SCHOOLING HORSES IN-HAND

For centuries horses have been trained in-hand in the classical schools, yet today work in-hand is often forgotten, set aside as unimportant, or thought to be too time- consuming by modem trainers.
German trainer Richard Hinrichs believes this is unfortunate as there is so much to teach horses from the ground.

An acknowledged expert on schooling in-hand, Richard Hinrichs presents his training programme in a new book and video,
SCHOOLING HORSES IN-HAND
Schooling from the ground builds trust, obedience and balance in a horse. In both the book and the video Hinrichs clearly demonstrates how in-hand work is an excellent way of supporting and complementing work under saddle, and can be especially helpful for riders striving to achieve the higher-level movements for dressage competition.

Hinrichs demonstrates how the use of reins, whip, voice and body language can encourage voluntary co-operation from the horse and allow him to develop his balance and confidence without the added complications of a rider's weight. The book is filled with clear explanations and numerous colour photos of the necessary equipment and techniques for schooling in-hand: aids and their application; work on the lunge; long reining; suppling and collection; lateral movements - shoulder-in, travers, renvers, and half-pass; flying changes and pirouette; piaffe and passage; the Spanish walk and airs above the ground -pesade, levade, courbette, and capriole.

A thorough reading of the book or video viewing will provide ample proof that there are many different ways of training within the system of classical equitation, and that every trainer should explore all the available methods without prejudice. A trainer possessing a well-rounded education in all aspects of horse training will ultimately produce the best horses.

Richard Hinrichs was schoo/ed as a young man by a member of the Spanish Riding Schoo/ in Vienna. Today he trains, teaches and performs wide/y with his Lippizaner and Andalusian horses demonstrating the fine art of c/assica/ horsemanship.