Riding in Conversation ― Uniting Perception and Motion in a Harmonious Dialogue With the Horse

At last a book that demystifies the communication system between rider and horse. Equestrian sports physiologist Eckart Meyners, and Hannes Muller, head instructor for the German National Riding School, show how good riding is a three-dimensional dialogue. Beginning with a thorough explanation of the classical training scale and a six-step program to build balance and rhythm, Meyners and Muller go on to three basic riding techniques ?the flexing technique, the bending technique, and the half-halt technique, which they believe to be the foundation for all training. These are the primary skills for riding in dialogue with a horse. Throughout, exercises are provided to refine technique and work through the training scale finally achieving the skill level necessary for horse and rider to work in collection.

Hannes Muller is Head of the German Riding School in Warendorf, Germany and chief instructor of the German professional riders. Eckart Meyners is a Professor of Sports Physiology and Body Movement at the University in Luneburg in Germany. Over the past 25 years, he has researched how people learn movement in riding and has worked with the German National Federation to develop curricula for professional and amateur riders, trainers, instructors, and judges. He is known throughout the world as an expert in the area of how to teach movement in riding, as well as other sports. Kerstin Niemann: horse training and editor of leading German dressage magazine St. George.