The Classical Seat I

About the Video - Approx 50 minutes

Throughout the video we can see Sylvia and her pupils working together with her different schoolmaster horses. The basic position for the rider on an advanced horse is very nearly the same as for the more novice horse. Certain techniques e.g. working the horse 'deep', and encouraging lengthening through the neck are clearly shown; as are the leg and seat aids for collection, extension and lateral work.

As the title suggests, Classical Riding is possible for the Everyday Rider and this is designed to further that aim.

The Classical Seat II

About the Video - Approx 50 minutes

In this the second video in her series, Sylvia works with a variety of students mounted on either their own or her patient Portuguese schoolmaster horses to demonstrate the preparatory work necessary to rebalance the horse. Bringing the hocks more under the body mass to lighten the forehand is the first requirement to help put the horse on the aids so that he may happily carry out the precision work of manège. We see the correct and incorrect riding of circles, looking for common mistakes involved in applying the aids and understanding how to rectify them.

The Classical Seat III

About the Video - Approx 50 minutes

In this the third Video in her series Sylvia works with a variety of students mounted on their own horses or with her own patient Portuguese schoolmasters at her school in Scotland. The work concentrates on greater collection as the horse consolidates his early schooling in shoulder-in, travers and the figurework shown in Classical Seat II.

As usual, Sylvia places great emphasis on the rider's seat and balance through the correct aiding process. Nuances of seat, leg and hand are explained in detail.

Perfect Laterals
Shoulder-In

About the Video - Approx 30 minutes

Shoulder-In is the first great bending and collecting exercise for the horse. Yet, most riders experience a multitude of problems when learning shoulder-in which is why we have devoted a whole video specifically to this movement. Here you will see very normal riders on very normal horses (thus disproving the idea that you have to own a 'dressage type' to do dressage!) showing some of the problems they may encounter along the the way.

Perfect Laterals
Travers towards Half-Pass

About the Video - Approx 50 minutes

Travers is an important supplying exercise in its own right.
Half-Pass is an extension of Travers and can be developed into a
highly gymnastic excercise.

Here you will see very normal riders on horses of different ages and type (thus disproving the idea that you have to own a "dressage horse" to do dressage) showing some of the problems that people encounter along the way. Clearly, to ride travers and half-pass successfully, it is important to understand the basic principles

On The Bit

About the Video - Approx 60 minutes

There is no doubt that a horse cannot develop correctly and with good gaits until he has learned to accept the rider's aids without resistance. Most people know what a horse on the bit looks like, but many people have never felt it for themselves. Too often, a pulling match ensues between horse and rider, leading to a loss of trust. Many horses just don't understand what is required.

In this video, we see how it is up to the rider to show the way.

Staying On!

About the Video - Approx 45 minutes

STAYING ON! is for children who can ride but want to ride with greater control and safety...remember...every pony is different! and not everyone's lucky enough to own the perfect pony.

The video shows how to accomplish all this in a way which complements the pony and the human's natural way of going.