Complete Training of Horse and Rider: In the Principles of Classical Horsemanship

This book pretty much reads like a good novel: once you pick it up you don't want to put it down. An enjoyable read for anyone who already knows a little bit about horses and dressage, by no means only for the advanced or professional rider. Though Podhajsky does make everything sound awfully easy, and the average part-time equestrian with modest riding skills (such as myself) may get a bit carried away thinking that (miraculously and contrary to vast personal experience) everything is in fact easy, conveniently forgetting that she generally lacks the perfect independent seat which is the first thing the Spanish Riding School riders gain through their perfect training program and which of course is the fundamental prerequisite for great riding. But never mind that. What makes this book very useful for all riders is the wealth of basic theory on dressage and good horsemanship, as well as the detailed practical "how-to" instructions and tips, written in way that's easy to read and understand.

A classic, must read for anyone interested in riding theory.

I bought the hardcover of this book a long time ago and found it very helpful in training many horses over the years. It was a real eye-opener for a then novice horseman. I preferred this book for 'finishing' horses while I preferred "The Breaking and Training of the Stock Horse" by Charles O. Williamson for starting the untrained horse. The two books complimented each other very nicely. Using these two books I was able to develop my own style of training, which is now known as 'Western Dressage". Nice to know I was on the right track so long ago. <happy grin>

I’ve been training horses for over 25 years now and this book is a must. It explains why I don’t ride a colt until they are 3-5 years old or older

Just a very detailed and well written book on the training of a horse using classical and human practices. Most of today's Natural horsemanship techniques are derived from this method. If you are new to horse training it will take several reads to understand many of the concepts and techniques. A book you will keep as a reference guide for as long as you own horses.

This is a classic book for training horses. The author ran the Spanish riding school in Vienna for many years, he describes from start to finish in great detail how to train and how to evaluate the horse you are working with. Super book that should be in all riders collections.

Podhajsky is one of the masters, a head rider of the Spanish Riding School. This book covers everything from lounging to the Grand Prix movements. The information is clearly written, but in some cases could be a little more detailed. Worth having in your library.

This is probably the best reference book on Classical training that I have come across. I am a western rider who believes that good classical dressage training is a great foundation for any horse. I put this man right up there with the likes of Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman for his ability to understand what the horse needs, not just the human.

I ordered 5 books, and 2 or 3 previously. Mark Rashid’s Horses Never Lie and this bookmare the two most useful books by far. The othres I just skimmed and will keep on the shelf.There are photographs and diagrams in this book, not as many as I would expect in something written today but more than I think would be normal for it’s time. The 1st section gives a great history of the art of riding starting with Simon of Athens, who’s work is lost but was quoted by Xenophon, right up to the influences on this book. I’m going to buy some of the works mentioned next.The method used in this book is a fair and gentle one, not heavy on punishment or negative reinforcement. Everything is is well defined so the nuance and meaning is clear. I have not finished the book so far it details training from the fit of equipment to the specific method used. Although it’s written in paragraphs of text it is laying out step by step what to do and how to do it.I’m very happy with this book!

I have already read this book about 5 times an although it was written many years ago, the principles are just as relevant today as they were then. This book is the benchmark, as far as I am concerned, for horsemanship and equitation. AP shows a sympathy with his horses seldom seen in the age during which it was written. He inspires and educates. You can ask no more for a book of this sort. I hope that the young rider that I have bought this for is as inspired to correct horsemanship as I was by it. Wonderful pictures, too!

Great book for any equine professional! Its a classic and a must read for any serious rider/trainer. Its a bit of a dry read but full of great information. A wonderful reference to have on your shelf to refer to again and again.

Should be on every rider's shelf! If you want to understand the principles and training methods of dressage, this is compulsory reading. Very well written by one of my absolute heroes!

Very interested in learning more about classical riding