Classical Dressage with Anja Beran: Foundations for a Successful Horse and Rider Partnership Hardcover – June 1, 2014

Anja Beran has written a book for someone with rather a good deal of knowledge about proper classical riding. She DOES make beautiful points about what to look for in a properly/classically and happily trained horse.If you want more in depth information on how to ride and train classically I suggest Sylvia Loch's book Dressage In Lightness. She really explains in depth the aides and the horses perspective under a good rider. It's the kind of book you can take to the barn and refer to to remind yourself how to ride a movement.Also, I love the DVD series from Philippe Karl, Classical Dressage-Legerete' the Philosophy of Ease. Philippe demonstrates on paper and on the horse how to promote the desired movement. Very easy to understand.Anja must be congragulated on writing a book on the importance of classical training. There are some real gems to be found in this book, such as the importance of not cranking the horses mouth shut. In the past, in the classical school you would hear the beautiful jangle of bits as the horses chewed contentedly on their bits as they worked. No longer is this the case generally. She does cover how to properly approach the dressage exercises and in what order they should ideally come. Also what to do should you have trouble executing them. Beautiful pictures and illustrations throughout.

Great Book. Wonderful trainer. This book has great pictures as well. I like the format and its a great reference for those who like Anja Beran.

I asked for (and got) this book as a Christmas gift, which is why it does not show me as a "Verified Purchaser." I seldom bother to write reviews, but cannot tell you what a valuable and important book this really is for the true lover of horses and dressage! It has the best explanation of the use of the classical exercises for their original purposes-that of straightening, balancing, and suppling the horse, rather than as some sort of "tricks" to ride in the show ring. As I have been riding dressage many years, I have circled back to its foundational roots using exercises as a means to problem-solve and this book is a jewel in that regard. The first chapter is a compilation of horses that she has personally helped back to soundness by using classical principles as almost a sort of physical therapy! It is clearly written and also has the best chapter on teaching flying changes I have ever read, as it outlines different approaches based on the particular type of horse you are dealing with. And, it has the bonus of being absolutely beautiful as well! It was just so inspiring, and is a great antidote to the tension and force we see displayed all around us, especially in the show ring today.

This is an amazing book with beautiful pictures of horses all the way through which is always a good start , this person really can ride and very obviously practices what they preach. Her YouTube videos are great to help with this book. I am an experienced rider and have done a little classical dressage ,my horses do Spanish walk and piaffe on the ground through clicker training but not ridden yet because nobody taught me and it is seen as only for professional grand Prix types and is hard to get your head around. I also wanted to make sure my aids and position was correct before I taught ridden because I wanted to make sure the movements were performed correctly. This book explains clearly what the classical dressage movements are for, how to do them in a quiet and calm way quite unlike the modern dressage of kicking and pulling every stride which I hate. The book explains why modern dressage ruins backs and mouths whereas classical fixes all manner of problems in horses backs and mouths , conformation issues and stiffness problem's which the author explains very well in the book.I think this book is for everyone because even if beginners can't do it all they can understanding what to aim for and understand proper aids and easily achieve some lateral work and all experience riders should listen to this author because so many top riders don't ride in a way that is fair to the horse.The only thing I would have liked even more of is how important the timing of the release of the aids motives the horse and the wonderful way that Anja praises the horses makes them know how wonderfully they are doing, along with the clear expectation the the horse can and will do what is asked. This has a lot to do with the results. Never get frustrated and rewarding a try rather than forcing seems to be what classical dressage is about as well as correct riding position and gentle aids. Rewarding with treats is allowed in this book and does really work for my horses . I think the hardest part is believing you and your horse can do it and then patience to give the horse a chance to build his muscles and confidence. There is a lot of information in the book , it is well written and I really hope loads of people read and listen because all horses would be so much happier. Most horse and ponies passage , piaffe and go sideways when shying ,playing or messing about so they are more capable than people give them credit for. I am very grateful to to Anja Beran for writing this book and I am already getting a few step's of ridden piaffe and a nice Spanish walk with no forceful aids on my welsh pony who is pretty stubborn , he is very pleased with himself and so am I.

Clear images and clarity of text to enable the aspiring Classical Rider to have a concreate understanding.

Expected more technical info and training tips. Disappointed

Excellent book, it spells out the principles of Classical dressage and explains the details of good horsemanship.