For over a quarter of a century, Colonel Alois Podhajsky was the Director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, home of the famous white Lipizzaner stallions whose remarkable performances have thrilled audiences throughout the world. Now for the first time, Col. Podhajsky has set forth explicitly and in practical, instructive fashion the step-by-step methods of training both horse and rider that are used at the School and that are the applicable foundations of all good horsemanship, for their purpose is to develop the natural abilities of the horse and to make riding a graceful, pleasurable experience.

Frédéric and Magali combine efforts and share the secrets of the breathtaking relationships they have cultivated over the course of their lives with horses. They view their work with horses as a journey of endless discovery and infinite rewards.

"The first edition of The Principles of Riding was published more than 50 years ago, imparting mandatory basic knowledge for all areas of equestrian sport and horse-keeping and this 28th edition, Basic Training for Horse and Rider, has been completely revised regarding language and content, while still taking into account the well-established principles. The consideration of traditional principles leads to the education and training of the horse according to its nature and thus to its health, well-being and performance capability. The horse's instincts and natural behaviour are presented in detail as the basis of communication and understanding between horse and rider. Modern scientific research relating to training theory and biomechanics has influenced the systematic training of the rider as well as that of the horse. The Principles of Riding provides versatile, practical assistance to horse lovers and readers of this book who want to learn, irrespective of whether they ride for leisure or competitively, are interested in hacking or hunting, or want to develop and improve their basic training for dressage, show-jumping or eventing. These Principles should be indispensable for all riders, drivers, trainers and judges, and to all of those who are interested in the appropriate training of the horse, according to the horse's nature, and who place importance on a harmonious cooperation between horse and rider." -- Amazon.com.

This marvelous book, borne of a unique collaboration between Dr. Allen Schoen—a world-renowned veterinarian and author—and trainer and competitor of many years Susan Gordon, introduces the 25 Principles of Compassionate Equitation. These Principles, conceived by Dr. Schoen and Gordon, are a set of developmental guidelines, encouraging a level of personal awareness that may be enacted not only through the reader's engagement with horses, but can be extended to all humans and sentient beings he or she encounters. The 25 Principles share stories and outline current, peer-reviewed studies that identify and support methods of training, handling, and caring for horses that constitute a safe, healthy, non-stressful, and pain-free environment. Through their Compassionate Equestrian program, the authors encourage all involved in the horse industry to approach training and handling with compassion and a willingness to alleviate suffering. By developing deeper compassion for their own horses, and subsequently, all equines, equestrians transcend their differences in breed preferences, riding disciplines, and training methodologies. This leads to the ability to empathize and connect more closely with the “global collective” of horses and horse people. In doing so, a worldwide community of compassionate equine practitioners and horse owners will emerge, which will not only benefit the horses: People involved with horses are found in many influential segments of society and have the potential to affect wide circles of friends, acquaintances, and co-workers from every walk of life. These are simple changes any horse person can make that can have a vast impact on the horse industry and society as a whole.

Originally published in France 1854 then translated into English in 1919 by John Swire. The author's methods are simple and practical. He treats a horse like a human being he maintains that the rider can only influence his mount by placing it in such a position that the movement desired is the only possible one, and then stimulating it the placing being made easy by specially graduated exercises which supple the horse's will as well as his muscles. Contents Include: New method of giving the Rider a good Seat. Control and Distribution of Energy. The Suppling Exercises. Suppling the Hindquarters. The Use of the Horse's Energy by the Rider. Concentration of the Horse's Energy by the Rider. The Canter. Jumping. The Piaffer. Scheme of Work. A Concise Explanation of the Method by means of Question and Answer. . Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

When Cavalia—the amazing equestrian-themed "spectacular," melding costumes and theatrics with stunt riding and haute école—first took North America by storm, few people knew who Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado were. But the whole world was soon abuzz with talk of the magical display these two remarkable individuals provided their audience—whether horse-crazy or layperson, none could walk away unaffected by the powerful connection they demonstrated with their unparalleled cast of beautiful horses. In this remarkable book, now available in paperback, Frédéric—a specialist in liberty and ground work—and Magali—a talented dressage rider at the Grand Prix level—combine efforts and share the secrets of the breathtaking relationships they have cultivated over the course of their lives with horses. They tell the story of Templado—the gorgeous but rebellious stallion who demanded they question all they had learned as horsemen and look at, in a whole new light, what it means to train horses. It was this tempestuous character that taught them that the process of building a relationship with a horse can be on more equal footing than most would dream possible. It is with this life-altering lesson in mind that Frédéric and Magali now explain their Six Golden Principles. These include how you can become a "safe haven"—the most important being in your horse's life—while ensuring he gets the leadership he craves and deserves. And, how to establish acceptable limits of behavior, as well as respect, without ever succumbing to anger or using force. They describe how to read horse behavior so you can better understand and communicate with your equine partner as an "individual." Plus, you'll see what it means to be patient and "give your horse a say" in his own training—and just how rewarding the results can be. In a chapter devoted to their practical approach, you'll explore what is perhaps most central to their methods: the idea of "play" and how games can be used to develop a horse's intelligence, confidence, and desire to perform, whether at liberty or in the most difficult of competitive environments. Magali shares the example of her Grand Prix mount Dao, with whom she has reached the pinnacle of European competition, and whom dressage judges praise for his supple and stress-free performances. Both Frédéric and Magali once thought they had become skilled and compassionate riders and trainers, but found that the monumental challenges presented by Templado turned their beliefs upside down and made them start again from the beginning. They now view their work with horses as a journey of endless discovery and infinite rewards. With this book, full of phenomenal color photographs of their horses, many of whom appeared in the show that first made them famous, you can join—and learn from—them.