Pagosa Springs, CO- (July 30, 2014)– Dressage training is systematic and based on the classical training scale, but often it is a complex task for riders to assimilate the training scale into their day-to-day riding programs. To help riders and trainers incorporate these principles into their riding programs, Linda Parelli of Parelli Natural Horsemanship and acclaimed FEI dressage judge and trainer Christoph Hess have developed and released their latest collaborative educational DVD, The Scale of Training in Action. Devoted to accurately depicting and explaining the application of the classical training scale, The Scale of Training in Action walks viewers through daily training sessions with horses and riders at various points in their training, all while applying the training scale to their work. The horse and rider combinations in the DVD series include a rider just starting out in dressage, an accomplished FEI level competitor, Linda Parelli and her own horse (who are developing impulsion and thrust in their dressage work), and an accomplished eventer and his young horse.
As a core philosophy in dressage, the training scale’s progressive system of concepts should be established in the horse and rider in successive order. Because of this, correct training in the beginning is essential to long-term success, and riders from all disciplines can benefit from following its ordered structure: rhythm, relaxation, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. Using exercises to improve each horse and rider’s overall connection, Hess coaches Liz Jones, Tik Maynard, Linda Parelli, and Mette Larsen through two lessons apiece. Parelli also brings her own unique insight on the importance of equine psychology and how it can be applied to the classical training scale, creating an invaluable source of information for riders across a variety of disciplines.
Christoph Hess and Linda Parelli (Photo courtesy of Parelli Natural Horsemanship)
“In my point of view, the training scale is a proper guide for schooling and training a horse,” says Hess. “Horses that are trained strictly in proper training are ridden correctly in the sense of biomechanics, are matured within their personality, and fulfill the required tasks with joy, good elasticity, and economics of movement. I recommend riders and trainers stick to the criteria of the training scale, regardless of their personal level of riding and their objectives. It will serve them every time.”
Hess and Parelli have a long history of collaboration. Both were headline presenters at the 2013 Dressage Summit in Wellington, Florida, a groundbreaking event that featured the top minds in classical horsemanship and natural horsemanship. Additionally, they worked together to produce Parts I and II of their Scale of Training DVD series in 2012. The Scale of Training in Action continues this legacy of good basics, classical horsemanship, and the natural methods developed by the Parellis to bring a more harmonious experience to riders and trainers across the world.
“Christoph Hess is one of the most positive, passionate teachers I have ever encountered,” says Linda Parelli. “His interest in how Parelli works to get horses more calm, connected and responsive mirrors many of his goals for horses and riders incorporating the training scale. Together our goal is to entice more riders into dressage from the natural horsemanship world, increase the dressage rider’s feeling of success and growth, and underline how powerful the training scale is when you understand how to use it”.
Christoph Hess and Linda Parelli during one of the lessons featured in the Scale of Training in Action DVD. (Photo courtesy of Parelli Natural Horsemanship)
For more information on The Scale of Training in Action, call 855-PARELLI or visit http://www.shop.parelli.com or YouTube: tinyurl.com/q3wwkbe
