Ride Better with Christoph Hess

Christoph Hess is an FEI “I” Judge in both Dressage and Eventing. The German National Federation (GNF) awarded him the title of Professional Riding Instructor; a title that labels him as an international expert and educator of professionals. Hess currently holds the positions of Head of Instruction and Head of the Personal Members Department at the GNF, where he's been employed since 1978.Hess is actively involved in the education of judges and instructors both within Germany and around the world. He conducts clinics, workshops, forums, and symposiums for judges, trainers, and riders throughout the international dressage and eventing communities. He is an examiner of judges and trainers at the highest levels of the sport of dressage, including seminars and testing sanctioned and sponsored by the FEI (Federation Equestrian International). Hess resides in Germany.

Christoph's book is delivered wholly around his classical development training principles. It's thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice and a collection of his best riding and training tips. The most common challenges for riders of all levels (that he has encountered) are also addressed — the regular, most frequent ones such as leaning on the bit, falling out, lack of straightness, as well as 'Top at home, flop at show' — a horsey 'problem' that crops up regularly at all levels and one of the reasons riders ask him for help.

• Foreword by Uta GrafIntroduction1. General Challenges in Dressage WorkWalk - The Most Difficult GaitLosing our Rhythm in Seven-League BootsEnough Already with Short StridesThe Wooden CanterBorn to Stretch - Long and LowYoung 'Pushy' and 'High-Headed'Light in the Poll - A ChallengeStretch, Then Stretch, Then Stretch Some MoreA Horse That Leans on the BitHelp - My Horse is a 'Wiggleworm'!The Infamous 'Sweet Side'Falling Out Over the ShoulderStraightness - A ChallengeUnbalanced Canter to the LeftOut of Control at CanterFlying Changes - A Challenge for Horse and RiderThe Secret to a Good Half-Pass 2. Special Challenges in Dressage WorkWhen the Mare Runs AwayRein Lame - A Rider ProblemGrinding - A Long Term IssueThe Move from Snaffle to Double BridleBackward - Never with PressureDetermining the 'All-Rounder'Conditioning for the Dressage HorseRehabilitating a Riding HorseBriefly and Quickly Trained Under SaddleThe Unfocused HorseFrom Broodmare to Riding HorseFrom the Racetrack to the Dressage ArenaFrom School Horse to Personal HorseFrom Riding Horse to Driving HorseFearful, Arrogant, or Fresh?A Young Whippersnapper Lacks RespectMy Horse Fidgets 3. Challenges in Show Jumping and Riding Cross-CountryTraining Over Single FencesMore Courage on Course 'Top' at Home but a 'Flop' at ShowsHacking Out on a 'Loose Canon'When your Child wants to Event When Trust Fails Cross-Country 4. Select ChallengesThe Art of the Canter (Departure)Laziness in Horses AcknowledgementsPhotos & IllustrationsIndex