Schooling Exercises in Hand - Oliver Hilberger

[ChrissieW]

Anyone know anything about this guy?    Oliver Hilberger?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/3861279649

I bought this book (am a sucker for Amazon sending me email recommendations!!!) and so far I am finding it really helpful, good clear diagrams, a nice way of writing.   Much more of a step by step how to book than some I have read.       However, I am a groundwork dunce, so would like to know if what I am reading is good stuff before I experiment on Minnie!!!   (although am sure as always my most experienced and trusted teacher will let me know when I am peeing her off and will refuse to do as I ask her if she deems it at all inappropriate........!!      May have to practice on my sister's far more amenable geldings!)

[ash]

Wow!  This looks good, will be purchasing it when I get home later.  Thanks for that.   

[Wendy]

Ooh now you've made me go and order it. Hurumpf 

It does look useful, thanks!

[ChrissieW]

  Now I just have to wait for people to read it and tell me if its along the same lines as the in hand stuff taught by EE!!

Certainly seems all very well done to me and easy to understand, but as I say I'm a numpty where classical in hand work is concerned.

My problem is making Minnie see that its easy too......

[Levade]

If anyone buys it, let us know if it's any good...I'm trying to save money at the moment, but if it's worth it....well....

[Wendy]

Yes I'll report back in a week or two.

[ash]

I shall leave the full report to Wendy, however, I got my copy yesterday, and I am really really pleased with it.  The Photos and the diagrams are absolutely superb, and the story about 'Malcolm' the Arab who is used as the model in all the photos is a truly moving testament to the therapeutic value of Classical in-hand work.

Although I am still quite upset that someone saw fit to name an Arab 'Malcolm'.   

[ChrissieW]

Although I am still quite upset that someone saw fit to name an Arab 'Malcolm'

 

I thought that too, devoured all the stunning pictures through out the book, then read the story of him at the back and thought   "Malcolm!!"  

The book has certainly inspired me to have a go at the basics, will have to be when I can steal one of my sister's boys though, as Minnie is now broken again.

[Wendy]

Malcolm?? Great name! 

Mine hasn't turned up yet. I opted for the supersaver free postage AKA turnsuponlyifyourelucky. 

[Amanda1950]

Thanks to reading on here - I bought a copy, and from just having a quick flick, it looks good.  I never thought of in hand work for my old boy, but reading through there are lots of exercises which will be much more beneficial to him rather than lunge round the school in winter!

Thanks for briging to my attention!  Also, I somehow managed to buy Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind......  I really didn't want to spend money

[SNC]

Now I've had to go buy it now too 

[Wendy]

WOW, I absolutely LOVE this book. The introduction is absolutely brilliant, they are clearly people who care deeply about their horses and their health and wellbeing.

The thing I love most about it is the language they use. It is written in simple, modern English that doesn't feel like a translation. It seems to answer all the questions that come up as you go along. (read it once, have a go, go back to the section for the answers - I have read the first 2 sections 3 or 4 times). It's not patronising but it also explains what might be obvious to others.

I really like the way you can work through it from front to back and it gives you a progressive training scheme.

And the horse in the pics - WOW - there's a wonderful story at the back about him. And it was their success with that horse that inspired them to write the book.

I'm working through the book front to back with my 3 and loving it. Just what I've been waiting for!

So thank you Chrissie for the tip! 

[Diane Smith]

Oh No now I'll just have to buy myself yet another book,
 

  looking forward to buying it

[ChrissieW]

Now I just feel very inadequate  as I got the book first and I still have only managed to find the time to skim through it and read the first chapter or so in detail!!!

Ummm.......my report card would most definitely read "could try harder"!!!!!      In my defence I'm completely wiped out at the moment looking after Her Majesty on box rest, which hopefully ends this week, so will get stuck in again to the book and do some experiments on my sister's two whilst Minnie fighting for her retirement!!!

[visconde]

its very good-recommended-first in-hand book to tackle things like degree of bend wrt horse's type and conformation, impulsion and a bit of trouble shooting. not gone through it all yet but very impressed

and Malcolm is an inspired name