Books about dressage and sporthorses

This book perfectly combats the "modern" theories on how dressage should be ridden by bringing to memory the time when the horse was trained out of necessity, yet the author does not extensively dwell on that time frame.

The memory created is enough for all who are well-versed in the sport to recall the truths that were formed by masters of the past (and then often subsequently buried by later "riders"), but it doesn't get bogged down in historic details.

He calls for a perfected technique of riding, born not out of technology or but out of a dance, which results in an exalted "partnership born of spirtied love, a love which is only heightened by understanding through discipline." I highly, highly suggest this book to anyone, whether they are just beginning in the art (or sport, take your pick), or whether they have been involved in the horse industry for decades.

If dressage horses came with an operator's manual, this book could provide all the necessary trouble-shooting information.

This is the "go-to" book for solving problems with young dressage prospects and for teaching dressage to beginning riders.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in classical riding.

Required Reading for the United States Dressage Federation's Instructor Certification Program.

This official handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation presents an instruction course in advanced dressage, describing in detail the criteria governing each stage of dressage training, from transitions to extensions to piaffe and passage, and giving the aids and training methods for each movement or exercise.

Includes over 40 line drawings.

Wendy Jago shows dressage riders how to develop competition strategies, achieve more effective horse/rider communication, and how to recognize how feelings affect performance.

Wendy Jago is a dressage coach and judge.

While many dressage books detail the mechanics of riding and training, this book offers much more to horse people of all disciplines by presenting classical dressage as an important foundation for any dressage horse.

An investigation into the artistic heritage of classical riding and absorbing philosophical treatise on training dressage horses.

Paul Belasik, trainer and rider, is also the author of Riding Towards the Light and The Songs of Horses.

Brief, concise, and filled with helpful photos, this introductory guide provides essential information about the dressage judge's viewpoint.

Jane Kidd, an internationally successful dressage competitor and editor of such notable horse books as The Way of the Horse: How to See the World Through His Eyes, has written this practical and informative guide to the essentials of dressage, a method of classical schooling as well as a competitive equestrian sport. Kidd focuses on the beginning and intermediate rider, using easy-to-follow guidelines and tips as well as many color photographs that demonstrate riding techniques, diagrams, and sample dressage tests.

Also included are commonsense methods for getting you and your horse in shape for dressage at any level, making Kidd's expert advice appropriate for all who enjoy the sport. From basic training methods to problems and corrections, dressage riders will find this book an excellent resource.

The Howell Equestrian Library is a distinguished collection of books on all aspects of horsemanship and horsemastership. The nearly fifty books in print offer readers in all disciplines and at all levels of competition sound instruction and guidance by some of the most celebrated riders, trainers, judges, and veterinarians in the horse world today.

Whether your interest is dressage, show jumping, or western riding, or whether it is breeding, grooming, or health care, Howell has a book to answer your needs. Get to know all the books in the Howell Equestrian Library; many are modern-day classics and have achieved the status of authoritative references in the estimation of those who ride, train, and care for horses.

The definitive guide to dressage-the art, science, and secrets of graceful horsemanship for riders who want to exude natural elegance in the saddle
Dressage has been described as "a beautiful ballet on horseback." It embodies an innate grace, a seemingly effortless flow, and an easy harmony between horse and rider.

Dressage elevates riding from a sport to an art form. One of the fastest growing equestrian sports in America, it appeals to competitive riders as well as those who simply want to improve their mounts and their skills. Because the principles of dressage encompass the art and science of horsemanship and every aspect of the horse-rider relationship, dressage training enhances other equestrian disciplines. The exercises and patterns help improve the horse's overall balance and athleticism and make the mount more responsive. Ideal for beginning enthusiasts or people who simply want to appreciate the elegance and finesse of classical riding, Deciphering Dressage unlocks the secrets of classical, precision riding. It covers:

* Choosing and caring for a suitable dressage horse
* Buying tack and riding apparel
* Sitting the horse correctly and using aids or subtle signals to cue the horse
* Preparing for competitions
* Riding a dressage test
* Competition and scoring
* Recognized shows, schooling shows, ride-a-tests, and eventing

Complete with over fifty photographs and drawings, as well as step-by-step explanations of exercises and maneuvers, this guide helps riders master the basics of this exceptionally demanding and rewarding discipline.

A guide to understanding the world of dressage for the novice competitor or spectator. Dressage is one of the fastest growing equestrian sports in America, appealing to riders who aim for high-level competition, as well as to those who simply want to improve their mounts and their overall riding skills. Deciphering Dressage explains the fundamentals and provides practical information on dressage tests, selecting a horse, finding a qualified instructor, buying tack and apparel, preparing for competition, and more. It also examines dressage as an art form, highlighting the mental and physical challenges and rewards that riders encounter in pursuit of true harmony with their horses.

Karen Leigh Davis (Roanoke, VA), rode competitively in saddleseat and hunt seat equitation before switching to classical dressage. Her demonstrated versatility as a rider has more than equipped her to introduce newcomers to the demanding sport of dressage.