Kyra Kyrklund is one of the most complete horsewomen of our time. Before concentrating on dressage, she was competing in both eventing and showjumping in her native Finland. Kyra has competed at five Olympic Games. Partnered by her unforgettable black stallion, Matador, she won a Silver Medal at the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm and the Volvo World Cup in Paris in 1991.
After seven years as chief dressage trainer at the Swedish National Stud at Flyinge, Kyra is now based in England from where she travels to do clinics and seminars around the world.
"Balance - the what, why and how" is the key to Kyra's logical training system. This series gives you the opportunity to appreciate and benefit from her clear and consistent training techniques. Each programme gives comprehensive guidelines to the "building blocks" of her effective "start, stop, turn" formula from the basic stages through to the most advanced levels of dressage training.
This system and philosophy has not only enabled Kyra to produce 14 international Grand Prix horses but also to train many riders in Olympic dressage, showjumping and eventing. She believes that the influence of correct basic level training gives the horse the confidence to perform consistently and successfully in any sphere.
Volume 1: Communication Between Horse and Rider
The first volume in the series "Training with Kyra Kyrklund" concentrates on Kyra's personal philosophy on communication between man and horse and how the art of dressage and the use of the horse has developed over the centuries.
She demonstrates how the rider can harness the natural reactions of the horse in a positive way by using a simple and logical signal system plus the judicious use of reward and correction. She emphasises the importance of mutual harmony and communication and what to do if communications break down.
Volume 2: The Rider's Seat and Balance
"Balance" is the key word of this second volume from the series "Training with Kyra Kyrklund".
The rider's position is analysed in detail both at the halt and when in motion. Basic rider faults commonly seen are demonstrated and the relationship between the rider's balance and their instant effect on the horse are examined. She asks the question "Are you preventing your horse from going on the bit or bending left or right?"
This DVD clearly and succintly demonstrates the importance of the correct seat and shows how it directly affects the quality of communication between you and your horse. With Kyra's help you can improve your performance immeasurably.
Volume 3: The Horse's Outline and Collection
"How to" are the key words of the third volume from the series "Training with Kyra Kyrklund" - How to start - How to stop - How to turn - How to get a horse on the bit - How the horse should stretch down - How to get the horse's head up again.
These are just some of the points demonstrated in this fascinating programme.
The need for collection and what the term means are discussed in Kyra's well known straightforward and logical way. Kyra answers those questions which every rider asks, or would like to ask, in an involving and memorable manner.
Volume 4: Lateral Movements
The fourth volume of the series "Training with Kyra Kyrklund" should help untangle any problems you may have with lateral movements.
This programme gives clear and easy to follow explanations and demonstrations of how a rider should not only ride but also teach a horse the full range of lateral movements. Leg yielding, shoulder-in, renvers, travers and half-pass are all covered in a straightforward and analytical way. The subtle difference between bending and flexing are also covered to make interesting viewing.
Wonderful camera shots from all angles guide you logically and comprehensively through this maze of intricate exercises and allow you to fully understand what to look for in lateral movements.
Volume 5: Advanced Movements - Pirouettes, Passage, Piaffe
The fifth volume is the culmination of the "start, stop, turn" formula found in the earlier programmes of this series.
The three peaks of collection - pirouette - passage - piaffe - are clearly shown to be the fruits of a logical and natural training programme whose roots are to be found in the simple signal system.
Kyra demonstrates how maximum energy without tension can be achieved in these extremely demanding gymnastic exercises.
Stunning shots of Kyra gliding with supreme lightness in and out of piaffe and passage on her black Russian stallion Edinburg will make your spine tingle!
Volume 6: Advanced Movements - Canter Movements
Flying changes are the topic of the sixth volume of the series.
Kyra shows you the answer to the interesting question "why do most horses make wonderful and natural flying changes when loose but have problems under saddle?"
She explains how, why and when to ask for a change; what to expect and what to do if something goes wrong or nothing happens at all! She starts with simple sequences through walk and builds up step by step to one tempi changes.
This fascinating programme should answer all your questions on the problems of changes of leg at the canter from the simple change through to the sequences of tempi changes.
Running time approx 30 mins each DVD .
PAL format