Training the Sport Horse Chris Bartle

The author's training system is based on the partnership between rider and horse with clear responsibilities. The rider, as the leader in this partnership, sets the goals and communicates them to the horse. The horse must learn to follow, but also to think along and not rely solely on the rider.

"Training the Sport Horse" covers all areas from breaking in to advanced work, from competitive riding to problem-solving. The rider's primary goal is to solidify their seat and balance, and to learn to communicate with the horse through body language and seat. From body contact, the horse is first schooled and then supported. Furthermore, the biomechanics of the horse are explained, how it moves and carries itself. From this, the rider can deduce how to improve the horse's self-carriage and learns to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their horse partner.

Each exercise is explained in detail, both in preparation and execution. This applies to basic training as well as advanced dressage exercises, also with regard to their importance for jumping. For show jumping training of jumping and eventing horses, there are exercise examples that improve both rider and horse. Bartle also shows how to deal with the pressure of competition.

Brief info:

• comprehensive, detailed training guide for every discipline of classical riding
• from breaking in to advanced work
• also suitable for riders at a high performance level

From the content:

The Rider:

• Seat, balance and coordination
• Feel, knowledge and experience
• Psychology and goal setting

The Horse:

• Training and communication
• Trust, obedience and respect
• Physical and mental development

The Training:

• From breaking in to the performance horse
• Building and gymnastic exercises
• Dressage from basic to intermediate level
• Jumping: technique, gymnastic lines and courses
• Cross-country: exercises, competition and course walks