Academic Art of Riding

In the era of the royal courts, academic equitation sought to refine the physical riding skills and simultaneously cultured the human spirit. This book revives the cultural heritage of the old equestrian masters' principles. Precious historical equestrian wisdom is presented here in an easy-to-understand, richly-illustrated text. Bent Branderup cares deeply that his students and readers gain insight and a clear understanding of the correct principles.

Extensive explanations of the rider's aids and the complete training of the horse unfold side by side progressively as the book unfolds. All phases of training are covered including, but not limited to, groundwork, breaking in, lateral movements, collection, lunging, and the airs above the ground. Step by step, the author explains the progression along the training path of academic equitation for the ambitious leisure rider.

Written by Bent Branderup, a student of Nuno Oliveira, Egon von Neindorff, and the Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre in Spain, this richly illustrated book offers a clear, systematic introduction to "Academic Art of Riding: A Riding Method for the Ambitious Leisure Rider" for the ambitious leisure rider.Rooted in the traditions of the old equestrian masters, academic riding once sought not only to refine the horse's physical abilities but also to cultivate balance, discipline, and understanding in the rider. This book revives that cultural heritage and presents centuries-old equestrian wisdom in an accessible, modern format, with great care taken to ensure clarity of principle and correctness of method.The complete training of the horse unfolds step by step, from groundwork and breaking in through lateral movements, canter work, collection, and the high school, culminating in the airs above the ground. Equal attention is given to work in hand, lunging, and corrective methods, including physiotherapy-based approaches for horses requiring rehabilitation or re-education. The rider's posture, seat, and aids are explained in detail, allowing horse and rider to progress together in harmony.Covering both young horses and advanced schooling, the book serves as a practical guide for riders seeking depth rather than shortcuts. Numerous illustrations support the text, and integrated QR codes link directly to instructional videos by the author, offering visual reinforcement of key concepts and exercises.Clear, progressive, and grounded in classical principles, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap to academic equitation-preserving the wisdom of the past while guiding today's rider with precision and insight.