Taking Up the Reins: A Year in Germany with a Dressage Master

by Priscilla Endicott, Denny Emerson (Foreword)

A personal memoir chronicling an American woman's intense year in Germany studying with the great dressage master Walter Christensen.

Genres: Horses

332 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this journey to Germany to train with a dressage riding master. Part training journal, part travel journal, this story is authentic and honest and I found myself caught up the author's adventure. Sure, I would have liked more details about what she was learning technically about riding and dressage and training her horse. But I found many gems of wisdom and perspective in what she was learning about hard work, dedication, and patience. It's so true that American culture runs counter to the ideal of patience and the bit by bit progress that happens in classical dressage training. Americans want progress NOW and it's no different today than it was decades ago when this author took her journey to Germany and when dressage was just beginning to take hold here in the United States. All too often today we see the horses suffering from being pushed and pulled into a frame, rather than taught gradually and with much patience how to carry more weight on their haunches and where the horses are given the time it takes to build the correct muscling. This book brings that important reminder that progress in dressage training (and in life!) requires hard work and patience, that there are no short cuts worth taking, that dressage riding & training correctly means learning to grow in wisdom and perspective as well as technical & physical skills. This book is all about the journey and I applaud the author's insights and willingness to share her journey with us all.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible story of a women who left her comfort zone to follow a dream. She left her family, with their support, to study in Germany, NOT knowing the language, for a whole year. With no translator! (In the pre-internet and cel phone era.) And she was 49. I think the age is important to mention because it really shows a determination many might not consider. I found this a fascinating read and simply loved it. A great look at the cultural differences she had to deal with as well. I think anyone with an interest in dressage, Germany, or personal journeys will find this interesting.

[Susan E. Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Utterly fascinating. Made me green with jealousy that Endicott had the opportunity to ride with a German master. It's not a "how-to;" it's a "what I did." Oh how I wish I could have done it too.

[Carol-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any dressage enthusiast, this book is a wonderful account of an American being introduced to classical dressage in the 1970's. An American rider takes a year to concentrate on her dressage riding with Walter Christensen (who has trained many Olympians and professional riders). The book chronicles the ups and downs of training, the frustrations and small daily successes that all riders experience at all levels. Walter Christensen highlights the necessity for building success through the basics with an emphasis on harmony and partnership with one's horse. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any person working with horses.

[Wyntrnoire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly awesome. Another book to be housed on my read again shelves--to go to for inspiration and growth. I loved this book.

"Because I think of my life as one long lesson, I like to reflect on the high points--the places where learning was an experience of great intensity, fired by the inspirational passion of a unique teacher."

Priscilla Endicott
Chapter 13--Master Teacher

[Bird4416 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good easy read on one woman's year training in Germany.

[Meg Hilly]

Enjoyable read, good insights on living in Germany and studying dressage.