CRC - Lateral Work: Training for a Supple Horse Johannes Beck-Broichsitter

Lateral Work: Training for a Supple Horse , Johannes Beck-Broichsitter

Publisher: Cadmos Books

Book Synopsis

This title covers all facets of lateral work as a foundation for a classical training programme. Lateral work is an essential part of any training programme leading to a supple horse. This book offers a step-by-step guide through all of the lateral movements, introducing exercises to prepare horse and rider for the first lateral movements, through to training exercises, as well as stretching and loosening exercises. The exercises are intended for all types of horses - not just those preparing for competition. Following the many examples provided, the rider is taught how to structure a training session, how to ask the horse clearly for the required movements, and with the help of lateral work to systematically educate the horse.

CRC Review

Reading the back cover of this book it promises much, and flicking through the pages it is full of photographs, illustrations, diagrams and easy to read font, so it was with a positive anticipation I settled down to read. As I read through the Introduction and first chapters on The Meaning and Purpose of the Lateral Movements and Prerequisites for Horse and Rider I had high hopes for the book. The author claims to have been guided by 3 main principles, summarised

1.Making the initiation into lateral work as clear as possible.....
2.Creating, for the more advanced rider...the experience of working in-hand.....
3.Lateral movements - not an end in themselves but a means to an end...the execution of lateral movements can only be as good as they are helpful for the entire training.
The brief (very brief!) history of man's coexistence with the horse, and the significant periods and trainers who found great importance on increasing the horse's suppleness is touched upon. This claims to be the roots of and aims behind the ideas covered in the book.

The next section looks at natural crookedness, giving clear indication for the reader as to how this affects the horse's weight distribution and physical positioning and it gives a systematic approach to the challenges we face as the rider in order to achieve for the horse a “mental and physical balance”.
The author then touches upon the equine anatomy, longitudinal bend and thoughts about the scales of training. As he moves on to Thoughts about the Aids, I found my first “red flag”! This appeared on page 32 with the comment “There isn’t much to say about the aids through the seat apart from them supporting the other aids.” Being a rider and trainer who feels that the seat should be the key to the art of riding this gave me a very uncomfortable feeling.

My concern grew as I moved into the Preparatory Exercises Chapter. Although stated in the introduction the “exercises in-hand should help the more advanced rider,” I was concerned that this was not reinforced. I felt that some of the advice/exercises could easily be misinterpreted. I worry that people without the understanding of body language, timing and feel that is required for such work could end up at the least confusing themselves and their horses, and at worst causing their horse mental and physical stress and damage. I am a great believer in working a horse in hand, but appreciate the skill required to do so correctly. It therefore worries me that this is covered in 6 or 7 pages with no advice to seek guidance and instruction from a qualified, skilled trainer before attempting this kind of work with your horse.

We then move on to the chapters looking at the various lateral movements. Again great detail is given with regards to the horses positioning and weight distribution and the effects of the movements on his ability to increases suppleness, lighten the forehand and indeed obedience to the aids. He also provides a “possible problems” summary which by no means is exhaustive but could be helpful. Again the thing that stood out for me was the complete lack of reference to the rider's body positioning and weight distribution. Indeed the photographs used for illustrating the correct movements show riders with hands that are drawing back or unevenly raised, tilting heads, crooked shoulders... need I go on? Page 99 has a fascinating tip and photograph to help with direction change which in my opinion would have a horrible impact on the horses delicate mouth. I found at this point my confidence in this book had dwindled dramatically. Whilst reading these chapters I had to re -read sentences or indeed full paragraphs, the text became somewhat flighty in places and confusing. I promise that this had nothing to do with the gin and tonic I was consuming as I re- read the chapters the following afternoon!

More confusion occurred when on p80 the weight aids “a la Philippe Karl” were suggested for canter. I have a copy of The Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage and I can hear the influence of Philippe Karl throughout “Lateral Work”. I found myself in danger of being utterly consumed with confusion when renvers, counter canter on a circle, reverse demi volte and flying changes were all linked in exercise directives in less than 200 words! The use of travers and renvers in the transitions to canter and counter canter and developing this (with use of a walk transition) to teach the flying change is suggested. I can’t help but worry that this may cause more problems than it solves for horse and rider...particularly when straightness is supposed to be a fundamental aim of riding.

To this point I feel I have been quite negative about this book. However, the Shoulder in Special was a fascinating section to the book. Concerned with the weight distribution of the rider (finally!) in the shoulder in, it provided the reader with the opinions and reasoning of nearly 20 trainers. This is a discussion I have enjoyed many times with fellow riders and trainers and therefore found it very enjoyable reading. For me personally this was the best part of the book. I think it gives the reader the understanding that there is not always only one way or one answer to the questions we are faced with every day when working alongside our equine friends. It pays to have an open and inquisitive mind, indeed to quote Egon von Neindorff “As an instructor I am well able to teach a rider everything. Feeling and empathy however, the rider must develop for himself. In this he is, just like the horse, both a recipient and a giver. The reaction of my horse tells me which aid to use. If you do not listen to nature you are making a very grave mistake.” P32.

Throughout this book I found little pearls hidden in the text, often in the form of quotes, that I feel serve as great reminders or indeed red flags, to keep us focused and on the right track. It is this that makes me feel that the intentions of the author come from an honourable place, even if the way in which he has written this book, for me, omit some of the most important aspects of introducing and developing lateral work.