Understanding the German Training System with Christoph Hess

Christoph Hess was the coaching and training co-ordinator German Equestrian Federation education unit in Warendorf for many years. Christoph is also an international FEI judge. He was always generous in sharing his time and knowledge – and still is in his ‘retirement’ as he is still very active in many roles.  Back in 2004, Christoph provided the following simple explanation of that crucial element of the German training scale – losgelassenheit. The photos are selected from one of the many Seminars Christoph conducted at the Bundeschampionat.

‘Losgelassenheit’ means suppleness combined with looseness and the complete absence of any tension. It is the prerequisite for any advancement in training. Together with regularity, it is the primary goal of the initial, familiarising, phase.

Regularity in the gaits can only be correct when the movement goes through a swinging back. The horse’s muscles must work in an unconstrained, free-and-easy manner.

Read the full article: https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2018/02/understanding-the-german-training-system-with-christoph-hess/?fbclid=IwAR1io5qNk4nqRIWej2cvqUfk7VGLJwcLJlpqca8nJeIg79ITp5fe6V7GTSU