Unlocking equestrian excellence

Welcome to the world of Classical Riding! Delve into my collection of books crafted for horse riding enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding and connection with their equine partners. Explore insightful guidance and practical techniques designed to enhance your riding skills and promote your horse's well-being. We invite you to embark on a journey of horsemanship, where unity and longevity are paramount.

 

My books are perfect for anyone interested in advancing their riding skills and achieving true unity with their horse. Also anyone interested in giving their horse a good life and increasing his/her likely longevity. Whether you're a beginner seeking a solid foundation or an experienced rider aiming to refine your skills, my books offer valuable insights and practical guidance to help you achieve your equestrian goals. Discover the path to deeper connection and improved performance with your equine partner.

 

My latest book is 'UNITY BETWEEN HORSE AND RIDER - Classical Training for the Benefit of Both' - published by CRC Press, an Imprint of Taylor & Francis Group. It is available from the publishers Routledge Books or from Amazon.

Alternatively, you can buy a signed personalised copy direct from me at only £27.50 (Pounds Sterling) plus postage to the UK. Postage to other countries can be arranged. Please email me - annewilsondressage@hotmail.co.uk

 

This book has been a true labour of love for me. It is the culmination of about fifty years of practice and deep study of the teachings of the great Horse Masters, who have left us a wonderful legacy of tried and tested knowledge. In 400 BC, Xenophon, the Greek Master, wrote the first classical book on horsemanship entitled 'The Art of Horsemanship' (published by J.A. Allen in 1962), and still available today. Since then there have been innumerable 'Greats', such as Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere in the 1700's. It is Guerinere's book 'School of Horsemanship' published by J.A.Allen 1994, which formed the basis of the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) International Dressage Rule Book. It is with great sadness that I have to report that many of these rules have recently been changed, making the true groundwork of classical training seem unimportant. My book seeks to explain why and how badly this is damaging horses (and their rider's) today.

Classical teachings are often misunderstood today. In this book I seek to rectify  this, enlightening the reader on techniques which will enhance their own enjoyment as well as that of their horses. I have used a wealth of 'how-to' information, via down-to-earth language and detailed imagery, which will enable readers to put the principles into effect. I seek to throw light on hitherto much misunderstood aspects of horse training, showing that when these principles are employed correctly, the rider/trainer will experience an incomparable feeling of being at one with their horse. Perhaps most importantly, this book will help your horse enjoy 'dancing' with his or her rider, enhancing their physical and mental well-being, as well as their likely longevity.

When I first delved into classical riding, back in the 1970's, it was through the great book 'The Complete Training of Horse and Rider' by Col. Alois Podhajsky, former Director of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. I found this book completely compelling and inspiring. However, it was also very difficult for me to understand at that stage in my career. It was only after re-reading certain sections many times, that the light began to dawn. My book is written in very plain English and I endeavour to make these principles understandable to anyone with a more basic knowledge of riding.

 

RIDING REVELATIONS Classical Training from the Beginning

This was my second book, published in 2009.  Although now sadly out of print, due to the demise of my publisher, copies can still be found on the Internet.

My purpose in writing this book was to introduce people and horses, from the very beginning of their equestrian education, to the classical principles and ethos of classical horsemanship. Many of these principles are, of course, also practiced in the mainstream, but some are not. It is written with a view to using these principles from the very first interaction with the horse, even before backing. I have explained in detail some very basic methods of such things as mounting, with the viewpoint of comfort and security of the horse always in mind. I have explained some very basic principles, in clear, concise, English, to enable any newcomer to the horse world to easily understand. It includes advice on lungeing, loose schooling and how to gallop over rough terrain and jump, with shorter stirrups but still using classical principles, keeping the weight over the centre of balance for the sake of safety and comfort for the horse.

I have covered all basic movements up to and including the lateral movements, but only as far as shoulder-in. My latest book ‘Unity Between Horse and Rider’ takes over from there (as well as covering basic movements in a more advanced educational way) and delves deeper into the more advanced movements.

 

 

'Top Horse Training Methods Explored' was my first book, published by David & Charles in 2004.

My purpose in this book was to help resolve the confusing and often conflicting advice given by various different trainers at the time, and this still applies just as much today.

I travelled around the country personally observing first-hand the training techniques of some of the top trainers. I then interviewed them and in this book I offer a comparison of the most popular techniques and compare them with the classical approach.

The result is a revealing insight into the similarities between successful training methods, and the fascinating differences that make each trainer distinctive.

With first-hand interviews from the experts including Monty Roberts, Sylvia Loch, Kelly Marks, Richard Maxwell and Pat Parelli, you can make up your own mind as to what will work best for you and your horse.

This book is similar to a symposium, with so many different techniques being brought together in one book.

This book can still be found on the Internet or alternatively, you can obtain a personalised signed copy from me for only £14.00 (sterling) plus postage to the UK at the current rate. Postage to other countries can be arranged. Please email me at annewilsondressage@hotmail.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLES

 

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