Klaus Balkenhol. Working for Success.

US Team brings home the bronze. In the summer of 2006 at Aachen World Equestrian Games Chef D'Equipe and international coach and competitor Klaus Balkenhol guided the USA dressage team of Gunter Seidel, Debbie McDonald, Steffen Peters and Leslie Morse to win the coveted bronze medal. This super DVD documents, with the usual artistic flair and super cinematography from Mr. Blum - the successful journey.

Daily training during the five weeks of training prep prior to the competition are covered, plus some super behind the scenes insights and excitements in the warm up arena just prior to the big win. The difficulties of choosing between Arlene Full and Wild One and Catherine Haddad and Max and Leslie Morse and Tip Top for the fourth team member are discussed - each rider trying very hard to qualify - all having various tensions and working well through them. It was very interesting to see Klaus' input into the piaffe work with Catherine Haddad and Max - some quick insights and with a few directives he had improved the piaffe by leaps and bounds. The suppleness, sincerely great basics and soft and subtle corrections that Klaus gives the team - Debbie/Steffen and Gunter he has worked with for many years already - are amazing. Aragorn and his very sensitive nature and asking Gunter to sit even quieter in the piaffe when he looks to the observer as if he couldn't sit any quieter - and then you see him do it. The horse has one of the best piaffer I have ever seen.

Some footage here of the 'overbending' or 'Rollkur" of the champions Isabell and Anky in the warm up arena has Klaus more than a little upset in the commentary - and when you see the unhappiness in the horses you are certainly in agreement. 'In no classical book' for sure. Please see also our listing for Dr. Gerd Heuschmann's book Tug Of War on this subject. As some of you may know Klaus Balkenhol and Dr. Heuschmann are part of the new movement Xenophon - aimed at promoting classical training. Back to this title - you will also enjoy the insight from a coach/trainer's point of view, the moments just before the competition and how Klaus offers clean and clear directives with quiet knowledge and settles the riders nerves in a very good way,it is a joy to view. The American team presented such a very professional air and intent during their work throughout. The footage at home with Klaus in the brisk morning air, with Floriano and Steffen showing off their elastic work and work outs that once again demonstrate the harmony with which this team works. All the riders are interviewed - Debbie calls Klaus 'The Heart and Soul ' of the team. He works very hard to keep everyone in balance and up in spirit and the Bronze medal was well deserved for sure. Very insightful and certainly very inspiring.

Enjoy. Highly Recommended.