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Other Books by Sylvia Loch
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For the thinking dressage rider who enjoys exploring the theoretical aspects of their equestrian sport, The Classical Rider is an interesting read. Partly biographical and partly instruction manual, it's not a particularly easy book to read but it's worth the effort.

Sylvia Loch is very definite in her opinions. She explains what is meant by the classical three point seat with rider's balance and weight truly over the part of the horse best able to carry our weight. She doesn't hesitate to point out the incorrect position of some top dressage riders. Similarly, she points out the weaknesses in much modern training of dressage horses. She condemns the use of such gadgets as draw reins, explaining the physical and mental damage they do to horses.

Like most of you, I've taken clinics and lessons with various coaches over the years. I've learned from all of them, but often a coach will impart one isolated jewel of information or technique that makes a difference. For the first time in Sylvia Loch's book, I found several of those isolated jewels gathered together in one place.

This isn't a book for a beginner or someone who just likes to get on a horse and have fun, but I can recommend it highly to serious riders whose ideal is the centaur - human and horse performing as one.