23/08/2026
The Classical Riding Booklist
There are so many riding books, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why I've put together my favourite books into one booklist as a guide to help you get started in classical riding.
Of course, there are also many other very good books out there – this is meant to narrow down all the options to really give you a place to start, to get inspired, and to learn different perspectives as well as practical exercises to apply in your journey in classical riding.
I'm sharing the booklist, along with insights and updates on the upcoming classical dressage platform on Inside the Manège's Insider's List. If you haven't already, you can sign up now to get access to the booklist, and all the other content I'll be sharing!
I learned so much from these books. Here are just a few excerpts from some of the books on the list.
Join the Insider's List through the link in the comments! ⬇️
Once you're on the list, you'll get access to The Classical Rider's Booklist as well.
If you have a favourite classical riding book, let me know in a comment below! 📖
15/08/2026
I can't believe this is happening. It's almost here!
For the last year, I've been working quietly on an incredible project, and now I finally get to share what's coming with you all!
So many of you have said how much you want to learn with classical trainers like those on the podcast – classical trainers with many years of experience, who are some of the best in the world.
Maybe you don't have a classical trainer nearby, or you can't just get up and go to Europe to learn with a top classical trainer. Or maybe they don't even speak your language, or you don't even know who to learn with.
In a few months time, I'll be launching something new: a platform to learn classical dressage with classical trainers online, who teach training from the basics to advanced movements, so you can learn directly from some of the best in the world. No plane ticket necessary – you can learn from wherever you are.
Classical riding, in my experience, is also much more than just technique; it's a culture and mindset that shapes not only what you do but how you do it, and the community you are a part of.
That's why besides training, the platform will also share exclusive looks into the world of classical riding and culture, including riders' training philosophies, stables and horses, classical riding history, biomechanics, culture, places, and more.
This will be an incredible way to step into classical riding and learn classical training from wherever you are. Everything will be available in English, with multilingual options as well – including for trainers who don't speak English.
Get ready to dive in – I hope you'll join this journey!
I'm excited to bring back classical principles with you.
Click on the link in the comments below to join the Insider's List, where I'll be sharing exclusive info about classical riding and the platform you won't want to miss! ⬇️
The countdown is on!
Best, Maria
Inside the Manège
21/07/2026
🎙️Episode 7 with Marius Schneider is now LIVE!
Marius Schneider is a Master Trainer in the Academic Art of Riding based in Germany at his stables, Gestüt Moorhof. With a special passion for liberty work and the airs above the ground, he focuses on developing horses from the basics up to the High School dressage movements – including bitless.
In this conversation, we talked about why he chose Academic Riding, why he finds work on the ground and changing the horse’s frame so crucial in training, what longeing equipment he uses and why, and how he uses the airs above the ground to benefit the horse.
From his liberty work to riding caprioles bitless, if you’ve ever been curious to hear about Marius Schneider’s approach within the Academic Art of Riding and how he does what he does, this is the episode to listen to.
In this episode, he shares:
- The benefits of using a cavesson for longeing versus a bridle or rope halter
- Why it’s important to adjust the horse’s frame in training
- How he combines riding on the bit with bitless riding
- How he uses the airs above the ground to benefit the horse
Watch the full conversation through the link in the comments! ⬇️
🎙️Watch or listen to the full episode of Marius Schneider on INSIDE THE MANÈGE, now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
If you‘d like to follow with subtitles in your preferred language, watch the video on YouTube, turn on closed captions, and select your language in settings. 🇩🇪🇫🇷🇵🇹🇮🇹🇪🇸 and more available.
21/07/2026