. HAYES, translator:

Dressage is often seen as the most formal and controlled of the equine sports, following an ancient, standardized training progression. For philosopher and dressage instructor Dr. Sherry Ackerman, dressage is much more. It — along with riding in general — can be a transformational art and an avenue for reflection, exploration, and self-knowledge through which a rider can experience liberation from the individual, egoistic self. This second, revised edition of Dressage in the Fourth Dimension is a pioneer work in awakening “dressage consciousness.” Drawing on such diverse sources as sacred geometry, ancient Western and Eastern philosophies, and esoteric spirituality, Ackerman seeks to heal humanity’s alienation from nature through riding. She points us toward the liberation from societal conditioning and normative thinking, and, ultimately, from our own egos. Her concept of the fourth dimension requires us to leave the analytic, objective mind behind and enter into the mystery of inspiration. A short, unique, thought-provoking work that has enjoyed a word-of-mouth reputation among horse people for years, Dressage in the Fourth Dimension will challenge riders’ assumptions about their horses and themselves.