Training the Flying Change: A Step-by-step Guide For Any Horse or Rider – Shana & Thomas Ritter

The flying change is one of dressage’s most admired movements, but it is also one of the most commonly misunderstood. Late changes, crookedness, tension, anticipation, resistance, or a horse that refuses to change leads are rarely solved by using stronger aids. More often, the missing element is correct preparation.

In Training the Flying Change: A Step-by-step Guide for Any Horse or Rider, classical trainers Shana Ritter and Dr. Thomas Ritter offer a clear and systematic method for developing clean, balanced, and confident flying changes.

Rather than relying on force or mechanical repetition, the authors focus on the physical and mental foundations that make the movement possible. Through correct biomechanics, progressive gymnastic exercises, thoughtful communication, and carefully developed balance and straightness, riders can help the flying change emerge naturally.

The book includes:

• Twelve proven training pathways toward successful flying changes
• Progressive exercises from walk through canter
• Detailed guidance on rider position, timing, and aids
• Practical solutions for late changes, crookedness, anticipation, tension, and resistance
• Methods for young and inexperienced horses, retraining projects, and experienced competition horses
• Clear explanations of the biomechanics behind the flying change

Whether you are preparing your horse’s first flying change, improving tempi changes, working toward Third Level or FEI dressage, or looking for a more classical and horse-friendly training system, this richly illustrated guide provides a logical roadmap that can be used throughout your riding career.

With diagrams, practical exercises, and structured training pathways, Training the Flying Change is a valuable resource for dressage riders, trainers, instructors, clinicians, and serious students of classical horsemanship who want reliable results based on understanding rather than chance.