Product Review

CLASSICAL DRESSAGE COMBO includes all four parts of the Classical Dressage Series CLASSICAL DRESSAGE PART 1 DVD L©g¨ret© is French trainer Philippe Karl's philosophy of "lightness." Karl's philosophy is based on understanding the physical and mental conditions of the horse, the ease of the aids, and the horse's natural movement. He believes it is fundamental that the aids are taught clearly before the horse begins to do any gymnastic work, and he says the horse's neck must be completely flexible in order to extend and flex at the poll. 1 DVD CLASSICAL DRESSAGE PART 2 DVD In the second part of this DVD series, Philippe Karl presents gymnastic exercises to further the horse's training. He introduces the double bridle as an important aid for advanced gymnastic exercises. Then, through combined lateral work, including shoulder-in, counter shoulder-in, travers, and renvers, the balance, suppleness, and mobility of the horse are established. 1 DVD CLASSICAL DRESSAGE PART 3 DVD "Collection can make the horse look like a ballet dancer," says French dressage trainer Philippe Karl. In this third DVD in his Classical Dressage training series, Karl uses gymnastic exercises taught in Part 2 to improve collection. Because they represent the "peak" of collection, pirouettes, piaffe, and passage are covered-only a supple and collected horse can manage them. 1 DVD, CLASSICAL DRESSAGE PART 4 DVD In the fourth DVD in his Classical Dressage series, Philippe Karl presents his School of L©g¨rete (lightness) as a series of prerequisites and goals. His training philosophy is inspired by the most accomplished masters, including la Gueriniere, Baucher, Beudant, and L'Hotte, and is founded on absolute respect for the horse. 1 DVD