Over thirty years after the first publication of Reiner Klimke's classic work comes this new fourth edition, with completely new photos and updated by his daughter, Ingrid. Based on sound practical and theoretical advice, this instructional handbook gives advice on establishing a specific training plan for recreational riders as well as competition riders to enable them to train their young horses successfully. Every aspect of the education of a young horse is covered, including: basic education and handling from foalhood; lungeing and free-schooling; backing and training under saddle; developing impulsion from suppleness; assessing and improving basic gaits; cavalletti work; jumping training; cross-country training and, finally, preparing for the first competition.

This practical guide shows how international eventer, Pippa Funnell - well-known for her ability to get the best out of the youngsters she rides - builds a successful bond with the young horse. Using Pippa's personal experience and specially commissioned photographs of the on-going training of her own horses, every step of the training process is covered, from assessing potential to backing through to the first competition and beyond. Every rider, whatever their discipline, wants a rewarding partnership with their horse, and this book aims to show them how to lay the essential groundwork.

A practical guide to using reward-based training techniques to create a true partnership with your horse. This leads to lifelong connection, effective problem-solving and joyful performance.

In 20 lessons, each building on the previous one, use stress-free conditioned-response techniques to teach an equine youngster groundwork basics. Build skills, confidence, trust, and communication. Lay a strong foundation for future under-saddle work in all disciplines.

Presents ground training exercises for every horse and handler, including catching, yielding, turning, sacking out, backing, long lining, doing obstacle work, and more.

Finally, a revitalized version of the well-known classic by one of the world's most successful riders! Reiner Klimke, winner of six Olympic gold medels, covers the early education of the foal, longeing and freework, progessive training under saddle, and eventually preparation for competition. Now furnished with new color photos and helpful tips from his daughter, Ingrid--an international event rider--Klimke's book is poised to continue on as the modern standard on horse training.

Do you have a young horse and the dream to create something special? Not just a solid and reliable riding horse but a special friendship that lasts? Understanding is the Key is not just another How-To-Train-Your-Horse book. Rather, it lays out all elements you need to develop your young horse into your dream horse, whatever it's breed, personality or the discipline you prefer. If your goal is that your horse enjoys the time you spend together and at the same time is well educated and reliable, this book will give you the keys to achieve just that. With "Understanding is the Key" you will learn: -how you can win the heart of your horse and create with awareness the wonderful relationship you wish to have- to understand how horses learn, think and perceive the world around them so that you can avoid all those little everyday problems - to understand what your part is on this journey together with your horse so that you can develop into the clear and loving leader your horse appreciates- to understand the principles of fair horse training so that you will be able to educate your horse in a kind and clear way into a confident partner that is willing to please- the ingredients and the road-map from foal to well-educated horse to make sure you don't miss a step in the development of your youngster. As a result, you will be able to decide for yourself what works and what doesn't work for your horse and your goals and become independent of any horse training method out there. The ultimate goal is that you and your horse enjoy every moment you spend together, no matter where you are in your journey.