Equestrian Vision is pleased to announce the arrival of two new training DVDs, Training the Modern Jumper and Yoga and Riding, to help riders improve their skills at all levels.  The new titles will be available in The World Of The Horse pavilion at Badminton Horse Trials, along with a wide range of other titles to suit all equestrian tastes. 

Training The Modern Jumper takes a detailed look at current training methods with Elmar Pollmann-Schweckhorst, a successful trainer and “Professional Rider of the German National Equestrian Federation”.  The film analyses typical problems that can arise within the different stages of development of the jumping horse and presents solutions in the form of practical exercises.  

Jumping is introduced at the very early stages of training and the film goes on to highlight the importance of the classical elements of dressage in teaching the horse to respond accurately to the rider’s aids.  It goes on to cover enhancing jumping techniques, riding a course and jumping against the clock and a number of horses at different stages in training are used to demonstrate each point. 

The trainer challenges some traditional training theories and offers a new approach to the scales of training based on achieving submissiveness.  Reassuringly, this program recognises that “Rome was not built in a day” and that training must take into account the unique personalities of each horse and rider, developing the horse’s confidence through positive experience.   

Training The Modern Jumper with Elmar Pollmann-Schweckhorst is available now on DVD at rrp £19.99.  Running time 55min.

Yoga & Riding with Linda Benedik presents a new and useful method to develop riding skills.  Through a series of lessons, riders are introduced to Linda’s method of integrating hatha yoga with riding in order to improve their balance, breathing and, ultimately, their performance.  In Volume 1: Balance and Symmetry, traditional hatha yoga postures specifically selected for the equestrian and lessons in centering, conscious breathing and body awareness, are presented.  In Volume 2: Breathing and Relaxation, riders build on these lessons with the focus on achieving a deeper relaxation in mind and body. 

Traditional hatha yoga techniques also effectively develop confidence and help manage anxieties often associated with both competitive and leisure riding.   Both volumes cover three main areas:  Rider groundwork provides a flow-style yoga routine to practice anytime, Rider warm-up shows how yoga practiced at the stables encourages you to centre, stretch and release tension before mounting your horse, and Mounted Yoga Practice. 

The last section shows how to incorporate the methods learned into your riding and features a “moving meditation”.  Mounted lessons on the lunge help the rider to develop a dynamic riding posture that can absorb the movement of the horse while maintaining balance and security.  The Yoga & Riding series is designed for riders of any age, level of experience or discipline.
Yoga & Riding is available now on DVD, rrp £19.99 each.