Riding in Release: A Practical Guide to French Classical Equitation and Horsemanship

Riding in Release considers the relationship between two significant traditions of riding and horse training – The French Classical School and horsemanship born out of the Vaquero and Buckeroo lineage. Both traditions are founded on the development of a partnership with a horse, which enables lightness of foot and thought. This book provides useful insights for riders of all levels – whether you want to hack out in harmony or improve your half pass – with clear, practical, step-by-step instructions and advice. Topics covered include: consideration of the similarities of the traditions and why this is useful for modern riders to understand; how horses move, think and feel, and how this knowledge is useful to us; foundational handling up to high school – common themes; the human side of the partnership – how to make sense to our horse and be someone he wants to learn from and how to help our horse develop a greater ease of movement without the use of gadgets or force. There are detailed explanations of straightness, balance and dynamic posture along with step-by-step guidance on teaching ‘the language of the aids’; tapping into your horse’s amazing capacity to learn. Finally, the development of good feeling between you and your horse, through logical application that respects a horse’s emotional life as well as his physical body is covered.

Kate Sandel runs a thriving equine business and teaches in the UK and internationally. She trained for several years with Philippe Karl, French classical master and founder of the Ecole de Légèreté, as well as honing her horsemanship skills with a variety of incredible teachers. She is a qualified equine sports massage therapist and her background in mental health means she values the wellbeing of both the human and horse in a riding partnership.