Product Description
We all know the dressage community could use a good dose of humor now and then, lest it become just plain too serious! Now here's a delightful book that meets that need, a humorous look at the sport, written by Brian McKeown, a.k.a. "Mr. Dressage Husband." This tongue-in-jowl examination of the sport of dressage includes the American Horse Publication's first place winner, "Confessions of a Dressage Husband," along with otherirreverent pieces such as "Advanced Clicker Training for Dressage Husbands," "Creative Manure Management," and "Passing the Time at a Dressage Show." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Other Side of Dressage
Brian writes what many dressage-husbands go through without public comment - the life behind women and their horses.He describes the simplest aspects (for example cleaning stalls) of having horses and asks himself penetrating and humorous questions.This book kept me laughing throughout and my horse-husband agreed with many of Brian's assessments.An easy and delightful read.

not funny
I have one word to describe this very un-funny book. "yawn"I gave it two stars because it was about dressage, but I've picked up funnier things from my horses stable bed. ... Read more

Product Description
This book was written expressly for Americans by the Swedish master who brought dressage to the US. It is truly a classic work and has served as a teaching aid for a multitude of serious dressage riders. Simply must reading! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent text for all riding disciplines
This book is very concise, clear and helpful with explinations of basic and advanced dressage movements. It inculdes extremly articulate definitions of the gaits, aids and basic riding terms. The diagrams of aids are very useful.The photos help to give the reader a clearer picture of the concepts beign described.This book would be good for any rider to read. Written by one of the top dressage riders, it can be a bit tedious at times, since the authour's native tounge is not english.

Practical Dressage Manual
A condensed but informative book covering the basic gaits through upper level movements, also covers the riders aids and position, and a brief chapter on competition.This book doesn't go into great detail but hasgood information in it for anyone interested in dressage.It outlinesseveral exercises to develop the horse, and riders aids for movements areillustrated as if you are looking down on the horse.Written by a veryexperienced rider emphasizing the "art" of dressage. A goodaddition to any dressage library. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (17)

Truly Helped Me Improve
Dressage Formula, by Erik F. Herbermann, is a great book about a rider's position and the connection with her horse.

This book contains great pictures and exercises that you can do on or off your horse.It also teaches you the right amount of contact to have and how to use your aids.All together with the aids, exercises, contact, leg yield, half pass, and shoulder in, this book teaches you how to correctly hold yourself with the right position, natural contact, and leg position while maintaining the horse's natural feel and response.This book has taught me a lot and has truly helped me to improve my riding skills.

This book should be read by anyone 13 or older because at times it was difficult to understand the terminology.Recommended by a professional Dressage Rider, and recommended by me.

Kristen N.
Grade 6
Ms. Kawatachi

Excellent!
Easy to read and reference, but packed with information. I keep going back to this book, and everytime I flip through it I am rewarded with a new way to fix or look at the current problems I may be having in my riding. GREAT for ALL dressage riders, or any rider who is truly serious about riding correctly and in harmony with the horse. I find that Herbermann does a very good job presenting rather complicated information in an understandable way.

This is not a book for those riders who just want to get on and go, but do not care about the details nor focused on the long-term "journey" of riding. This is for people who want to UNDERSTAND how they influence the horse. It teaches you the why and how of riding, it looks at it as an ART, and it teaches you how to ride in a "correct" manner.

Most kids will not enjoy nor appreciate what is in this book. Beginners who are serious will find this useful throughout their riding careers, but may feel like there is a lot of information thrown at them all at once.

FromaU.S.D.F. certified instructor .......
I believe that this book is, "dressage made rather simple". If you have an orderly mind and can ride all three gaits, you should be able to improve yourunderstanding of the art. It is the lack of understanding of the "whys" of dressage, when not known, that makes it harder than it should be.A book like this helps you understand "why".

To date, this is the best book on riding that I have read.
This book has become my riding bible! Erik Herbermann's dressage formula completely embodies the art of classical riding. He emphasises the need for precision and patience and so there are no "quick fixes" or interpretations that are so widely used.

This is a complete guide to riding properly and compassionately, and covers all the basics including detailed instructions on the riders seat and aids, instructions on how to get the horse "on the aids", explanations of the basic movements; including how to do them and why to do them, and how to identify problems.

It is very well written and no matter what level you are riding, I think anyone can gain something from this text.

Superb.
Erik Herbermann has managed to do something very rare: he has written a book geared toward those at the lower levels of dressage (though advanced riders will doubtless find it equally helpful) that explores not only the basic concepts of seat, position, the exercises, and the aids, but also insists upon the horse's well-being. Herbermann's writing glows with love for this most noble of creatures, and his book teaches one not only dressage, but ART.

Its technical side is equally good, with a very in-depth discussion of that most important of movements, the shoulder-in. I would recommend it to anybody who rides and loves horses. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Great for L-Program participants!
A great book for participants in the L-Program!Theory can be a bit drawn-out, but great on "how to give a score"--what makes a 7 or an 8...
My FAVORITE part of the book is the Grand Prix tests from the Olympic Games, '20's to 2000! ... Read more

Product Description
Olympic medalist Debbie McDonald and her fabulous partner, Brentina, have thrilled crowds the world over with their stunning performances.In her new book, Riding Through, Debbie describes her system for success in dressage and relates her life story:"There is more than one reason that I call this book Riding Through. Ofcourse, first and foremost, riding through is a dressage term, something youstrive for as you attempt to get your horse on the aids and movingback-to-front. You have achieved it when everything the two of you dotogether is one fluid motion, the ultimate of coordination and expression,in which the horse is maximizing his assets. It's all about harmony andcorrectness, summing up the meaning of dressage in a single short phrase.But "riding through" has other meanings for me as well. I've learned to ridethrough hard times, on and off a horse, when I thought about giving up. Weall have to learn about riding through, because that's the only way we willarrive at our destination, whatever it may be."Even if passage and piaffe aren't your ambition, or you don't want tocompete in dressage at any level, the good basic riding skills involved inlearning this discipline will help you in whatever you want to do withhorses--whether it's improving adjustability for jumping or just having a more pleasurable trail ride. And the challenges will keep you interested while you explore the very special connection that develops between human and horse when you're doing meaningful work together. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I Wanted More
Debbie's new book is definitely worth buying if you like dressage.But like it's title, I wanted more connection!The book is more a generalists approach to the sport of dressage.Describing her horse career and switch to dressage, Debbie's story should become a movie!

Later chapters do give dressage pointers.But if you are looking for something new to unlock the secrets of dressage, you won't find very much here.There are some specific exercises and maybe something you haven't tried with your horse; but all in all, this volume is a elementary look at the Olympic rider's career.

The photographs, diagrams and graphic design are EXCELLENT, colorful and a good window into the quest for dressage perfection.However, if you are looking for the exact details on how to teach your horse to piaffe, for example, you will not find it here.So, Debbie, I would have found another title.As such, I give it 6 (out of 10), "horse needs to be more supple and THROUGH.(How many times have we read that under the judges remarks!)"

Must Read for Dressage
Debbie is so down to earth and this makes this book an easy read.I love the "check" boxes which explain the hows and whys of riding, training and understanding dressage.After reading the book, it is easy to apply what you have learned to your everyday riding and training. ... Read more

Book Description
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.Download Description
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. ... Read more

Book Description
A remarkable illustrated work on the art of dressage by a modern–day master, featuring a lavish selection of color photos and drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Just Excellent
This book is an instant classic.It discusses in detail some points that could take one years to otherwise figure out, for example, the truly correct passage.Beautifully written, it is a masterpiece that belongs in every dressage riders library.

For Professionals!!!
It is defenetly a great book, very philosophical one. However, I won't recommend it for beginner dressage riders.It lacks the simple practical riding instructions and tips, But still is a great book.

escuedo
A fantastic book with some magnificent pictures.
extremely educational for the equine world.
Well done!

A long-awaited complement to Belasik's trilogy
This is the most technical book that Belasik has published to date, and it provides a visual counterpart to his outstanding audiotape series.The pictures are particularly useful; the best of them bravely show the master in the "bad" moments-- hanging on the inside rein, for instance.These pictures assist the rider in recognizing the fool's gold that feels like bend but is weakness; I return to the mirrors in my own school equipped with brutal honesty.His descriptions of the logical progression of training will help any rider to comprehend her progress with a young horse, or her relationship with a schooled horse.Although this book is a more technical treatise than Riding Toward the Light or Songs of Horses, it shows the same poetic voice that makes those books so memorable.In my humble opinion, this book-- in combination with the audiotapes-- is the best book to educate the rider about the purest principles of riding integrated with the practical means of achieving them.

A Classic for the 21st Century
This has to be the most complete book on Equitation to the highest levels, ever to be written. It is quite simply, a masterpiece- highly readable, yet totally scholarly, as would be expected from an author such as Paul Belasik, whose previous books have gained him a worldwide, and well deserved, following.

The photographs which lavishly illustrate the book are exemplary in every way- Belasik's seat is impeccable and the horses look at ease in their work- real harmony between horse and rider.

Paul Belasik's vast knowledge of Classical Equitation, is woven effortlessly with his own conclusions, arrived at through the odyssey of research that he undertook, and chronicled in his book 'Riding Towards the Light'.

This book is a must for anyone who sees dressage first and foremost as an Art, and only secondarily as a sport. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in German and previously published in English as the Anatomy of Riding, this new translation of the classic work provides riders with the anatomical basis for correct riding. Working from this anatomical perspective, the authors, who in addition to being father and son are both medical doctors, discuss the individual requirements of riding theory.Many of their conclusions may seem surprising to some readers, such as the notion that it is physically impossible to"brace the lower back"as we are so often advised by instructors. A fascinating work, not to be missed by serious riders. Required Reading for the United States Dressage Federation's Instructor Certification Program. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A classic must have!!
A classic book on dressage.It gives the reader an in depth look at how to effectively ride a dressage horse through the insights of the human anatomy. I've learned more about the fine details of dressage through this book than years of riding lessons!!!The vocabulary can be technical at times but push on and the end rewards will be well worth it. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

dressage interviews
Well written book about dressage competition and training. It is full of interviews with famous dressage trainers and personalities. Also has great photos. It is informative without being boring, not always easy for dressage books.Would make a nice gift for a dressage rider. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Classical teaching, modern presentation
Although the title would lead you to believe that this is a "easy goin"" type of book, this author has a grasp of Classical horsemanship methods. While the Masters books relay the same fundamentals, Marys presentation may let you see the Art of Riding in a less threatening light. Marys concern over how to use words to convey a skill based on "Feel" is especially appreciated, after all riding is really all about "feel" isn't it?She presents tools to convey this awareness, something that is not done as effectively in the older books. Her use of the "indirect rein" term is a bit out of sync with classical teaching, but all in all the title does not do the book justice.

Very informative, spiced with occasional humor!
I borrowed this book from the library, and am planning to buy a copy of my own.This is an excellent reference book to go back to for training, warming up, and building up your horse's athletic ability and responsiveness. Whether you are an experienced rider, or new to horses, Mary's style of writing is down to earth, and the exercises she gives are explained very well.She gives the reasoning behind the instruction.

Best introduction to dressage training ever!
I have been recommending this book to people new to horses or who want to improve their riding and training ability for several years. Mary Twelveponies writes clearly and non-technically aboutriding and training your horse using dressage methods without scaring people into thinking they are going to getting in over their heads. She instructs the reader in how to be a better rider which in turn helps your horse become more responsive. She utilizes both western and english disciplines to show that anyone can accomplish the goals in this book. It was the beginning for me in learning how to train my horses. I am a strong believer in dressage as a foundation method of training a horse for any discpline you wish to pursue and Mary Twelveponies makes it easy to understand and incorporate. You and your horse will be happier!

Good book for the average rider
Mary Twelveponies' book is a very practical,down-to-earth guide for those of us who want to enjoy our horses. This is not a guide to showing your horse,it is a guide for the average horse owner. It deals with problems weall encounter. Overall,I'd say I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ibought it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Owner of In the Irons
this book is a beautiful book. Gary Benson captures the beauty of Show Jumping, Dressage, and Endurance riding. This is a must for any horse lover! He also gives usefull information.

Handsome coffee-table picture book
This is a beautiful book. The author is a photographer, and it consists almost entirely of large photos from competitions all over the United States. What is most unusual about the photos is that many of them are of ordinary riders, not just the frequently photographed superstars, and that his work frequently includes the rider within the entire setting - so rather than just a horse and rider, you get some context, both for the scene and for what competing is all about. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (29)

Finally, easy to follow instructions anda reason for them
I spent much of my life as a cowgirl. Back then, no one considered dressage for basic training. Now that I am learning dressage, I needed someone to visually explain the maneuvers and the reason for how to execute them. This ol' cowgirl needed plain basic instructions and this book is the only one I consider easy to understand. That's a mouthful when it comes to dressage, but the book delivers. Within a year, we are working on 3 rd level, and I have much to thank the book that backs up what my trainer tries to explain.
the author of:Roses and Locoweed: The Life of a Cowboy's Wifeand The Winter Years of World War II

Every horse person can benefit
Every horse person can benefit from Jane Savoie's "Cross Train Your Horse: Book One:Simple Dressage for Every Horse, Every Sport. This a clearly written "guide" for any discipline. I am planning on using it as one of the text books for a college course: Dressage for the Competition Horse

Worth your time!
This book was exactly what I wanted. I've ridden hunters for all of my life but am starting to train in dressage. Though this cover basic dressage work such as turn-on-the-forehand, leg yielding, etc, it gives you details from a dressage point of view. I recommend it for anyone(English or Western) that has a stiff horse in need of suppling work through basic dressage.

Easy to Follow
I really enjoyed this book for it's easy to follow exercises and well thoughtout training plan. I can actually see what the author is talking about in my own horses.

Okay but not for me
I purchased Cross-Train and More Crossing Training by Jane Savoie about two years ago based on all the 5 star reviews these books received.

Unfortunately, these books were a disappointment to me.I struggled to finish Cross-Train and I never could get into reading More Cross Training.The text, even though helpful to most people, just seemed to drag on for me. Perhaps this was caused by Ms. Savoie's writing style; perhaps it was just me.(I have found Feeling Dressage by Ruth Sabine Schaefer more to my liking.)

On a positive note, these books have many nice pictures and illustrations which many people should find helpful. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Clear explanations of what, how, when and why.
I do a some scribing at schooling shows, and this book in clear language and a logical presentation covers the things judges have explained about what they are looking for, why things are weighted differently at different levels, what specifics mandate an insufficient (4), what elements do NOT prevent a sufficient (5) score, but what must be present for it to be satisfactory (6).This applies to the nuances between Fairly Good, Good, Very Good and Excellent as well.The definition and explanation of correct execution of the directives and the movements they apply to are themselves a basic education in dressage. He covers schooling exercises for correct development, he covers common riding faults and how they affect the horse and the execution of the test, he covers strategies and techniques for riding the test as well advice for how to approach the whole thing of showing.I thought the book was excellent help not only on showing, or how to maximize the riding of the test itselfbut also on the training going on at home.A friend told me about the book because it gave the first explanation of a half-halt that truly made sense to her; and I found myself constantly nodding my head as all the bits and pieces I'd been hearing from various judges were right there in a lovely logical, clear structure.

Competitive Edge I & II
We have no idea how differently things look from where the judge sits at "C".Max enlightens us in his books.My scores have gone up significantly with his help.I always start out the show season byrereading them as a "reminder session".Besides, he is the onlydressage author whose work is entertaining as well as informative! If you compete, do your self and your horse a favor.Read these books!

An eye opener !
This book is filled with many, many helpful things even my trainer neglected to tell me about! A must have for anyone who wants to be competitive ... Read more