In Hand Work for Young Dressage Horses Part 1 The Basics Fritz Stahlecker DVD

By working the horse from a young age in-hand (part 1), then using ridden work before coming back to the in-hand work again (part 2) collection and cadence can be developed. Fritz Stahlecker has trained several horses to Grand Prix and the highest levels of dressage using this method including the world class stallion Weyden.

Horses are like children, their ability to learn is greater in the first years of life. If horses are carefully and gently trained in-hand in the first years of their life, their qualities will be fostered and perfect results can be achieved later on.

With his exceptional hand-saddle-hand method, Fritz Stahlecker shows how to train movements up to advanced dressage exercises with young three-year-old horses, gently, without stress and considering important sport psychology aspects. If the horse is then backed at the age of four, the rider can start on an already advanced horse that knows the exercises and that has already developed the necessary muscles to carry the rider without any problems.

"Legerete" - riding without a strong influence of the hand, is what every rider should strive for. This is part of the Romanic school of riding. Using a special extra padded schooling bridle the horse learns basic exercises without the rider's weight and without a bit. His mind gets challenged, yet there will be no resistance which has the positive result of no tension or wrong movements. Anyone that prefers aesthetics and creativity rather than force and strength will love this method.

These DVDs demonstrate a comprehensive method of training the young dressage horse through to the top levels of the sport by working the horse from a young age in-hand, then using ridden work before coming back to the in-hand work again to develop collection and cadence.

Fritz Stahlecker is well known for his work throughout the years with difficult horses. His opinion is the biggest mistakes result from a violent use of the reins and his method helps to nurture the horse's physical well being and trust.

Approx running time 58 mins
PAL and NTSC formats
Suitable for American and Canadian DVD players