Training with Kyra Kyrklund: Vol 6 by Kyra Kyrklund

These are the video companion tapes to Kyra’s book. In them she demonstrates her unique philosophy and her many proven techniques for rider’s at all levels. Happier horses, handled and ridden in a more sympathetic way, is what Kyra Kyrklund's approach is all about. Her basic philosophy is that the horse must work with joy because he expects a reward, and not with anxiety because he is afraid of punishment and pain. One of her "golden rules" is that the horse should work on the lightest aids possible. Kyra enlisted the help of Lytte Lemkow in the actual writing of the book. Lemkow is a Danish-born international dressage judge, an equestrian journalist and photographer. "Kyra's basic theory that in order to get the horse to give, the rider should give first, is surely a new way of thinking for many riders," says Lemkow. Those just embarking in an education in dressage will do well to re-read parts as time goes on. It may not be the most helpful book available for beginners. But it is written in a very reader-friendly way. The explanations are clear and there is a good deal of rider-to-rider advice given that is easy to grasp. Kyra Kyrklund is a Finish-born dressage equestrian of extraordinary talent and achievement. She started competing in the Olympics in 1980 in Moscow and has continued right on through to 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Besides her numerous international victories she has captured the Finnish Dressage Championship ten times. She has trained and successfully competed with 11different horses at international Grand Prix standard. Her specialty now is lecture demonstrations where she shows how she trains horses from beginning to Grand Prix level. (T.B.) HIGHLIGHTS - Communication--a two-way system of understanding - The rider's position - The importance of the trainer - Kyra's ABC's - Straightness, flexion and leg-yielding - Turn on the forehand and rein back - Collected lateral work - Canter work - Flying change of leg - Improving the gaits - Zigzag half-passes in trot and canter - Pirouettes in walk and canter - Piaffe, passage and the transitions - Training vs. competitive riding VHS 2000