This inspirational preview emphasising the importance of correct training is from Dr. Gerd Heuschmann's DVD
 "If Horses Could Speak."

My Alexander CD training program is for riders of all levels who want to boost their riding skills and confidence by using the Alexander Technique. These CD programs give you an Alexander technique work out every time you ride. Finding your own applications and wisdom is the real value in these CDs.

Alexander lessons are expensive, In this home study course  I actively guide you through the riding lessons and teach you how to apply the Alexander technique while you ride.

This program helps you to effectively combat nerves, deepen your seat and straighten up your daily riding routine. Riding can sometimes feel Overwhelming, yet it doesn't have to be that way. If you use these simple instructions while riding, you don't have to worry about getting it wrong or not knowing what to do. The lessons not only calm your mind while  straightening and deepening your seat, they give you the support and practice you need to ride with confidence , ease and access your inner strength and wisdom.

This introduction and 10 Dynamic Alexander Riding lessons on 6 CDs will build your confidence and straighten your seat. Price £40 plus £3 post&package You pay £43.

The following quotes from my interview with Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, author of Tug of War: Classical versus "Modern" Dressage, give us much food for thought!

He is a veterinary surgeon and international speaker, specifically highlighting the injuries he sees in his day to day work due to misguided dressage styles. He is also an eminent teacher of the biomechanical approach to training.

 "The experts like to make us think it’s difficult, but it’s not difficult at all. It’s easy to understand the biomechanics if you slow down and take the time to feel riding, not just do it".

"It is hard for us Germans with our books and tradition on training horses to look at the development of modern dressage, because we should know it is against all the rules of dressage. When you look at the rules of dressage written by the FEI you think you are in heaven then we look at the competition its unbelievable what they are doing it is the very opposite to the rules THEY have written.
1.The object of dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible but also confident attentive and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with the rider.
2.These qualities are revealed by: 2.1 The freedom and regularity of the paces. 2.2 The harmony, lightness and ease of the movements. 2.3 The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hind quarters, originating in a lively impulsion. 2.4 The acceptance of the bridle, with submissiveness throughout and without any tenseness or resistance…

"We have so many injuries to the mouth and jaw coming into the clinics. You will hear me say time and time again, IT IS YOUR PULLING THAT BUILDS OUR FINE EXPENSIVE CLINICS! "As a veterinarian who is interested in orthopaedics you see the results that destroy suspensory ligaments, the sore backs, the sore polls, broken jaws! Wounds in the tongue. The worst is the tight dropped nosebands, when the rider pulls the nose bands presses the horse’s lips against the teeth; this is a very common injury. All these things, and when you see this you have to think about your own role. What are we doing, we veterinarians? I don’t want to be one member in this circus who is producing poor animals, making a big show and killing them. This is not the aim of dressage. I love the philosophy behind classical dressage and I think our judges have to change and the time has come!"

The Bentley technique has been a long time coming as far as I’m concerned and I don’t worry what other people or organisations may ‘think’ about this whole new way of riding. It’s about time they broke there stereotyped left brain way of working with horses and embraced the progress and results that Joni Bentley has achieved devoting the last 26 years to this cause, because I’ll tell you, it’s truly wonderful!!!"