Synopses & Reviews
Klaus Balkenhol was an Olympiclevel, awardwinning rider long before he trained the likes of international dressage star Nadine Cappellman and assumed the role of Chef d'Equipe of the US Dressage Team. Have you ever wondered about the secrets behind the man? Have you perhaps dreamed of the chance not only to ride with him, but to discover how his horse training theoriesand equestrian-centered lifedeveloped over time?
Britta Schöffman, a Grand Prix rider and student of Balkenhol, has provided readers a biography of her trainer's personal life and meteoric rise to the top of the equestrian world, as well as a practical training manual for riders of all levels. Alongside anecdotes of his childhood, his riding education, and some of his most famous horses, Balkenhol discusses:
• Training according to classical principles
• Errant trends in competitive dressage vs. classical technique
• Choosing the right dressage horse
• Instilling trust in young horses
• Working horses without stress
• Employing the Training Scale in daily practice
• Tips for schooling Grand Prix movements
Review
"Those with a passion for dressage won't want to miss this volume. If you believe that the more you know, the better you will be in the competitive arena, this is a must-read." Ride!
Synopsis
This beautifully illustrated new biography of dressage superstar Klaus Balkenhol delivers both an engaging personal history of the man and an education on his mission to uphold the classical tradition in dressage. Intertwined with fascinating personal anecdotes and stories of Balkenhol's most famous mounts, the book shares Balkenhol's practical tips for choosing the right horse, adjusting the training scale to accommodate different rides, and correcting specific upper-level training problems. The photographs throughout highlight Balkenhol's impressive record at the highest levels of world competition, including two Olympic golds and an individual bronze, along with innumerable German, European, and World Cup wins. A look ahead to Balkenhol's future plans, which include coaching the U.S. Olympic dressage team, confirm his dedication to the best possible training for horses and riders.
About the Author
Britta Schöffmann is a journalist, a riding instructor, a competition judge, a Grand Prix rider, and the recipient of a German gold riding badge. She is the author of several books on riding published in German.