DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Ride Better with Christoph Hess

Dozens of Rider Questions Answered

Christoph Hess author Karen Brittle translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Trafalgar Square

Published:29th Mar '18

Should be back in stock very soon

Ride Better with Christoph Hess cover

Christoph Hess, a Fédération Equestre International (FEI) “I” Judge in both dressage and eventing, is highly respected around the world as a teacher of riding and the development of the horse according to classical principles. Here he collects some of his very best riding and training tips along with well-honed insight related to the topics that he finds most often challenge equestrians and their equine partners. Ride Better with Christoph Hess provides thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice when dealing with issues with the gaits, in particular the walk and canter; high-headedness or the horse that is “too light” in the poll; inconsistency of performance; leaning on the bit; falling out; lack of straightness; and much more. In addition, Hess breaks out particular skills and movements that often need specialized attention when in the dressage or jumping ring, and when going cross-country. Throughout Hess emphasizes that a rider must always strive to improve, for the simple reason that you can always do better for your horse. While competitive and training goals do, of course, bring a certain satisfaction, it is having an equine partner who is contented in his work and happy in your company that rewards most. This lesson, and all Hess's tips and solutions, are invaluable to equestrians of every level - everyone can walk away from this book a better rider.

Christoph's book is delivered wholly around his classical development training principles. It's thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice and a collection of his best riding and training tips. The most common challenges for riders of all levels (that he has encountered) are also addressed — the regular, most frequent ones such as leaning on the bit, falling out, lack of straightness, as well as 'Top at home, flop at show' — a horsey 'problem' that crops up regularly at all levels and one of the reasons riders ask him for help. * Essex Rider *

Ride Better with Christoph Hess, is a new book, out now, which is full of helpful tips and pieces of advice for riders and their horses whether they are interested in dressage, eventing or showjumping.

Christoph (pictured top) is an FEI I judge in both dressage and eventing and is highly respected around the world as a trainer too, adhering to classical principles. Here he picks out problems and sticking points he finds most common when training horse and rider and shares his advice in a very easy-to-follow manner.

No matter what level you are riding to, this book is a must-read. Throughout Hess emphasises that a rider must always strive to improve, for the simple reason that they can always do better for their horse.


Deserves to be a bookshelf reference for every barn, regardless of discipline-after all, we all want to ride better.
Aspirational in an inviting way, and Hess's advice is straightforward, easy to understand, and of course, classically correct.
What I like about this book is it is a real problem-solver... a very good book for specific issues. Two thumbs up.

ISBN: 9781570768583

Dimensions: 241mm x 170mm x 18mm

Weight: 499g

184 pages