A complete dressage training system for you and your horse - with correct theory and strategy, gymnastic exercises to build the components for correct back utilization, lessons to develop your seat and feel, all supported by expert eye feedback - you will learn how to get out of your horse's way, GET the right feel and KEEP it.
Dressage training made for YOU and YOUR horse from a classical and biomechanics-based perspective
Let's address the most pervasive "Throughness" Myths and Misconceptions...
The only way to get the horse to lift the back is to bring the head and neck down, i.e. Rollkur, draw reins, etc.
Luckily more and more people understand the fallacy of this simplistic line of thinking. Whereas it is true that the horse naturally will lift his back better when he lowers his head and neck, this is not the only factor involved. Besides the harm and discomfort it causes to the horse, by forcibly bringing the head and neck down and keeping it there, you are disconnecting the head and neck biomechanically from the rest of the body and preventing the horse from being able to come truly through forward-upwards as well.
You just need to ignore the head and neck and only focus on the hind legs.
While this sounds nice in theory and is a natural backlash against the trend to focus on addressing the head and neck, the truth is that the horse is a holistic unit and we are doing both the horse and the training a disservice if we ignore the important role which the head and neck play in their interaction with all the other parts of the horse. Biomechanics forms a system in which all parts are interconnected. When you change something in one part of the body, it affects many other parts. In order to truly help the horse, you need to learn how all the parts of the body influence and interact with each other.
The horse needs to stretch forward-downward before you should do more advanced work.
That may work just fine for a horse who is built to stretch forward downward easily (for example, the standard issue Hanoverian may discover forward-downward stretching on Day 1 because they are built that way), but what about if you are riding a Friesian, Saddlebred, Haflinger, Arab, or any horse who is not built like the warmblood? If you just try to ride around and give the rein to get them to go forward-downward, you can ride 100 years like that and they will never stretch. In fact, not only will they not stretch, they will get increasingly more crooked, lean habitually, fall on the forehand, and the hind legs will get stiffer and stiffer, eventually becoming unsound. They’re not built to lift the back and stretch forward-downward so you actually need to start somewhere in the middle of the training with first engaging the hind legs before the horse can learn to stretch forward-downward well.
You simply need to ride the horse forward at a big trot or canter until the horse becomes “through”.
In sporthorse circles this is a popular opinion. The result is usually a horse that is ridden fast, rather than forward, around the arena, with a rider who is essentially pushing the horse with the seat into both reins. These riders often lean back to balance with their torso against the horse's mouth because the hind legs are pushing so much that the rider ends up holding half of the horse's body weight in her hands. This technique may create a round outline, but it is exhausting for both horse and rider. The horse will not carry himself with a raised, swinging back, but he will lean onto the bit and brace his back against the rider who is, in turn, bracing against the horse with her seat.
With all of this conflicting "advice" -
How do you know what is the BEST way to train your horse?
Wouldn't it be nice to get CLARITY and DIRECTION on how to obtain "throughness" classically and correctly in a way that is both Compassionate to your horse and Figureoutable for you?
Finally, we have an answer for you. Thomas and Shana Ritter are excited to announce the 2025 release of a course called "Through the Back" to finally, once and for all, address ALL of this so that you have the clear understanding you NEED in order to create an effective training plan for your horse. And, of course, this includes all the WHATs, the WHYs, and - most especially - the HOWs.
Say no more.... I'm in!Because, goodness knows... it is hard to make sense of it all on your own!
Maybe you can relate?
➔ “I don’t always get the feeling of throughness and back lift consistently.”
➔ “I can GET that feeling of connection and throughness here and there, but I can't KEEP it.”
➔ "I don't really know when I've 'got it' as I don't know what it should FEEL like."
➔ "I see others make it look so effortless and wonder why I can’t ‘get it’. Have I just not found our buttons? Am I not using enough core/leg/seat?"
➔ "If I take the advice to just ride really forward to get more 'through', my horse just becomes heavy, tired, and on the forehand. Is there a better way that can preserve my horse's soundness and longevity?"
CAUTION: Loss of Throughness may cause one or more of the following: Lack of suppleness, stiff back, irritability and soreness, rigidity through the body, resistance or tension, a feeling of lack of elasticity, hollow back, bracing against the contact, non-responsiveness to the rider's aids, feeling of disconnection between hindquarters and front end, blocked energy, interrupted flow of movement from back to the poll, lack of engagement of hind legs, lack of pushing power of hind legs, lack of impulsion and power, incorrect contact and connection, non-acceptance of the aids, leaning on the reins, falling onto the forehand, irregular and choppy gaits, lack of smoothness in the movement, loss of body condition and correct muscling, loss of coordination, inverting in transitions, other challenges with transitions, loss of balance, irregular rhythm, poor scores on dressage competition tests, unsoundness over the long-term for the horse, frustration, and lack of progress for both horse and rider.
You can try to figure it all out on your own, if you want. Or you can take the deep dive learning experience with this comprehensive course from the Ritters.
Introducing...
The 2025 Course runs February 11 - June 19, 2025
The “through the back” topic from a classical and biomechanics-based perspective. We don’t teach you to just address the head and neck to get the horse to lift the back. We teach you how to ride the whole horse, how to engage the hindquarters and enable the horse to lift the back. And we don’t just tell you what you should be doing. We give you all the tools.
Theory
A classically-sound theoretical strategy for training, laid out step by step for a thorough understanding of the what and why. If you don’t know the purpose and aim of what you are doing, your intention and aids will always be unclear.
Riding Exercises
Biomechanics-based riding exercises designed for each phase of the horse’s training, from green horse to advanced. These are your tools to implement the theory into your day-to-day riding program. Each exercise has a diagram, explanation video, and written instructions.
Mental Imagery Lessons
Through our imagery lessons, we teach you mental images that you can focus on while riding. For many riders, these imagery examples are the KEY to developing their feel and taking what they study theoretically and learning how to apply it to their riding.
Audio Lessons
Pre-recorded audio lessons centered around the focal topics for each module. These help you to integrate what you are learning into your riding time, teach you how to tune into your horse, and what to feel for and observe that will guide your training as you progress.
Feldenkrais Lessons
On- and off- the horse Feldenkrais lessons which help to develop your feel, suppleness, self-carriage, and awareness so that you can enable your horse better to engage the hindquarters, and lift the back and withers.
Video Demonstrations
Through videos of Thomas, Shana, and our qualified assistant trainers showing correct and incorrect usage of the back, engagement, and application of the aids, you will develop your eye and understanding.
Video Coaching Feedback
Fine tune YOUR riding, not just your eye, by submitting videos for feedback from Thomas, Shana, and the assistant trainers. Need help, need verification, need tips, need advice? That is what this is for.
Q&As
Bi-weekly LIVE Q&A sessions with Thomas where you can get ANY of your questions answered, even those questions that are not directly related to the course material (and… by the way, it is all usually connected anyway!)
Members-Only Podcast
You will get access to an exclusive Members-Only podcast where you can listen to every TTB course training from any place, at any time. Listen on the horse, in the car, while walking the dog, or while doing barn chores.
Exclusive Community
Get feedback, ask questions, discuss topics, share your journey, and make lasting friendships in the exclusive members-only Facebook Group.
Lifetime Access
You never lose access to your course materials. That means you can come back to the course content over and over and over again, as much as you like and it (and we) will always be there for you.
Premium Course Benefits
We are reducing the courses we offer as Premium Courses and this is currently one of the lucky ones! We are doing this so that we can give our exclusive, focused attention on teaching this course and supporting YOU throughout the duration.
"These courses address detail of riding instruction not even considered traditionally. They provide bridges between what you think you know over waters to cross you didn't even know existed & you'll be able to do so at your own pace having lifetime access to complete and review. Without a doubt you'll learn things you did not realise were missing from your riding education."
Karen Veronneau
“I've been doing Ritter courses for a few years now. Through their instruction and examples, I've transformed from a skilled but driven, frustrated, rider into one who is calm, happy, and analytical in my training. I rarely get frustrated now that I have a big selection of Ritter tools in my training tool kit. When my horse doesn't respond as expected, instead of getting annoyed, my reflexive reaction now is, "That was interesting. Why did that happen and what should I do differently? What exercise will help me explain this better?" Despite having had decades of excellent instruction, it took the Ritters to teach me to be calmer, more analytical, and therefore much more effective in my riding. Everyone is happier AND we make better progress. My horses and I all thank Thomas Ritter and Shana Ritter.”
Anne Zahradnik
This course begins on
February 11, 2025!
You will learn:
- How to GET and KEEP the Throughness with your horse.
- Clarity on what correct Throughness feels and looks like in a variety of situations and types of horses
- How to ride the horse on the seat (no more codependency where horse and rider hang equally on the reins)
- How to help the Horse who impersonates a Giraffe (and why waiting until he stretches forward-downward is the WORST thing you can do).
- How to help the horse who leans on the reins and will happily go around with his nose on the floor all-day long
- How to fix all those tricky places in the training where “throughness” falls apart such as transitions, movements, and the canter.
- How Throughness, Straightness, and Contact/Connection are all connected and reliant on each other (and how to help them HELP each other).
- How to develop your feel, how to get feedback to educate your feel, and how to polish that feel as you and your horse progress.
- How to sit best so you can facilitate the development of throughness in the horse (and not suppress the back movement or flow of energy).
- How to instill good habits of throughness right from the beginning with a green/young horse.
- How to adjust the training to suit your horse's individual conformation, temperament, and issues.
- How to rewire your horse’s neurological pathways and create new movement patterns.
- How to create a PERMEABLE horse where the aids travel through the horse with no obstruction or blockage. Welcome to to half-halts that go through!
- Why creating Supple Ribs is vital to unlocking the back and core muscles of the horse.
- How to enable the energy and connection from hind quarters to connect to the forehand in a balanced and light way.
- How lifting the withers is only possible after you have created the correct flow of energy in the horse. (a.k.a. the Circle of the Aids).
- Why just pulling the head down and running the horse off his feet not only don’t work, but make throughness more difficult for the horse.
- Why and how the horse needs to use his head and neck as a lever to enable the energy to travel through the horse correctly.
A quick bit about us ...
(if you don't already know us, it's nice to meet you!)
Dr. Thomas Ritter
Thomas is an international Dressage clinician and author of two books and countless articles in many publications. Originally from Germany, Thomas studied under Karl Mikolka, Egon von Neindorff, Arthur Kottas, Charles de Kunffy, Hubert Rohrer, Dorothee Baumann-Pellny, and Thomas Faltejsek. Husband to Shana Ritter, they now live together with their Lusitanos on a regenerative farm in Portgual.
Shana Ritter
Shana is originally from the US and is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, competing with Lipizzans, Warmbloods, and PREs. Shana also studied under Karl Mikolka, Egon von Neindorff, Arthur Kottas, Charles de Kunffy, and Dorothee Baumann-Pellny. Wife to Thomas Ritter, they run the Artistic Dressage training program, as well as train and plant trees on their farm, together.
Catherine McCrum
Catherine McCrum is an accredited Feldenkrais practitioner and has been teaching sport, fitness and movement since 1986 as first a ski instructor/coach and then as a Personal Trainer. She is also a Gestalt psychotherapist with a particular interest in working with developing awareness of how her clients embody their emotional and psychological patterns. Catherine assists in most of the Artistic Dressage Program courses by providing riders with Feldenkrais-based lessons to improve their body awareness, coordination, balance, and suppleness.
Charlotte Zetterberg
Based in Sweden, Charlotte is an accredited Feldenkrais practitioner and riding instructor. She is also a hypnotherapist, a reflex integration therapist, and a mindfulness instructor. Charlotte is the author of the book, FeldenRide: An Introduction to Feldenkrais for Riders. Charlotte assists Catherine McCrum with Feldenkrais in the Ritter courses. In this course, Charlotte will be recording some unique audios for you to use while riding to help you assimilate what you are learning with what you are feeling. You won't want to miss them.
Take a look at what we'll cover
Module 1
The WHAT - Definition and Parameters of a perfect connection through the back
You have probably heard the expression “the horse has to go more over the back” or “through the back”. But what does that mean? It’s usually assumed that everyone knows what it is. Therefore, it is never really explained, and many people are probably wondering what this actually means or what it entails in practical application.
► How does “through/over the back” feel to the rider?
► What does “through/over the back” look like from the outside?
► Prerequisites of Throughness
► Evaluating the Posture: Engagement, Flexion of the Haunches, Lifting of the back and withers, Stretch of the topline, Roundness (bascule) of the Spine, Elevation of the head and neck
► The Parameters of Perfect Connection
3 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 2
THE WHY
When judging a horse’s posture and way of moving there is a general tendency to oversimplify things and to look only whether the head is up or down and whether the nose is in front of the vertical or behind. While these details are not unimportant, they are not the only criteria we need to look at when we want to form an educated opinion on whether a horse is moving “correctly” - i.e. in a natural and healthy way - or incorrectly, i.e. in a way that is likely to cause physical damage sooner or later.
► Why is this important in the training?
► Why is it a problem when the horse is not "through the back"?
► The Goal & Overview of the Biomechanics involved
► The Riders's Seat and how to influence the movement
2 Riding Exercises
2 Mental Imagery Lesson2
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 3
On the Bit, Through the Back, and The Forward-Downward Stretch
If the horse’s back is not transmitting the energy properly in both directions, back to front and front to back, the horse can’t really be on the bit. Moving “through the back” is the prerequisite for the horse being “on the bit”. They are very closely related to each other. If the horse’s neck is round and the head is down, but the back is tight, the horse is just “impersonating a dressage horse”. He is not really honestly on the bit. There is no connection between the hind legs and the forehand and consequently no connection between the hind legs and the reins. This is traditionally called a “leg mover” because only the legs are moving, but the back is rigid.
The forward-downward stretch has become somewhat controversial in recent years. There are two diametrically opposed opinions. On the one hand are those who think that stretching is the be-all and end-all of horse training, the solution to every problem, the answer to every question.
On the other hand, there are those who think that allowing the horse to stretch forward and down will inevitably destroy the horse because it puts him on the forehand and will only make him stiff and unsound. In my opinion, neither point of view is completely right, but they are not completely wrong, either. I personally think that it has its place in the horse’s training, if it is done right and if it is not done excessively. Anything that is done poorly, too often, too long, too intensively, or too early, will have negative side effects, no matter what it is.
► What does “on the bit” mean?
► Historical Development
► Form vs. Function
► “On the bit” and “through the back”
►About the Forward-Downward Stretch
► Prerequisites for Stretching
► No bend without stretching
► Lateral stretch before longitudinal stretch
► It’s never all or nothing
2 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 4
How do you ride your horse through the back?
The correct back activity results from an 'energy circuit' that starts with the movement impulses of the hind legs. They are transmitted from one vertebra to the next one and travel along the horse’s spine, from the pelvis to the poll, and from there down to the reins and back through the rider’s seat to the hind legs.
The correct movement of the back is created by hind legs that not only engage under the body mass, but also flex in their upper joints, so that the tailbone lowers slightly and the pelvis rotates so that the pubic bone moves a little forward. This raises the lumbar spine and the withers together with the base of the neck (which produces the so-called relative elevation), and it allows the poll to drop.
As long as the core muscles are not engaged enough and as long as the hind legs are not flexing underneath the body, the horse’s back will drop and the top line muscles will contract.
► The Biomechanics of Riding the Horse through the back
► The Role Of Conformation
► Supporting with the Rider’s Seat
► The Two Basic Types Of Exercises
► Targeting Different Areas Of The Body With Specific Gymnastic Exercises
► Connecting The Legs To The Ground
► Troubleshooting Questions
► How to Keep the Horse Through the Back in Transitions
2 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 5
Warming Up and Mobilizing the Rib Cage
It is important to be strategic about the warmup in order to conserve the horse’s energy so that he is still mentally and physically fresh and full of energy when we begin the main part of the workout. As soon as the horse starts to fatigue mentally or physically, the quality of the work deteriorates fast. So we want to bring the horse to peak performance for his current level of training, without wearing him out and without making him tired. How to achieve this is very different from one horse to the next.
Most riders and trainers are aware that the horse’s back movement has a certain significance, even if they don’t have a clear understanding of what that looks or feels like, or if they can’t explain it well. Yet, we hardly hear anybody talk about the importance of the mobility of the rib cage in the training of the horse. Of course, the thoracic spine and the rib cage are very closely connected because the ribs are attached to the vertebrae of the thoracic spine, so it makes sense that the mobility or rigidity of one will influence the other. But somehow this relationship between ribs and vertebrae is rarely discussed.
► The Importance of Warming Up: Purpose and Strategies
► Groundwork for Warming Up
► Suppleness in Warming Up
► Bending in Motion
► The Tests of the Hind Legs
► The 6 Demands
► The Role of the Horse's Rib Cage
► How to Mobilize The Horse’s Rib Cage
► Exercises for Mobilizing the Rib Cage
► The Role of the Rider’s Seat in Mobilizing the Horse's Rib Cage
1 Riding Exercise
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 6
The Ping-Pong Principle
The ping-pong principle is based on the observation that many horses have a tendency to respond only to aids on one side of their body while ignoring the other side. They may yield to the leg on one side, but they run over the leg on the other side that is supposed to catch them and provide a boundary. When that happens it’s not possible to determine the angle of lateral movements precisely, or to turn away from the arena wall in a shoulder-in, or to move the horse in the opposite direction in zigzags.
► Lateral Rocking
► Lateral Weight Shifts
► Practical Application of the Ping Pong Principle
3 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 7
The Circle of the Aids
The circle of aids is a useful concept that plays an important role in riding the horse through and connecting him from back to front, from front to back, and from the inside aids to the outside aids. Our teacher Karl Mikolka used to say: “The leg brings the horse to the seat, and the seat brings the horse to the hand.” The hand is then able to recycle the energy back to the hind leg.
► The Energy Circuit
► Generating the Circle of the Aids
► The Importance of the Leg - Seat/Weight - Rein - Release
► Using the Tests of the Hind Legs to Create the Circle of the Aids
► Using Combinations of the Tests of the Hind Legs to Further Influence the Circle of the Aids
2 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 8
Historical views of the concepts of "on the bit" and "Back movers vs. Leg movers"
When researching a subject, it’s always a good idea to start by finding out what the old masters said about it. We thought it would be interesting to give you an insight into the historical development of riding the horse “on the bit” as well as the concept of “leg movers vs. back movers” through some select quotes from the old masters. We provide a selection of quotes with our added commentary about each of them. This can give you some valuable insight and perspective you can use in evaluating your horse’s training in the context of the bigger picture.
► Old Masters quotes plus commentary on "on the bit"
► Old Masters quotes plus commentary on “leg movers vs. back movers”
3 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 9
The Importance of Groundwork
Groundwork is the starting point for the training of green horses and for rehab horses that are recovering from injuries. But it’s also a great way to warm up horses that are in regular training. Longeing, double longeing, work in hand, and long reining can complement and support the work under saddle so that the horse progresses faster than if he were only ridden.
► The Use of Longeing to support the training: Benefits, Different Techniques for Different Horses, When it is Counterproductive, Longeing Green Horses, Transition from Longeing to Riding, The evolution of my perspective on Longeing, Longeing as an Indispensable Tool, Visual examples of different techniques
► The Use of Double-Longeing to support the training: Benefits, Techniques and Equipment, Attachment Options, Combining Groundwork, and Introducing Long Reining from Double Longeing
► The Use of Work-in-Hand: How to introduce it, Transitioning to work in hand with the snaffle bridle, Building Permeability and Understanding of the Rein Aids, Advancing to Lateral Movements, Exploring Different Styles of Work-in-Hand, and using it as warm-up or for Rehabilitation
► The Use of Long Reining: My discovery of Long Reining, Benefits for Horse and Rider, Teaching Movements at the Long Rein, Using it for Rehab/Recovery for Injured Horses or Troubleshooting, and Coordination of the Rein Aids
► Benefits and Tips for Combining Groundwork Techniques
3 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 10
The Four Corners Concept
When you ask horses to shift their weight from their favorite leg to the other side of the body, many are not happy at all. Some of them become very defensive because they are afraid they might fall down.This is a problem because a horse can’t be truly balanced if he isn’t able to shift his weight quickly from one side to the other or from one corner of the support base to another in preparation for a turn, a transition, or a movement. A horse that is unable to shift his weight anywhere at any time will be severely limited in terms of his athletic performance, and he is at risk of injuring the leg that is always supporting the majority of the weight. One of our jobs as riders and trainers is, therefore, to teach the horse to be aware of all four legs, as well as to be able to move the weight around the four corners smoothly and easily in order to be able to turn left or right at any time, to ride a transition into another gait any time, to stop any time, or to move the haunches in either direction at any time.
► Benefits such as Improving Body Control, Focusing on the Feet, Tuning in to Finer Aids, Balancing and Weight Distribution
► Distribution of Weight
► Functional of Balance
► Connecting to the Aids
► Large Support Base vs. Small Support Base
► Connecting The Four Corners To The Aids
► Moving The Four Corners Closer Together
3 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 11
On the Seat
Here we focus on the concept of "having the horse on the seat" and its significance in achieving balance, connection, and harmony between rider and horse. We explore the characteristics of a horse on the seat, such as effortless movement and self-propulsion, and highlights the pivotal role of the rider’s seat in influencing the horse’s back, ribcage, and overall posture. By creating space with the seat and legs, riders can encourage the horse to lift its back and stretch its top line, enhancing comfort and communication. Drawing on traditional German riding philosophy, you will see why we emphasize the importance of steady tempo, energy control, and connecting the horse to the aids and ground.
► What does the “Seat” entail in regards to Riding the Horse “On the Seat”?
► How does it FEEL to have the Horse “On the Seat”
► How to get the Horse “On the Seat”
► The Relationship between Balance and Being on the Seat
► The Impact of Contact on Riding the Horse “On the Seat”
► Balancing the Neck and Croup
► Establishing a Steady Tempo
► Removing Muscle Blockages
► Maintaining Balance and Engagement
3 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson with a Rider Demo
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
1 Ridden Audio Lesson
Module 12
Connection(s)
Connections play a central role in creating throughness. And establishing connections/removing blockages and leaks plays a central role in gymnastic training in general. These connections are established by removing muscle blockages and closing gaps or holes in the transmission. Conversely, you could say that you remove blockages and energy leaks by connecting the corresponding body parts of the horse and the rider’s aids.
With each new connection that is established, the energy of the horse’s hind legs can travel more freely through his body and the permeability for the aids increases. Every time a connection is lost, the permeability diminishes and the movement impulses of the hind legs as well as the rider’s aids get stuck.
► Connections and Energy Flow
► Connections between Legs
► Importance of Removing Muscle Blockages
► Energy Transmission along the Spine
► Sending Feelers and Influencing the Horse’s Body
► Blockages at the Base of the Neck and Jaw
► The Impact of Crookedness on Energy Flow
► Addressing Resistance
► Importance of Rider’s Balance
2 Riding Exercises
1 Mental Imagery Lesson
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
1 Feldenkrais Lesson
2 Ridden Audio Lessons
Module 13
Troubleshooting and Next Steps
In traditional mainstream Dressage teaching, training, and corrections are often very “Symptom-oriented” i.e. they remain rather superficial (“rounder!” “More forward!”, “more leg”, “more through!”, “more through the back!”, “more bend!”, etc.) While these instructions can be correct at times, it is not usually explained HOW to put them into practice, or even WHY they are necessary at this particular point in time. Since they address only surface-level symptoms, corrections are often unsuccessful because they don’t identify or address the underlying cause of the problem. In this module, we provide you with our process for identifying the underlying cause of the symptoms that we see and feel.
► The "On the Seat" Recipe
► Keeping the Horse "on the seat" and returning the horse to the seat
► The role of the legs and reins to support the seat
► The Throughness - Springy Hips connection
2 Riding Exercises
1 Stirrup Stepping Exercise
* PLUS *
We're adding some special bonuses that will ensure your success in this course.
Introduction to Stirrup-Stepping
Self-Study Course (value €110)
In this mini-course, you get a comprehensive introduction to the subtle art of stirrup stepping as an incredibly effective and helpful training tool. 23 videos, 5 introductory patterns, PDFs, and audio files. If Stirrup stepping sounds like voodoo or simple waaaaayyyy too complicated, this mini course is going to help to make sense of it all and get you started with implementing it into your riding and experiencing its multitude of benefits.
When you enroll in the "Through the Back" (TTB) Course today, you get immediate and full access to this bonus, so you can get started immediately.
Supple Ribs Bonus Pack (value €100)
Masterclass on Ribcage Suppleness for Horse and Rider, a Riding Exercise for Suppling the Horse’s Ribs, and a Feldenkrais Lesson for Suppling the Rider’s Ribs. For many riders, the horse and rider’s ribcages are not on the training radar at all aside from some consideration about bending. In fact, ribcage suppleness for both horse AND rider is vital for pretty much everything we do in the training, particularly when we are talking about keeping ourselves and our horses sound over the long term. This is a whole mini-course that is sure to enrich your understanding and application of ribcage suppleness into every sphere of your riding.
When you enroll in the "Through the Back" (TTB) Course today, you get immediate and full access to this bonus, so you can get started immediately.
“The Ritter Way” Journal eBook (value €19)
Keep your course notes organised with our Journal in digital format. You can print it or complete it online. Document you and your horses’ training progress. It includes arena diagrams for sketching the exercises you ride and ample space for recording your observations, thoughts, and discoveries. The journal is peppered throughout with quotes from Thomas’ teachings for inspiration along the way.
Here's what's included in the 2025 "Through the Back" Training Program?
With the complete 2025 "Through the Back" program you'll get:
1. 13 Module training program (Value €2600)
2. At-home Feldenkrais lessons you can do on your schedule (Value €1000)
3. Expert video demonstrations with commentary, develop your eye and understanding (Value €1000)
4. Rider Imagery Lessons (Value €1000)
5. Audio Lessons you can do in the saddle (Value €1000)
6. Bi-Weekly Q&A Group Coaching sessions from February 11 - June 19, 2025 (Value €2000)
7. Personalized, pointed feedback on your videos for the entire duration of the course (Value €4000)
8. Exclusive Audio Podcast (Value €1000)
9. Exclusive Members-Only FB Group (Value €150)
10. A schedule built for your success (priceless)
11. Course Completion Certificate signed by Thomas and Shana Ritter (priceless)
12. BONUS! Intro to Stirrup Stepping Course (Value €110)
13. BONUS! Supple Ribs Bonus Pack (value €100)
14. BONUS! “The Ritter Way” Journal eBook (value €19)
Total Value = ($13,979)
3 x €165
payment plan
This is a payment plan, not a subscription.
Other Currencies available.
12 x €50
payment plan
This is a payment plan, not a subscription.
Other Currencies available.
Happy Horses - Happy Riders
This "Through the Back" course proved to be a valuable investment in my overall understanding of how to ride a horse correctly. How can I help my horse release tension and become more balanced, while at the same time understanding how I, as a rider, can make tiny adjustments within my body that will help my horse find the sweet spot where work becomes effortless? This course has it all laid out. From detailed theory and history, to various applications, be it in the saddle or on the ground. I learned about releasing the rib cage, both mine and the horse's, which made a huge difference. The Feldenkreis lessons were such a great part of the course. Great explanations and video demos eliminated guess work and uncertainty. My 21 year old mare has recently given me some of the most amazing rides ever! We have become a unit, and sometimes I feel like a passenger, but in a good way, because the horse happily does very complex movements that she is offering. It's like I learned how to get out of her way. And lately, I have noticed and wondered why I am so relaxed while riding. It wasn't always this way. A very thorough course for which I am very grateful to the Ritter Team.
- Jacqueline Ege, California
I signed up for the "Through the Back" Course the minute it was released. I have taken part in several (you could say I'm addicted) of the Ritter courses and love them to bits. So of course when a new one was on offer...I was in. And it definitely has not dissapointed. In fact I can honestly say this was one of my favourites.
The amount of information provided and the level of detail and professional knowledge in that information is second to none. But don't be overwhelmed by that fact, you can take in the basics and learn heaps, or you can drill down deeper and learn even more. I find myself re listening to the the videos and still picking up more tips and advice.
Throughout the course you are supported by a very friendly and professional staff. No question is considered too trivial or too difficult.
There is a very supportive Facebook group, who help each other with advice and encouragement. I have seen riders of all levels go through these courses and make huge improvements.
If you are at all hesitant, wondering if you will get something out of this course, I can honestly assure you, you will. It is worth every cent.
- Carol Anderson Australia
This course was amazing! The step by step progression was valuable to me since I usually ride by myself. The exercises were explained well and Thomas gave the reason for doing them. As a result my horses are more responsive to my leg, seat and lighter in the bridle and have moments of brilliance! Thank you Thomas and Shana! I look forward to more instruction from you two!
- Linda, Montana
I signed up for this course because I knew all the front end issues I have experienced with my horse were a result of hind end issues that no Coach seemed to know how to address or even saw where the problem was. Within the first lesson of this series I identified the real cause and how to start to fix it. I can't recommend this course enough to even the most experienced riders, I am far from a beginner and found it a game changer. I wish I had been taught this way 30+ years ago.
- Polly, Sydney AUS
The course came at the perfect time for me - this has been a pathology for my horse. Even though I am familiar with the concepts, the course took me to a deeper understanding and connected the principles in a way I hadn't ever considered - in particular warming up and mobilising the rib cage. It helped immensely to get us to a healthier, stronger place. I look forward to the next round.
- KB, Woodside CA
When I started this course with my mare, it was because so many judges' comments were "needs to be more through". I had do clue what that meant. This course has not disappointed. The Ritters break so much content down to bite size morsels, encourage you to experiment and to see how hat works best for YOUR horse. The exercises, explaining the what, why and how. The thought provoking assessments. When you finally feel the blockages let go, the withers lift, the back rounds, it is heaven on earth. Fleeting at first, but my mare is so happy as am I.
- Sue Schmitz, Michigan, USA
As with all Ritter Courses, the information is given clearly. The exercises can be done in walk, trot and some canter. I’ve found it best to work a lot in the walk as it’s easier for me to feel what my body is doing and what my horse is doing. Sometimes it feels tedious and slow, but after a few days the balance and ability of my horse to really be in self carriage, working through the back, is a big eye opener. Working slowly also gives me the opportunity to feel what my body is or isn’t doing. When both rider and horse have good balance, the horse can find self carriage, working through the back, resulting in light aides and often a bigger movement.
- Cindy, Colorado
I have an Arabian and they have a tendency to hollow their back. I was looking for a way to influence his way of going that didn't involve using equipment or force. This course helped me to find a way to help my horse rather than hinder his movement. When I watch others ride or see a horse at liberty now I can see what is or isn't working.
- Nancy Cupp, USA
I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn more about the illusive concept that is through the back. I joined this course because I was interested in learning more about this huge topic. Getting the horse round is something that is often done and taught badly with front to back riding and force. I wanted to learn more about how to achieve roundness correctly. The course really delivered. It is packed with information on what through the back really is and how to achieve it, and the exercises work!
- Catherine Milner
I joined the course because I think it was a very interesting subject, and because I wanted to learn more about riding my horse in a way that made him healthier, more supple and stronger. This course has given me more knowledge, both theoretical and through great exercises to apply in my everyday riding
I would recommend this course for everyone. This course will give you easy access to comprehensive theoretical knowledge and lots of exercises to put in your tool box.
- H.S, Norway
This course came around as we were learning to stretch and find a better connection over the back. It was such a perfectly timed stepping stone. We will continue to use the skills we have developed over the last year as we continue the process of rebuilding my sounder, stronger little horse!
- Dawn, South Africa
Kimble did not have to best start in life - used in sulky racing, driven in an overcheck and with scars on his hindquarters that tell their own story. His back and hindquarter musculature was very poor and his neck very inverted. Having taken part in other Ritter courses and knowing how beneficial they are, this course came along at just the right time! His physiotherapist was amazed at how much his back had improved in such a short time. Seeing the difference in his ‘before and after’ photos tells its own story and I can’t recommend this course enough. Thank you Thomas and Shana 😊
- KP, Ireland
I really enjoyed the playing with the SS (stirrup-stepping). I never had a clear idea about the patterns and what they could do for the horse/ for the combination to regain balance or get the horse very subtly on the aids.
- Jolande Pabst, the Netherlands.
Before the course, my little mare and I spent our rides bracing and blocking each other. The Through the Back course helped us to get that back end working so the front end could relax and do its job. Both of us are happier in our ride and our work in progress is actually progressing!
- Kirsten Leslie, Australia
I have gained more knowledge how my own position and my aids should be used to get the best for my horse.
- Agneta Holmstedt, Sweden
The exercises and the better awareness/know-how helped me to improve both me as a ride and also him a lot. And even the course is done, we still keep on improving and I will listen to the course many times more. He got a stronger back, got more stable in the head position, through then the quality of the gaits improved a lot.
I like the demo videos a lot, I think there are a good addition to show how it should look like and how you give the aids and so on.
I also like that there is a good blend of theory but also practical exercises and a very good “manual” how to get there, what are the difficulties and what can go wrong. I also like that this course is kind of for everyone. I have icelandic horses, even I train them a lot in gymnastic exercises they are no dressage horses, but the course also fits well for us. I also have retrain horses, young horses and horses on different levels, but every horse benefits on its way from the course. I love that. It is kind of a holistic concept of training.
- Siska
The information is critical to my horses continuing their ridden journey safely and without injury.
- Lynn Scott
Archie had a tendency to invert a lot in his ridden work. It was his first response to most requests. This course has showed him that he can move in a better and more comfortable way. All his work has improved from taking this course and I regularly use the exercises particularly to warm up if he's feeling a little resistant.
I would definitely recommend this course as it teaches the horse to move in a healthy and balanced manner. It was easy to understand and easy to follow.
- Michelle King, Wales
The best part of the course was realizing I didn’t need to do five exercises in one day. It helped the horses and myself if my riding sessions were 80% routine from one day to the next, and a little bit trying something new.
The horses appreciated having the cones set out and doing the same exercise around the cones three times in a row. They were able to relax when they knew what was coming next.
I feel that in the year I followed the course, all the horses have relaxed, they turn and bend more easily, and muscle appearance has improved.
I look forward to watching the videos again and repeating the exercises. Progress happens on a spiral, even if it looks like I’m doing the same thing again, there are different degrees of focus.
I recommend the course to anyone wanting a good explanation of the theory needed to get a horse moving through the back plus exercises to help the horse develop. The feldenkrais lessons and rider imagery lessons help the rider as well.
My horse is easier to ride this year and I have even ridden him outside the arena on the trail around the fields.
- Sheryl, Ontario, Canada
I liked the course a lot. It had not only a lot of theory but also interesting and helping exercises which make my horse more relaxed, agile and energetic in a good way. She was not becoming hot but willing to work more from alone and curious to see what I like to do with her on the next ride.
- Tanja Musch
I now understand much better how to support my horse in building the correct muscles.
- BP, USA
I always learn so much from the Ritter courses. We all know that “look,” the perfectly balanced horse, displaying their natural beauty and power. I think ultimately we all want that, but we forget it takes time. Through the back isn’t just then “ideal” look, it’s helping the horse achieve their most balanced self. I enjoyed learning the components—form, strength, timing of the aids… that through time and consistency, build a horse’s strength, stamina, and body awareness to be able to move in such a balanced way. This course is one I’ll keep coming back to over and over, as my horse moves through the levels, as I start new ones—to continually remind myself (and probably reteach) all the minute components that help a horse find their own balance.
I also love how Thomas always refers to each horse as an individual. There is no cookie cutter method. This teaches the tools, but we each have to learn our own horse—their personality, conformation, crookedness, our crookedness and how they combine…
- Mollie McLam, Idaho
My horse loved this course. She loves to stretch and relax.
- Carla
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