The principles of riding

[Manni01]

@Sistersiouxz

As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew that I have it in my library and probably read it 30 years ago. The enthusiasm on this thread makes me want to reread it. I am a person who lives with old stuff 24/7. I appreciate the quality of vintage and antique craftsmanship. I have more trust in knowledge when it was presented without an agenda. I am not speaking of all incidences, but those that apply to me personally. I think we can agree that in today’s world, we, those living in a more prosperous society, want instant gratification. Because of this attitude, we cause so many of our own problems. Training horses used to be a slow process. Now, horses and training can be so expensive and owners want to rush the training so they can start winning, making money, taking pride, enjoying competition,…whatever the reason why the horse is in training, that is the “want” to succeed and do so expediently. I think books like this give good common sense, sound reasoning, steps to take so the horse understands what is expected and for the rider, understands why each step builds on the next step. That foundation that endures throughout the lifetime of the horse. I believe that a horse brought up with this slow building of foundation has a greater mental ability to accept most new situations. Great thread idea.

Thank you so much for your very kind and true post!!

[Foxtail]

@Manni01

Great idea!! open a thread about it!! Maybe we can compare the books!!

There should be a book club! Go through the classics, one a month or every other. Read Kilmke, Wynmalen, Froissard, de Kunffy… Maybe even dip into books written for other disciples, to be well rounded. It could be a lot of fun!

[Cat_Tap]

I checked my little library and sure enough there it was “The Principles of Riding” 1985 edition. Guess I read it a long time ago. Will re=read to see if I have learned or retained anything over the years. I seem to have quite the collection of books including those that you mentioned Foxtail.

In the early days one of the break through books for me was Centered Riding by Sally Swift.

[Manni01]

so happy to read all your responses!!!

[Kolsch]

I too have a copy and thanks for the excuse to peruse it again! I enjoy it, but I have to say it takes a second place in my heart to “The Handbook of Riding Essentials” by Francois Lemaire deRuffieu.

[Manni01]

my book (the 1985 edition) arrived over the weekend and I started to read already. Its so neat and easy ands its amazing how simple everything is… It will be interesting to compare it with the newest edition which will hopefully arrive in the near future

[Manni01]

the idea about this would be that everybody who likes to would summarize one chapter (6 in Section 1 and 4 and section 2) and talk about what was important to him. If somebody would like to add something for a discussion that would be great. And we could do like one chapter per week. It would be very interesting to hear all the experiences and opinions about it.

And I really hope my new edition will arrive soon then we could compare the changes to the old edition.

[Pocket_Pony]

Thanks to whomever recommended the book Principles of Dressage (Kurt Albrecht) - I ordered it and finished it yesterday. Short, to the point, easy read but with so much good stuff in there.

I started The Principles of Riding yesterday. I got the older version and I can already see things in there that are different than what I was taught as a kid.