Anja Beran trains horses with the classical principles of Horsemanship: with her sole aim being to ensure in the course of her life that an increasing number of people become familiar with the art of classical horsemanship. She hopes very much that a great number of riders will be able to experience serious enthusiasm for classical horsemanship in its true and original sense. Anja runs her own farm and equestrian centre called "Gut Rosenhof" in Germany, she teaches numerous clinics and seminars in the United States, England, and all around the world.  Anja’s training philosophy is that Dressage is here for the horse and not the horse for the dressage, and she prides herself in adapting to the individual horse’s personality, solving any problem in a sensitive, horse-friendly way. Anja focuses on the natural movement of the horse using gymnastic exercises to help horses find balance mentally and physically. She believes that each rider should contribute to their horse living a long, healthy and happy life which can only happen with a correct and holistic approach to horse care and training.   In this episode, we discuss:   Anja Beran’s journey to classical dressage Partnership, harmony, personality, balance, body and mind as a basis for training horses Riding with ‘invisible aids’ A holistic approach to horse’s happiness The issues with nosebands and auxiliary/side reins The origins of dressage and how it has changed over the years The potential future of modern dressage competition What the ultimate contact should feel like from a young horse to advanced Classical dressage as a form of physical therapy for horses How classical dressage has transformed the lives of horses destined for euthanasia Her favourite classical masters & their books What is meant by riding the horse from back to front Anja’s mission to have ‘sustainable’ horses who are healthy, happy, and motivated into their old age And so much more!   Anja has an important message to share with the world, and I hope that many riders will draw inspiration from how she rides and trains horses, knowing that dressage should be FOR the horse!   ____ Links to Anja Beran's Beautiful books: https://www.anjaberan.de/en/about-us/publications https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=anja+beran&crid=1REUR30AVU6DM&sprefix=anja+%2Caps%2C421&ref=nb_sb_noss_2   ____ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ANJA HERE: https://www.anjaberan.de/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100043906910677 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjaberan.foundation/   ____ EXTRA RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR HORSE:   Discover a deeper connection & communication with your horse with this free mini-course at www.amaliadempsey.com/ccmc   Sign up for weekly Horsemanship Breakthrough emails, where each week I send you a little bite-sized horsemanship breakthrough that has helped me on my journey, in the hope that it will also help you with your horse. Just go to: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/breakthroughs   Get a list of all the books & resource recommendations mentioned in the podcast here: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/booklist   Improve your rider biomechanics through unmounted exercises with these 10 Free Rider Specific Exercises to improve your riding at: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/exercises    And if you’re ready for a complete riding transformation through exercises join the 8 Week Rider Specific Exercise Program at: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/8-week-rider-specific-exercise-program   Say goodbye to stressful trailer loading with the $9 30-minute Trailer Loading Success Roadmap: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/offers/TCmLdE2o/checkout   Want your horse to be happy, calm, trusting, confident on the ground and riding? Join Horsemanship Fundamentals Academy, where I teach you how to achieve this and more with your horse: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/Horsemanship-Fundamentals-Academy   No matter where you are in the world I can help you and your horse through online coaching