HORSEWEB-UK BOOK REVIEW

Charles de Kunffy's belief that riding must have a therapeutic, life-and-health promoting value for the horse as well as the rider is his inspiration. With great lucidity, he explains the rationale for training the horse and the methodology for doing it correctly. Great emphasis is placed on the importance of suppleness and collection, which leads to athletic development. He categorically defends the classical tradition of horsemanship, which is grounded in pragmatic scientific facts of equestrian scholarship, and he supports the Baroque ideology that nature can be elevated to art through intelligent application. The author is much sought after as a lecturer and a riding teacher because of his cogent and passionate way of imparting information about a subject he knows so well: the education of riders and the training of horses. He represents that rare combination of scholastic depth, practice-bom expertise, and impeccable communication abilities, all of which allow for an effortless transfer of his knowledge.

Charles de Kunffy has been riding since childhood and had a privileged education in the theory and practice of classical horsemanship. He has competed successfully in three-day eventing, jumping and dressage. He has judged in America, Europe, Africa and Australia and has taught college courses and conducted seminars and courses for dressage judges and riding instructors on all these continents. This volume is his sixth published book.

The counter-canter and flying change are both progressions of the basic canter and although there is a clear relationship between them they have distinct derivations and purposes. While the counter-canter is a long-established exercise, the flying change is a relatively new addition to the list of classically accepted movements. As with so much in equitation, it is essential that both exercises are introduced at an appropriate stage in the horse's training, and that their purposes and aims are clearly understood. To these ends, Masters of Equitation on Counter-Canter and Flying Changes examines the derivation and .uses of the counter-canter, and the complexities surrounding the introduction and execution of flying changes, through the words of various Masters. Their thoughts will provide invaluable guidance to all who wish to advance their horses' education in the gait of canter, and will fascinate all readers interested in the historical development of equitation. Counter-Canter and Flying Changes is Book 3 in the Masters of Equitation series and in each volume the editor has collected the views of leading authorities on a specific gait or movement in order to form a unique reference work on each subject for the serious rider and trainer. The great masters are introduced by a leading present-day expert accompanied by the relevant instructions, and there is a summing up by the compiler. The series will eventually form a mini-reference library for anyone with an interest in academic and practical equitation.

Historically, collection was the primary aim of training, and yet it remains one of the most widely misunderstood aspects of equitation. Due to its key role, misconceptions about collection will impede not only the correct development of 'collected' work, but also the progression of the overall training programme. Lengthening the gaits, which has assumed an increasing importance in modern times with the development of the sport horse, is similarl y subject to much misinterpretation. Yet, performed correctly, collection and extension will act harmoniously to develop longitudinal suppleness, balance and power -qualities which are highly desirable both inside and outside the dressage area. Masters of Equitation on Collecting and Lengthening offers valuable insights into the real aims and correct introduction of these gait variants knowledge that will be essential to all riders who wish to train their horses correctly and progressively beyond novice level. Collecting and Lengthening is Book 4 in the Masters of Equitation series and in each volume the editor has collected the views of leading authorities on a specific gait or movement in order to form a unique reference work on each subject for the serious rider and trainer. The great masters are introduced by a leading present-day expert accompanied by the relevant instructions, and there is a summing up by the compiler.
The series will eventually form a mini-reference library for anyone with an interest in academic and practical equitation.