101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider
Dressage, the equestrian practice in which a horse makes highly precise movements in response to barely perceptible signals from the rider, has taken hold of America’s equestrians. Participation rates have risen by 200 percent over the past twenty years, as baby-boomer riders have discovered dressage to be less strenuous and dangerous than jumping, yet offering the satisfaction of mastering techniques and the opportunity to compete and advance to higher levels of achievement.
101 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider, presented in Storey’s highly visual “Read & Ride” format, features a full arena diagram and step- by- step instructions for each exercise. The exercises address all levels of riders, starting with the basics and moving up to maneuvers developed by members of the U.S. Olympic team. Training tips and masterly guidance make this an indispensable reference for all dressage riders. Even Western riders interested in enhancing their performance will find these foundational exercises useful.
Dressage riders are information-hungry readers, often referred to as “the thinking horsemen.” This book’s sturdy format, comb bound and drilled so it can be hung on a ringside post, will appeal to these reading riders, whether in or out of the saddle.
What my readers have to say…
“Brilliant diagrams, excellent keys, simply mapped out and laid out information for difficult and also the easiest of dressage manoevres. It’s bound at the top for a vertical flip, with a hole punched down near the bottom so you can hang the book on a nail on your bulletin board or at home to study it and keep it open while you study it. It has handy hints how to achieve positions and gives you ideas to improve certain flaws. It is by far the best book on dressage I have read so far.
Just about EVERY page has another full A4 dressage arena on it showing the pattern where the horse is going, it shows crossbars and it shows trotting poles and where to place them, it shows where you should do a certain manoevre such as a flying change or shoulder-in with an excellent use of diagrams and patterns which have a key right next to it so the design remains uncluttered and simple to read. A best buy for anyone serious about dressage - or even jumping - to keep their horse supple and to keep their horse from boredom. Brilliant.”
“ Transform yourself from a rider into a trainer! The book focuses on providing short, precise descriptions of specific exercises that the author has found to be useful. The author makes the point that most riders do not require enough of themselves or their horses during training, and to have a plan for the ride and even for the weeks’ work. I have often seen the same, and always go out with a plan, but quickly realized working some of these exercises that I had been letting myself and my horse get a little lazy in our execution. I was amazed at the improvement in my horse’s gaits after trying just one simple warm-up exercise! This book will help you transform yourself from a rider into a trainer – constantly asking yourself how your horse is moving and what exercise would be beneficial for improved movements.”
“ Fantastic addition to lessons. I am an adult intermediate rider just starting to train in dressage. This book has a wonderful introduction on the principals of dressage and how to effectively use the book. It has very clear exercises, each with a full page diagram and step by step instructions. Each exercise also has an explanation on what aspect of the horse and rider’s fitness it is targeting. I am actually using it as a textbook and study my assigned exercises before showing up to my lesson each week.”
“This book is full of exercises for your horse, no matter which dicipline you ride (dressage, reining, trail, etc.). Practice the exercises to improve your horse’s fitness. Also included are exercises for the rider to improve your strength and fitness as well. The book can be hung on a nail in the barn/arena for quick reference while mounted. It is almost as good as having an instructor in the arena with you to give you challenging activities to improve performance. I highly recommend this book.”