Subject: Endotapping
Hi Richard,

So, what can you tell me about Endotapping? Have you worked with your horses with this method?

I have a client that just bought a Friesian that is totally shut down to the whip and spur. Just thinking of ways to get him out of this defensive armor...I had not heard of it before.

Trainer/Student

Well first I would take the spurs off since they don't work. Then I would look at the 9 minute YouTube video for free on 'What is Endotapping' which is very pleasant but doesn't tell you how. Then I would get an Endostick (42" length) along with the 2DVD set available at www.XenophonPress.com . The horse learns first to Relax, then to Activate, in the beginning the horse may Resist or Ignore. These are normal in the process. The tapping is done on acupuncture meridian points that have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. I have a 6 year old that wouldn't go, every time you did a downward transition to walk, he would just coil and then either rear or go nowhere or go sideways into a nearby object. I started the Endotapping from the ground (you know I am extremely skeptical of all gadgets! and extra equipment) The tapping actually releases endorphins, so it has the opposite effect of the whip, which causes a sting and pain. I tap from behind by reaching back to make sure he will go forward, then right by my calf to teach him the tapping calf aid, on the shoulder if he bullies or charges through the shoulder etc. The horse is now staying in the arena (with no walls) and cheerfully going forward. I learned about it from J.P. Giacomini who used to be in Pebble Beach in the 1980s and ended up teaching our friend M.W. who moved there. I was actually looking for a translator when I called J.P. Now I ride all of our horses, including some pretty big, dull Dutch horses, and have taken the spurs off. I am using the Endotapping in hand stick (6' long) now instead of the in hand whip for teaching piaffe and passage and the horses no longer kick out, but work in relaxation with better movement and more activity.

Ok, this Endotapping by J.P. Giacomini presented in his two volume DVD set, completely bargain priced at 64.95 really works. I have tested it on 6 completely different horses. The latest, our coming 6 year old had been completely soured to the whip of any kind. He would either kick out at the whip, or while undersaddle plant himself and stop moving. I started using the Endotapping stick along with the detailed instructions on the DVD set a week ago, he is now going forward undersaddle with light taps from my leg, stays in the arena, cheerfully canters, does all of the transitions up and down without hessitation and with delight. The Endotapping stick is not a whip, it creates endorphines and relaxes the horse then activates him. Simply unbelieveable. I am very skeptical of any technology but this method of relaxation has been around in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and has been proven to work on humans. Wouldn't you like to tap your horse with the 'stick' and have him relax and not tense from it? That's what I always wanted and now have. Then the horse learns to willingly and without resistance move forward, or sideways in complete accord with the rider's wishes. It takes skill and brains but so does good riding. Get the dvd's and see for yourself. available at http://easternshorecollection.com/J-P-Giacomini-Presents-Endotapping-2-DVDs-6018.htm

Dom Diogo da Brangance Excerpt

"The limit of flexibility is attained when the horse will not go more forward in the requested gait. This is what is happening if the horse, chomping his bit to an excess while at the halt, departs at the canter when the trot or the walk has been requested. The rider can be sure that the mobility of the jaw has been brought to the point of exaggeration. Another example: If the trainer wants his mount to halt perfectly, but the horse engages and mobilizes his hindquarters, putting himself into what one could call “agitated stop;” we must conclude that the flexibility of the hindquarters has been pushed too far."

Excerpt from Equitation in the French Tradition by Dom Diogo da Brangance to be published in English by www.XenophonPress.com in Spring of 2011

We are fortuanate enough to have obtained a few copies of Harry Boldt's English Translation of 'The Dressage Horse' Chapter III. This book is does a fantastic job of describing and diagramming the aids like no other book. It is out of print and these are some of the only remaining copies. You can order your own copy at http://www.xenophonpress.com/ while they last. They are very difficult to find and an incredible resource to have at your finger tips.

The Maneige Royal by Antoine de Pluvinel

Just in from the printers our new copies of Antoine de Pluvinel's 'The Maneige Royal' translated to English by Hilda Nelson. This work, formerly from J.A.Allen has been out of print for several years. We have carefully reproduced this masterpiece in clothbound hardcover with silver embossed spine. This is a limited edition printing, copies won't last. Perfect gift item or treat yourself. Gorgeous engravings by Chrispian de Pas. Read the full description here.

Visit our full library at www.XenophonPress.com

Faverot de Kerbrech's 'Methodical Dressage of the Saddle Horse' is considered the 'Bible of Baucherism'. Together with it, in 'Dressage of the Outdoor Horse' General de Lagarenne gives us the teaching of Faverot de Kerbrech. Both excellently translated by Michael L. M. Fletcher. FREE DOMESTIC MEDIA MAIL SHIPPING

François Faverot de Kerbrech's (1837 – 1905) first riding master was his father, General Baron Faverot, student of Chevalier D’Abzac. At Saint Cyr, his teachers were students of the Count d’Aure. Faverot completed his studies by following François Baucher. Faverot became one of Baucher’s favorite students. A horseman of great repute, he remained the loyal successor to the work of François Baucher. The Master François Baucher brought numerous modifications to his first method of dressage. His best student, Faverot de Kerbrech gives us the definitive description and explanation of Baucher’s second manner in his work: Methodical Dressage of the Saddle Horse from the Last Teaching of Baucher, recalled by one of his students (1891). Published twenty years after the death of Baucher, this work is the result of a quest to bring French equitation out of its academic approach; enriched by the experience of Baucher’s most illustrious student. It is widely considered the best representation of Baucher's second method.

In Dressage of the Outdoor Horse, General de Lagarenne gives us the last teaching of Faverot de Kerbrech. This work consists of a simplified progression of the second manner of Baucher with regard to the preparation of a horse for outdoor riding.

Get your copy now at http://www.xenophonpress.com/ FREE SHIPPING.

The Ecuyere of the Nineteenth Century in the Circus by Hilda Nelson

We are pleased to announce that we have a few copies of the out of print title: The Ecuyere of the Nineteenth Century in the Circus by Hilda Nelson. Here is a very good description of the book which will be available off the press in about 2 weeks: "Circus was quite a serious thing in nineteenth and early twentieth century Europe. Edmond and Jules de Goncourt noted in their Journal "We go to only one theater--the Circus. There we see clowns, tumblers....there is no false exhibition of talent..." Balzac believed that a circus equestrienne was worth more respect than an actress, a prima ballerina or an opera prima donna. And indeed, equestrians were the kings of the circus--and equestriennes, its idolized queens. For horsemanship was important then. It was more than mere entertainment. Wars had been won by good horsemen. Horses were still man's most valuable partner in so many aspects of everyday life. And the circus had been creatd by and for equestrians...Nelson takes us to a wonderful, often surprising journey with the greatest circus equestriennes of the nineteenth century, who reigned with so much flair over the most prestigious rings of Europe...puts back the spotlight on these unjustly forgotten stars of the circus of yore...' Many of the moves illustrated are very familiar 'haute ecole' moves in classical dressage--piaffe, Spanish walk, passage; as well as the more esoteric 'airs above of the ground' most familiar today as performed by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and the Cadre Noir in Saumur. These moves include the courbette, capriole, levade, pesade, etc. And these circuses were housed in grand, theatrical palaces, not movable tents; but in buildings as exquisite as the equestrians/equestriennes and their horses, a fitting setting for these memorable equine artists. Also includes a glossary and index. As soon as it is ready, you will be able to obtain a limited edition (only 100 copies) on our website at www.XenophonPress.com