This book is the way forward to take all the negativity out of the sport in all three disciplines Showjumping, Dressage and Eventing.
I have been exposed to some of the so called world class trainers and Isaac’s coaching is on another level for both horse and rider!
This training manual is one on its own there is no other like it on the market!
This manual is a unique, comprehensive, complete and structured piece of work that invites you to form a deep and transformative bond with your horse. It covers every aspect of training a riding horse in a thoughtful, ethical and dignified manner for both horse and rider.
Each logical step is fully described from a philosophical, technical, scientific, ethological and biomechanical point of view. Exercises for both horse and rider are described in a clear and progressive form with a complete analysis of the aims to be achieved along with recognising and managing common difficulties and faults with harmony and respect.
It will challenge you to rethink and refine your skills and knowledge and review your partnership with your horse with fresh eyes and a deeper understanding. Refining the basics, inviting you to a greater awareness of your own mind and body and that of the horse.
There are no quick fixes to be found within, but it invites riders of all abilities and backgrounds to a common understanding of an ethical and sound training method with purpose and completeness.
It provides a guide you will reach for, review and reread frequently as it opens the doors to the art of unlimited learning, unconscious competence and deepening awareness and connection with your horse.
A magical experience which on a daily basis will ultimately improve your general approach to life as well as profoundly deepening your horsemanship skills.
Thank you Isaac with very best wishes to you, your students and horses.
James Cooling
Isaac has opened all of our eyes.
I highly recommend Isaac’s manual to anyone who enjoys riding and training horses, it’s a resource you will return to again and again. Isaac is an outstanding trainer, kind, patient, and has a deep understanding of horses.
He encourages them to work to the best of their ability in a calm and relaxed way, always prioritising their well being . As a teacher, he helps his riders develop feel and empathy, ensuring that training is not just effective but also harmonious.
Isaac is also a great communicator; he has the ability to break down even the most difficult movements into clear and simple explanations that give both horse and rider confidence.
Everything he teaches is beautifully captured in his manual. It serves as an invaluable, step by step guide for anyone who wants to ride classically while also understanding the reasoning behind each technique.
Kate Lodge.
Firstly, I cannot thank Isaac enough for his time, patience, kindness and respect shown in his training of myself and my wonderful horse Nubarron over the many years.
Nubarron and I started out keen, exuberant, flashy but very wrong… causing tension, spooking and riding in a defensive way.
We are now relaxed, and training on into our autumn years with grace!
The guide “Opening Our Eyes “ is incredibly complete and detailed with structured information
Every movement is looked at with microscopic clarity… leaving no doubt as to what you are looking to achieve and not fall prey to the modern dressage circus that we see in competitions today.
For the sake our horses there is no looking back!
Sharon Peschke
I highly recommend Isaac’s How to Train Your Horse manual and Opening Our Eyes book. The insights, techniques, and knowledge in both are unlike anything else on the market. Along with our weekly lessons, these resources have truly helped me and my horse, Piconero.
Thanks to Isaac, I’ve seen a real transformation in my horse, both physically and mentally .
Becky Edwards
I first heard about Isaac 4 years ago, when James Cooling came out to check SuperTed’s bit. Ted used to trip quite a lot whilst we were working and James told me this was because he was not working in balance. When I asked who he had lessons with he told me about Isaac. I immediately messaged Isaac and asked if he would teach us.
Our first lesson with Isaac was very different to any we had ever had before. James had told me that most of the work done with Isaac was in walk, so I was prepared for that. A lot of our first lesson was actually done in halt, with some walk, but I believed in what Isaac taught us and we continued to practice between lessons, which meant we moved on and learnt a new exercise in our next one.
Four years on, a lot of our work is still done in walk, but the difference made to everything else is truly incredible! The fact that Ted is a Traditional Gypsy Cob and achieves what we currently achieve is quite a revelation to me.
Isaac often says, “Give him time.” He explains exactly why we do every exercise and what it will enable us to do in time, we practice during our lessons, then Isaac tells me, “You need to make this your obsession.” I write everything down that I can remember, practice as much as we have time for, then during our next lesson, we may move on a bit further, or we work on different exercises, usually to encourage Ted to step under more with his appropriate hind leg and work with his weight in his outside shoulder.
The difference in Ted’s shape over the last 4 years is pretty incredible too, clear confirmation that Isaac’s classical dressage training is working for the good of the horse.
A number of rider friends have noticed the huge change in the way Ted and I work together over the last few years and I explain that most of this is because of Isaac’s training and the time we spend practicing between lessons. I pray that one day more of them will understand fully and benefit as we do.
Seeing is surely believing, by giving your horse time to develop in his time, not time governed by when the next competition date is or when your next horse weekend is coming up. I’ve learnt to appreciate a bit of improvement in me and my horse in our time, and that’s good enough for us.
Isaac’s introduction of his manual was music to my ears. Such a huge wealth of knowledge, extremely clearly set out, easy to follow and understand in a way that is unsurpassed in anything I have read before.
GADGETS ARE FOR INANIMATE OBJECTS
I’ve never believed in using gadgets in horse training, but, sadly, I know there is a massive horse gadget industry, seemingly selling to people who are in a huge rush to get their horse in some sort of outline or whatever, rather than allowing the horse to develop in the horse’s time with correct training. Gadgets are for kitchens, cars and other inanimate things, NOT for our living, feeling, beautiful horses, who continue to love us irrespective of how many times we mess up.
Linda Samuel
Isaac’s approach to training horses is like nothing I have ever come across before. He speaks the horse’s language: so intent in the study of ethology, sensitive to emotion and expression, attentive to biomechanics, historically informed, and with a wealth of experience, horses gravitate towards him.
His manual is an accessible, step-by-step guide for anyone wishing to learn through his approach. For anyone who sees the flaws with the modern sport, and wants a different way. Who wants to learn through peace rather than argument. Following the lessons in the manual, anyone, no matter their level of experience will understand the steps to building an intrinsic connection with a horse. The manual allows you inside the mind of a master.
Emily Hope
My husband and I have been under Isaac’s expert tuition for two years now. We have learned so much and our horse has improved consistently over this period of time.
The Classical Dressage Manual is a comprehensive written reflection of Isaac’s teachings. What sets this work apart is not only its technical clarity but an extraordinary sensitivity to the nature of the horse. Isaac’s approach is one rooted in empathy, biomechanics, and ethology. This manual is not just a training guide, it is a philosophy of partnership and a blueprint for ethical riding in harmony with the horse. It is essential reading for anyone who seeks not just to ride, but to truly connect.
Melissa and Philip Gothard
This manual is a breath of fresh air, a thoughtful, grounded, and beautifully articulated return to classical principles. Isaac Rio speaks directly to the thinking rider, offering insight that’s both practical and quietly radical. A must-read for anyone serious about riding in harmony.
Anita Quigley
I have recently started training with Issac after many years of competing successfully in Bd dressage. As I have grown my perspective has changed and I wanted to start looking at my training and values around horses from a different angle. It isn't easy to step away from what you have always done and look at things in a completely different light but I am so glad I have. Issac was recommended to me by my physiotherapist as someone who not only teaches the fundamentals of classical dressage but how this also goes hand in hand with the biomechanics and ethological side of the horse. Issacs practices and way of explaining it from the horses point of view is like nothing I have experienced before.
His manual is an extension of him and like nothing else I have read before. It breaks down each individual movement, explaining in detail, the positive effects when ridden correctly but also the negative impact these have not only physically, but mental on the horse . It gives you a step by step guide on how to ride these movements correctly and how each movement, when done with feel and time, connect togther to build a beautiful dance between horse and rider. It's refreshing in this era where training is pushed too quickly for competition purpose inevitably resulting n incorrect biomechanics and tension to have a manuel that highlights the importance of correct training that works at the pace of your horse.
Nicola Dodson
As an Icelandic Horse Rider, finding balance in the 5 true gaits of walk, Tölt , trot, canter, and Flying Pace is extremely difficult. Whilst the starting point and Breed challenges are different to non gaited horses the principles of training remain the same. My horse loves to be on the forehand using her shoulders. Dropping behind the vertical instead of coming through from behind. Being gaited it's easy for her to cheat as she can use her legs in anyway she feels. Overall a 5 gaited Icelandic can choose 13 gaits if they feel unbalanced.
Isaac was introduced to me through British Working Equitation. I enjoyed our car park chats, and followed him through spectating at a friend's lessons.
Isaac is very giving with his knowledge, the way he explains and demonstrates gives me the Why, and the How. Each time I learn clearly a key element that I am missing. This clarity gave me the confidence to purchase and read Isaac's Manual. A guide to what we should be aiming for, and what to do if observations do not meet up.
My thinking and viewpoint are already at the relaxed horse, if she is tense then she will not trot. But to be able to gain Trot on a gaited horse you start long and low. From here I need Isaac's writings to help tune us into off the forehand, but not BTV.
Karen Smith
I met Isaac many years ago following a riding accident. Isaac rode both my young horses for several weeks whilst I recovered, allowing me to observe his way of riding. I was inspired to continue his horse orientated, developmental training based on Classical teaching’s , a deep knowledge of biomechanics & most importantly, the true nature of the horse.
I am therefore very grateful to Isaac for creating an insightful manual & for so generously sharing his knowledge & experience. It reflects not only his expertise but also his passion for helping others to grow.
Thank you Isaac.
Mandy Chandler
My lessons with Isaac have provided the framework to understand and execute the skills my 25-year-old pony has needed from me to be comfortable in his body and mind. Only 18 months on, and I’m thrilled with our development. I never dreamt I could be as confident as I have become or that Henry would be the partner I now find him to be: supple, balanced, and trusting.
As a student of Isaac’s, I’ve found his guide to be an invaluable supplement to my lessons. It has significantly enhanced my understanding of my riding goals and objectives. The detailed insights on what is desirable and what is not have immensely improved my schooling and my connection in the saddle.
Pinar Ozbey-Trottier
Opening Our Eyes is unlike any other book I’ve read on dressage. It doesn’t just show you how to ride an exercise, it teaches you how to truly see what is happening between horse and rider, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The detail is extraordinary, yet written with such clarity that it feels accessible to every rider, no matter their level.
Since reading it, I find myself noticing so much more in my own riding and in others, where there is harmony, and where tension or misunderstanding is hiding beneath the surface. It has changed the way I train and, more importantly, the way I listen to my horse.
This book is a gift to anyone who wants to ride with respect, softness, and truth. For the sake of our horses, I wish every rider would read it.
Alicja Wielechowska
I started training with Isaac about 18 months ago with my young Iberian horse.
Well what can I say? Isaac has taught me so much he has transformed my training methods. He introduced me to the classic way, training through relaxation, patience & understanding. The importance of biomechanics of both horse and rider.
Isaac’s teachings are not a quick fix approach it is about getting the foundations right and building on that.
My horse was tense and resistant to my riding aids, with Isaac’s knowledge and understanding we went back to the beginning teaching me inhand exercises and teaching him to carry himself before even accepting a rider.
18 months later we are still on the path as it’s a long road of ups and downs, twists and turns but heading in the right direction of self carriage and towards collection.
Issac’s guide OPENING OUR EYES: A classical perspective on modern dressage is a brief insight into his years of teaching and experience.
I am lucky to be able to have Isaac to help, teach and guide me but the manual is there is refer to and study in between my lessons and give me homework to work on with my horses.
Gill Fewster
I highly recommend Isaac.
His training has helped me so much in understanding and bringing on my very hot young warmblood, and she is now finally riding away calmly. Under his guidance, my bond with this sensitive mare gets stronger every day. His guide is beautifully written and shows the very detailed extent of his knowledge and passion for horses and training. It is a must read.
It is a must read for anyone who cares about horses and ethical training. It explains how everything should look and feel, and, more importantly why. Isaac demonstrates a deep knowledge of equine biomechanics and physiology, as well as his innate love of horses.
I have learned so much from Isaac, and I cannot wait to read the manual!
Soulla Clarkson
I adore my horses and Isaac's manual has allowed me to transfer this love into our ridden work, having the knowledge to work with my horses to create a harmonious bond in and out of the saddle. To have a method which allows me to train my horses correctly and without tension is one of the greatest gifts. Isaac is a unique and precious soul who has done horse kind a kindness by sharing his technique developed over years of study. To have even a part of this training is magical but to have him in person is transformational.
Belle