Publications
The desire to preserve classical equestrianism in modern times and to gain appreciation for training appropriate to the requirements of the horse is a motivation for Anja Beran to share her long-time knowledge based on practical experience in books, articles and instructional videos. Over the years, an increasingly extensive collection of publications ensued. These titles are introduced below, in chronological order. All books and DVDs, including translations into other languages, are available for purchase >> in our online shop.
2021
Blickschulung: Pferdegerechte Ausbildung erkennen
Training the eye - recognising training which is appropriate to the requirements of the horse: Anja Beran's new book
Training which is appropriate to the requirements of the horse or misunderstood dressage - is the training system in modern equestrianism on the wrong track? Anja Beran, one of the best-known representatives of classical dressage, answers this question in her new book. After years of observing the sport of dressage, Anja Beran opens viewers’ eyes. Analysis of impressive animations, created on the basis of real film recordings, contrast clearly undesirable developments with motion studies of horse-appropriate training. The theoretical foundations of this analysis are mainly provided by the guidelines for riding and driving of the Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung e.V. (FN), as well as the works of the Old Masters, on which they are based. Selected quotations illustrate the gulf between expectation and reality. What is rewarded a good score in the sport of dressage is no longer compatible with classical teachings and the guidelines!
Hardcover: 196 pages
Publisher: Crystal Verlag (15. November 2021)
Language: German
ISBN: 978-3-95847-025-5
Format: 24 x 27 cm
2020
Online course – lateral movements
For the first time Anja Beran offers an online course! The topic lateral movements is essential part of her work, so the online course treats every single lateral movement step by step and detailed in theory and practice. It contains four chapters about leg-yielding – overtrack, shoulder-in – counter shoulder-in, haunches-in – haunches-out, half-passes – half-pirouettes in walk, and finally the most important question „How do I straighten with the aid of lateral movements?“ The course contains theory videos, audio data of theory, practical videos with Anja Beran and Vera Munderloh, exercise sequences for your own training, a handout for printing, and also a private Facebook group to interchange with live question time.
Date of publication: 2020
2020
Online Morning Work Session
For all our loyal visitors, but also for interested horse-lovers who wanted to visit Gut Rosenhof for the first time and couldn´t be satisfied due to cancellation of events because of Covid19, Anja Beran and her team created a platform with the Online Morning Work Session in German language, which brings a little Rosenhof atmosphere to your home.
Date of publication: 2020
2017
Horses in Profile: Facets of Dressage
A picture book of a special kind. Different horses excel in classical lessons in front of a studio backstage. Anja Beran looks at these horses and emphasizes their individuality. The horses were put in scene by the photographer Maresa Mader.
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Cadmos Verlag (10. November 2017)
Language: German and English
ISBN-10: 3840410789
ISBN-13: 978-3840410789
Format: 24 x 27 cm
2017
DVD Training the eye - recognising training which is appropriate to the requirements of the horse, with Anja Beran
Training which is appropriate to the requirements of the horse or misunderstood dressage - is the training system in modern equestrianism on the wrong track? Anja Beran, one of the best-known representatives of classical dressage, answers this question in this multimedia presentation. After years of observing the sport of dressage, Anja Beran opens viewers’ eyes. Analysis of impressive animations, created on the basis of real film recordings, contrast clearly undesirable developments with motion studies of horse-appropriate training. The theoretical foundations of this analysis are mainly provided by the guidelines for riding and driving of the Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung e.V. (FN), as well as the works of the Old Masters, on which they are based. Selected quotations illustrate the gulf between expectation and reality. What is rewarded a good score in the sport of dressage is no longer compatible with classical teachings and the guidelines! The problem lies in the system - horses are trained with spectacular performances in mind, rather than well-being and a long and healthy future. Many riders labour under the illusion that they can take shortcuts on the correct path of training, without stopping to think about the physical and psychological strain on the horse. Exaggerated movements, when forced in an incorrect posture, often lead to physical damage in young horses. The same also applies for older horses, who are expected to perform difficult exercises without the correct preparatory supplying work. Movement patterns are created that no longer have anything in common with horses’ natural gaits. Anja Beran’s analysis is backed up from a veterinary medicine point of view by Elisabeth Albescu, a vet specialising in chiropractic treatment (A). A cinematic journey through time to the Old Masters shows exemplary riding as is only rarely experienced at dressage competitions today. This presentation is of great interest, not just for riders and trainers, but also for vets and osteopaths.
Duration of film: 103 Minuten
ASIN: B07739N9DT
2017
In Deference – Reiten zum Wohle des Pferdes | revised new edition of Anja Berans bestseller
Anja Beran gives the discerning learner as well as the advanced rider inspiration as well clearly structured assistance. In her book the well-being of horses is always very much in the foreground. Even if the frequently illustrated piaffe (which is Anja Beran's favourite movement) is not the reader's long-term aim, it becomes very clearly comprehensible whilst reading why the piaffe is in fact necessary for the gymnasticising of an optimally supple horse. This knowledge has been handed down by the old equestrian masters and the book "In Deference!" re-awakens our awareness of this and underlines the modern relevance of this well-founded information. It applies equally to all horse breeds and riding disciplines. The equestrian culture which has disappeared into oblivion over recent decades can be re-discovered in this book. To bring more equestrian culture back into equestrian sport is a very special aim for which Anja Beran strives with great dedication. Although the author in no way disguises her profound affection for Lusitanos, she has also worked with a number of other breeds in particular with German Warmbloods.
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Kosmos Verlag; Auflage: 2 (1. Juni 2017)
Language: German
ISBN-10: 3440152529
ISBN-13: 978-3440152522
Format: 19 x 25,3 cm
2015
The Dressage Seat: Achieving a Beautiful, Effective Position in Every Gait and Movement
Anja Beran began training with classical dressage masters at the age of 15 and has since spent her life keeping the principles she learned alive by educating others through clinics and her bestselling books and DVDs. Her newest book deconstructs the rider’s ideal position, explaining how it can be most beautiful and effective while always functioning in support of the horse. Moving progressively through the gaits and dressage movement, Beran provides examples and exercises that instruct the reader in the placement of the body, from head to heels, in relation to the horse and how he is moving. In addition, she troubleshoots common problems, making it easy for the rider to identify and correct a fault or bad habit. In the second half of the book step-by-step photographs and thorough explanations provide a series of exercises riders can perform on the ground that are proven to help establish a stable, supple, balanced, classical dressage seat on horseback. With lovely photographs throughout, this book is a visual and educational treat—rewarding on every level.
German edition:
Hardcover: 176 Seiten
Publisher: Crystal Verlag; Auflage: 1 (20. November 2015)
Language: German
ISBN-10: 3958470017
ISBN-13: 978-3958470019
Format: 24,8 x 27,5 cm
English edition:
Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (15. August 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1570767939
ISBN-13: 978-1570767937
Format: 24,8 x 1,3 x 27,3 cm
2013
Classical Dressage with Anja Beran - Foundations for a successful horse and rider partnership
How to use classical dressage, the basis of all other ridden disciplines, to find the best way to ride any individual horse. This book explains why and, above all, how to classically train a horse. It explains that riders have to look at each horse as an individual, asking such questions as What problems does he have? How is his natural crookedness expressed? What is his personality like? Classical dressage offers a strategy for bringing each and every horse into balance. Anja Beran wants to preserve this knowledge, which has now almost been lost, and make it available to every interested rider in a practical and comprehensible way. She discusses the exercises and describes how to work through them, before explaining in detail which problems can occur and what can be done about them. Classical dressage is guided by the horse's nature, keeping him healthy and strong and helping him to develop a wonderful and expressive personality. In this way, riding becomes a pleasure for horse and rider.
German edition:
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Cadmos Verlag (28. Februar 2013)
Language: German
ISBN-10: 3840410266
ISBN-13: 978-3840410260
Format: 24,3 x 27,7 cm
English edition:
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Cadmos Publishing Limited (1. Juni 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0857880144
ISBN-13: 978-0857880147
Format: 24,1 x 2,5 x 26,7 cm
2012
DVD Classical Dressage with Anja Beran
Every rider would like to ride their horse as well as possible. But how should that be done? This DVD explains why and, above all, how it should be done according to the classical principles. In this context every horse is to be observed according to its own individual merits. Where does it have problems? How does it manifest its natural crookedness? What about its character? According to the classical principles, a suitable strategy can be found to suit every horse and bring it into balance. Anja Beran aims to preserve this knowledge, which today is on the verge of extinction, and make it available in practical and understandable form to every interested rider. She discusses the movements and describes how to work on them. Subsequently she provides detailed explanations of potential problems in connection with the movements, and also what can be done to solve them.
Duration of film: 120 Minuten
ISBN 978-0-85788-100-7
2009
DVD Elegant Dressage Training – Vol III: Schooling of advanced level exercises
The dream of a perfect dressage horse: It exhibits lovely, elevated movements, aims to anticipate the rider’s thoughts and it seems to glide through the arena as if by magic. But how to accomplish this goal? A sound and careful basic training is the most important basis for any horse’s successful development. In the third volume of this series, Anja Beran and her mentor Manuel Jorge de Oliveira show how advanced horses grow into higher exercises of classical equitation. The film copes with difficulties during training, for example the natural crookedness. Dressage is for horses, but the horse is not made for dressage. This DVD-series aims to develop and create a better understanding for the appropriate training, adapted to the horses needs. Correct riding contributes substantially to the horse’s health. Dr. vet. Matilda Holmer-Rattenhuber explains bio-mechanical aspects. Anja Ilona Beran has gone through all steps of classical equitation during her training with Manuel Jorge de Oliveira, pupil of the famous Nuno Oliveira. She trains horses of different breeds, from three-year olds up to high school movements.
Duration of film: 50 minutes
ASIN: B00316SRI2
2009
DVD Elegant Dressage Training – Vol II: Basic training provides a solid foundation
The dream of a perfect dressage horse: It exhibits lovely, elevated movements, aims to anticipate the rider’s thoughts and it seems to glide through the arena as if by magic. But how to accomplish this goal? A sound and careful basic training is the most important basis for any horse’s successful development. In the film “Elegant Dressage Training, vol. 2”, Anja Beran and her team show how they work with young horses. Following proper work at the lunge and a careful start under the saddle, the spectator can witness how first steps of lateral movements lead quite naturally to first steps of collection. Following the proper basic training, the horse has the necessary basis to continue with gymnastic exercises. This DVD-series aims to develop and create a better understanding for the appropriate training, adapted to the horses needs. Correct riding contributes substantially to the horse’s health. Dr. vet. Matilda Holmer-Rattenhuber explains bio-mechanical aspects. Anja Ilona Beran has gone through all steps of classical equitation during her training with Manuel Jorge de Oliveira, pupil of the famous Nuno Oliveira. She trains horses of different breeds, from three-year olds up to high school movements.
Duration of film: 50 minutes
ASIN: B00316SRHI
2008
DVD "Sunday morning work sessions"
published by Wu Wei Verlag in 2008, duration 85 minutes
The film features excerpts from these monthly public morning work sessions. Horses of different breeds, ages and levels of training are presented by their riders and commented on by Anja Beran.
DVD bonus feature:
200 years ago, the haute école of classical dressage was performed in the circus - this was the stage for presentation of riding skills. We join Anja Beran for her performance at the world-famous Circus Krone in March 2008. At the circus, she demonstrates the result of many years of training with Lusitano stallion Pao - the revival of a tradition and the grand finale of Sunday morning work sessions.
Duration of film: 75 Minuten
ISBN 978-3-930953-25-7
ASIN: 3930953250
2006
DVD Elegant Dressage Training – Vol I: The art of classical dresage training
This DVD is intended to give riders a different kind of appreciation and improved understanding of dressage: dressage is there for the horse and not the horse for dressage! With her experienced trainer and advisor Manuel Jorge de Oliveira, the classical dressage trainer Anja Beran shows how correct dressage makes a horse into a really good riding horse. Well-muscled and physically as well as mentally well-balanced, it becomes a self-confident and contented partner for the whole of its life which – thanks to classical horsemanship - can be long and healthy. Anja Beran starts off with assessing the weaknesses and asymmetries of the horse and then, by means of specific exercises to improve its physical state, shows everything which dressage can do for the horse in order to achieve grace, aesthetics, harmony and lightness.
DVD-Special: The Flamingo Story
Flamingo is a Westphalian stallion with a special history.
Anja Ilona Beran received training in classical equestrianism with Manuel Jorge de Oliveira, a pupil of the very famous Nuno Oliveira. She trains horses of different breeds from three-year olds to haute école. For her the centuries-old classical equestrian art is the "primal source of all equestrian knowledge and ONLY this is the basis for EVERY other form of good riding".
Duration of film: 55 minutes + DVD-special "Flamingo"
Cover: Drawings by Renate Blank
ASIN: B01I07WV1A
2005
The Bestseller "Aus Respekt!"
An important mission for Anja Beran which she fulfilled with great commitment, ensuing from her own practical experience and enriched with theoretical knowledge in connection with the most renowned representatives of classical horsemanship, was to write her first book “In Deference!”, published in 2005 and instantaneously a great success. Nominated “Equestrian Book of the Year” by the journal “Bayerns Pferde” and even discussed in the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, a renowned German newspaper, “In Deference!” has already become a highly acclaimed work of reference in the field of classical dressage. “In Deference!” is also available in English as well as the Czech language. The new edition of the book was published in 2017.
Revised new edition:
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Franckh Kosmos Verlag
ISBN-10: 3930953145
ISBN-13: 978-3930953141
Format: 23,6 x 27,8 cm