I’ve elected not to ride for the time being, and got the book “Schooling Exercises in Hand” to give me something constructive to work on. I’m having a little bit of a hard time visualizing how everything’s supposed to work in motion, though, and would love to see some videos for at least some of the exercises. Just searching YouTube without knowing much about the topic I found some videos, but the couple-three that I watched had a “Maestro” vibe, you know? At least the ones for the beginning steps sort of thing (e.g. shoulder in). The ones working with horses to get piaffe are way above our current skills or expectations.
Joseph Newcomb’s videos are good. He does focus on working towards piaffe. It’s achievable - I used his videos and had my very not-built-for-it QH starting half steps.
If you want to purchase a DVD, Lessons in Lightness is good, but better if you also get the book. I also like Manolo Mendez, though he does more lunging than lateral work IH.
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Look for Richard Hinrich’s videos
[video=youtube_share;B3HesXQTgDM]https://youtu.be/B3HesXQTgDM[/video]
I had a Richard Hinrichs video. It was great - very helpful and step-by-step. Unfortunately I loaned it out to so many people I’ve lost track of where it went. But if you can get it, it’s probably one of the best ones out there. Also recommend Anja Beran.
Thanks so much for this recommendation. I had found these videos, but was put off a bit by the title; the idea of gunning for piaffe when we are very much working on the basics seemed like a poor fit. Since your post I’ve watched quite a few of them and find them very helpful. Bite-sized basic concepts, two different horses, both very young and inexperienced, very sensible-seeming approach. Neither too deep in the NH woo nor rigidly hidebound to Traditional Dressage dogma. Already seeing a big difference working on the leading/jogging off and not crowding bit. Working on the backing based on halter cue only and making some progress, but still not getting near the energy and butt tuck that’s the goal. But at least he’s not just curling up his neck anymore!
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