On and back

[Cragrat]

So this is a strange question I know.... can anyone recommend a good book/author to go to, to research the 'on and back' training technique? I can do it - slow the horse down within his gait, speed him up again, using my seat only, but I'm sure there's so much to it- I'd love to read more but not sure where to look. Google hasn't helped me this time

 

[McGrools]

Hi, i’m not being too specific with the on and back but the best book i’ve ever read with regards to all round equitation is Christoff Hess’ ride better’
It is a brilliant book. Highly recommend x

 

[milliepops]

in what sense are you feeling there is more to know, OP?
I mean in one way, what you've described is one of the simplest exercises there is in flatwork to improve engagement and reactions so i'm not sure it would fill a book by itself... you'd expect it to feature in a general flatwork training type manual.

 

[Cragrat]

Thank you MG - I'll look that up
MP - I wasn't expecting a whole book dedicated just to on and back but I was wondering if someone had written a chapter/essay on it. Perhaps about training techniques/aims and uses of the exercise/how to perfect and or extend it?

 

[milliepops]

Not sure if they have anything specific but I quite enjoy reading the stuff on www.ArtisticDressage.com
some of it is quite... thinky, some of it is very much about feel, they have done some short eBooks which might appeal. the blog may give you a feel to see if it's the sort of thing that may interest you. there are pretty active FB pages/groups too.

 

[Cragrat]

thank you

 

[Regandal]

There are very specific instructions for most movements in 100 Ways to Improve Your Riding by Susan McBane. Highly recommend.

 

[Cragrat]

Another to add to my library - thank you :

 

[NLPM]

I'm fairly sure it's in one of Carl Hester's books, most likely one of these - Down to Earth Dressage: How to Train Your Horse - and Enjoy it! or Real Life Dressage: Training Advice from Novice to Grand Prix

I really don't think a huge amount of time or space is dedicated to that exercise though, so it might be worth seeing if anyone you know has a copy you can flick through first.