Product Description
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's 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 Howell Equestrian Library ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent book on dressage
With all the books on dressage out nowadays, this is one that emphasizes developing the horse with daily exercises that he explains and then shows in lots of photos. The instruction is good and really helpful to a dressage rider.

Thoughtful but disorganized
The message is all there in this book but finding it is a treasure hunt. There is some excellent advice, excellent exercises, and great information on how to progress. In order to put it together logically, I needed to create my own index and map to the information.

A fine dressage book!
At the risk of repeating what everyone says about every book that they like, you must be this book and digest it thoroughly if you are at all serious about dressage.I have nearly every training manual that has been published about dressage, but this book deals more with the theory of gymnastic training of the horse that is so vital if we are to understand why we do all the things that we do.It will also save you many hours of frustration and anguish as you are trying to perfect movements.I would write a proper epistle about more of the merits of this great book (get 'The Ethics and Passions of Dressage', too) but to tell you the truth, I'd just as soon get back to Chapter 10 right now!

disappointing
very disappointing book.The writing is poor, the book is disorganized, and consists primarily of repetitive statements about the author's philosophy on dressage. I wasn't able to read more than half the bookbefore giving up in disgust.

Practical book
of great usefulness for riders of any level and discipline. The author discusses manege patterns that help achieving correct athletic development of your horse and help remedie faults such as crookedness. Too often,riders resort to use of equipment, such as draw reins, to control theirhorse. After reading this book, these people will realize that that iscompletely unneccessary and, moreover, is inhumane and has adverse effects.This book is more to the point than some of the other books by the sameauthor. ... Read more

Product Description
This book clarifies the basic principles of dressage and explains how to apply them with all kinds of horse and ponies. It describes in detail how horsemanship is judged as one rides a test and outlines how the rider should work to make steady progress. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Primer
_Dressage for Beginners_ provides beginner riders and even experienced horsemen from other disciplines with a good overview of the sport of riding figures.Well illustrated, it also provides simple graphics of fundamental positions required of both horse and rider.I have extra copies on my bookshelf to loan to students.

Foundation for Dressage
I've had this book for over 30 years. It 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.

average
this book is an average one, it does say alot about what is done in dressage, but is not as good as some other books i have recently read ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

This book is not for beginners
Don't let the title fool you: The issues discussed are abstract, complex, and with NO SIMPLICITY at all. Wrong title on book: It does not simplify the theory of training of dressage horses and riders. The content is scattered, and not practical for ordinary riders to understand. If you use dressage terms to describe this book: It is "above the bit", "Not collected", "Rear end sticks out", "Downhill", "Hasty little steps", "Rough transitions" ....

Interesting and pretty - a review of the basics
I found it to be a decent book and some of the photos are just gorgeous. The book's title is completely apt... the Simplicity of Dressage as the content in this book is simple in it's message. The core is completely sound (e.g. Rhythm and relaxation, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection) and is an important reminder of the basic principles of dressage for those new to the sport or to those who want an easy read as a refresher.

What did disappoint me was minimal commentary for those of us with less than ideal circumstances... tips for achieving those principles when you're not an international competitor or riding professional or don't have the brilliant mover, talented olympic prospect etc... Simple as the concepts are, rhythm and relaxation, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection are often a challenge due to confirmation issues (in both horse and rider sometimes!) and some discussion of achieving these basics in the face of common problems would have been more helpful for me anyway. It also felt a little bit like a biography on the careers of the van Baalen's.

An overview of the German Training Scale
Before finding yourself in a never-ending cycle of tension with your horse, invest in this book. From cover to cover, the entire subject of this book is the six elements of the German training scale: Rhythm and relaxation, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. In clear and concise language, this book illustrates that you cannot progress to one level before establishing the one before. It proves that before you ask for impulsion, you must have contact, and if you encounter tension in collection, you go back to relaxation. In other words, the authors successfully bring dressage within grips of every rider by providing solid building blocks to progressive dressage training.

Each element of the training scale is explained thoroughly. Potential problems are addressed with practical, easy solutions. By absorbing this information, you'll find that dressage is surprisingly simple...hence the title. Beware, though, that there is no intense detail as there is in other dressage books. For example, you won't find a 5-page description of the half-halt. You won't find a step-by-step instruction of the half-pass. You will, however, realze the importance of working by a system and you will see it reflecting on your horse.

A beautifully bound book and a joy to flip through with its numerous color photos. Definitely worth reading regardless of your level.

Easy to understand, technically correct, beautiful photos
Hinnemann is an accomplished rider and trainer. He studied with the great Reiner Klimke, who was, in turn a student of Harry Boldt, Sr. This means that Hinnemann's dressage education is as good as it gets. Successful dressage training requires patient, systematic work to improve the horse's rhythm, relaxation, acceptance of the bit, impulsion, straightness, and collection. This book shows how some of Europe's foremost trainers develop these critical qualities in their horses. Several of the examples and vignettes use top competition horses, but some focus on ponies and more average horses, making the book's content accessible and relevant to a wide audience of riders. If you want a horse that is balanced, obedient, and sound in mind and body, you should read this book. An beautiful pictures and simple language are an added plus. The book contains many important ideas in an "easy to read" format. ... Read more

Product Description
A dressage book that references Michael Jordan, ocean liners, magnetic bottles, juke boxes, cannibalism, crop circles, Babe the Blue Ox, Mitt Romney, Dilbert, Barbra Streisand's brother, green Jello, and a further cast of thousands---it's Dressage Unscrambled!

Author Bill Woods has put together dozens of stories and anecdotes that elucidate, illustrate, and demystify hoary dressage principles while managing to skewer the sacred bovines---both two and four legged---of our sport.

Read his slightly off center takes on perennially burdensome topics like attention, self carriage, and connection. Mix in the hits and near misses of insight that a lifetime of teaching brings. Add in 40 years of weirdness gleaned from scribes, riders, teachers, and unindicted dressage co-conspirators, and you get a book that will bring a pile of smiles, a bucket of chuckles, and even an occasional spasmodic rotflol episode. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

The Book My Horses Want Me to Learn From
Luck happens in funny ways.Stumbling over Dressage Unscrambled shortly after its publication was luck.Finding its way to me, and then being atop the stacks of reading ahead of other stuff, that is just more luck.Reading it before the spring training at my house & barn gets going full steam ahead is sheer luck.
I hope anyone who likes to ride horses, no matter what skill level and experience, has the good sense or at least the good luck to get this book and read it, for your horses sake as well as yours!

Fun read
I would love to meet Bill Woods, the author, he sounds likea crack-up. Not only is he funny, he imparts good info to the reader/rider, and makes us feel better when he tells us of the knuckleheaded stunts OTHER riders have pulled. Good fun and worth reading.

Hysterical and even useful
This book uses explanations that are both amusing and useful.Bill Woods uses interesting imagery to make his useful points and some of his explanations gave me a different way of viewing things with which I've been struggling . . . all while I was dying laughing.After I finished reading it, I read some of his stories to my dressage instructor (who has an International Horsemasters and started in Eventing like Bill) and I thought she was going to fall on the floor, she was laughing so hard! I also repeated some of his imaginative explanations to her and she found the imagery as interesting as I did (I'm sure some of his explanations will find their way into her arena in her students' lessons).For a sport that most people take soooo seriously, it was great fun to read such a funny book from such a respected rider/instructor/judge.I thoroughly enjoyed it, and plan to recommend it to the rest of the people at the barn.(and yes, there are some typo's in this book that could be eliminated, but no more than I see in most books - only someone in the obsessive compulsive realm of dressage would notice or be annoyed!)

A fun and useful read!

Hilarious
Really great,light hearted read. More in the line of James Herriot's stories than another dull,technical how-to book. Does have some really good training ideas scattered throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

fun and informative
An entertaining and informative book for novice and experienced horse lovers not just dressage folk. There are already so many "cookbook" dressage books and heavy reading dressage theory books. Dressage Unscrambled is a fun, irreverant look at a somewhat misunderstood philosophy of riding. ... Read more

Product Description
Lessons with LendonBy Lendon Gray and the editors of Practical HorsemanTwo-time Olympian Lendon Gray makes no secret of her conviction that dressage is for EVERY horse and rider. In Lessons with Lendon, she will show you how to make flat work manageable and fun, whatever your sport. If you are a looking for a common-sense approach to dressage to improve your own skills as well as the rideability of your horse, this book is for you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

I Love Lendon Gray
Lendon is a great teacher and this is a very organized, well thought out series of lessons for anyone who wants to be a better horseman and rider.

Great
This book is well worth buying. The author writes in a very easy to follow manner and it is full of exercises that really work for horses and riders. She gives plenty of examples and the photos are wonderful. I would buy anything that she writes.

Lessons with Lendon
I just love this book. Gray points out the key steps to progress from zero up for green horses or marue horses that have to start over. Her directions are very specific and practical. Although she explains why each step is required she does so after she says what to do. This is unlike a number of theory books that don't say what to do. She jumps right to work on the first lesson and does not waste pages on fluffy husbandry stuff. I really love this book and have started my horse on the program already. If Gray lived closer, I would definately take lessons from. This book allows me to learn the basics from a master. It will be well used in my training program.

Lessons with Lendon
It is the best book to learn with!!! It tells you how to do things that my trainer couldn't get to stick in my mind. The pictures are a huge help, and how he says things is the best! If your thinking about buying, its worth every penny!

Re-publication of Articles from Practical Horseman Magazine
I'm sure I overlooked the disclaimer, but it appears this book is a compilation of the series of "Practical Horseman" magazine articles that Ms. Gray authored several years back.Still good information, of course, but I wouldn't have purchased that book had I known that.(I saved the magazine articles to a binder, you see.) ... Read more

Product Description
Training Strategies for Dressage Riders is a unique guide to the art and technique of dressage, written by one of the most renowned equestrian trainers in the world today. It offers a complete training system for both horse and rider, paying special attention to how a riders actions can influence a mount. The book provides practical, in-the-saddle advice on a wide range of dressage topics, including:

• The art of classical equitation
• The development of the riders seat and aids
• Developing the basic gaits
• Gymnastic improvement
• Horse insubordination
• Clinics and competitions judging

Customer Reviews (12)

Professional, Passionate, Great Buy
Training Strategies for the Dressage Rider, Second Edition

This book is more than a bargain because you will get correct instruction and not be misled in any way, a problem with poor or misinformed tutelage.

Riding is a dynamic sport best learned under saddle with excellent, engaged coaching. Anyone fortunate enough to spend time with Charles de Kunffy and who has spent time with less skilled instructors can really appreciate the difference.

He gains his cues from the horse, observing subtle or not so subtle movements in the horse's engagement as indicators of what the rider should be doing differently rather than looking at the rider first. In every clinic, everyone see genuine performance improvement from each horse / rider combination whether relative beginner or Grand Prix level.

The problem is that Charles' clinics are few and far between, cost $200 to $300 per ride (plus transit costs) and you really ought to have an instructor at your home stable who trains with him as well. Nor does he have a video series (other than one for seat and aids) to supplement his books.

He is, however, an excellent author and shares his philosophy, perspectives and insights with a wide audience through his books. If you are serious about dressage specifically, want to obtain a better seat to use in hacking or eventing or simply want to learn to interact better with your horse, this book will help you understand what to do and why.

I remember Charles saying once that horses have been genetically selected through the generations so that now they are perfectly balanced by themselves. It is only when we mount them, that they become unbalanced. The goal, therefore is for us to learn to be balanced and it is therefore our primary duty as a rider to obtain a stable, supple seat (which most people fail to do even after 30 years of riding) in order for the horse / rider combination to stay in balance. Like Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."

There is nothing about riding that is inexpensive except the dirt and books. Although we can wash the dirt off, we can waste a lot of time reading the wrong books and following their directions. You will not waste any time reading Charles de Kunffy's books, nor following his directions.

Terrific insight into dressage
He's got it all together.This is like an encyclopedia.One of the most thorough and inspiring books on dressage.Effective in creating a new confindence in me.Supported my deepest beliefs which I was not seeing in the dressage world around me.

Valuable book
I thought that this was an excellent book and a pleasure to read. The author is articulate, clear and interesting. The love of the author for beauty in dressage is real and is beautiful in itself. The book is not for the beginner but it is the best book on dressage I have yet encountered.

Fabulous dressage book
This is a fabulous dressage book.Be sure to get the 2nd edition as it is a joy to read and is clear and explains everything so well.If you only get one dressage book,this should be the one.I have tons of them and this one is the best.

Highly technical, thoroughly detailed
Here's a book for the well-educated, well-experienced dressage rider who wants to refine their skill and reaffirm their knowledge. It is by no means a quick, light read. It's a textbook to be read, studied, and absorbed with dedication. Charles de Kunffy is a master of classical dressage who apparently spent a great deal of effort putting this book together for the serious rider. He has high ideals and evident compassion for the horse, and structures all his techniques and strategies with the welfare of the horse in mind.

The 300 pages in this book cover a huge range of topics. Always the philosopher, Mr. de Kunffy writes in thick yet imaginative language, provoking just the right mental pictures. Everything is covered from the rider's seat to competition preparation. You will gain a greater, fuller understanding of correct seat and aids, correct flexion of the horse, lateral work, improving the basic gaits, and further schooling to higher level dressage. He also discusses various equipment and their uses.

This is an extremely valuable guide to any serious rider. Beware, though, that it's not for a beginner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Thought-provoking little book
This is quite a thought-provoking little book.De Kunffy packs a lot into this slim volume.Dressage is definitely his passion and he defends it to the hilt.One oddity, though, is his preference for using statues to defend his treatise.And he imbues these statues with a lot of emotion and virtues and reasons for being that are somewhat surprising if actually true.It's still worth the read.

a must for all true horsepeople
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.

Loved this book!
I totally enjoy the way Charles DeKunffy writes. He draws from the historical use of horses, and compares that to dressage in this century. His thought-provoking comments are written in a somewhat "lofty" manner, but make him seem even more the baroque personality he claims to be. I loved his illustrations, both pictorial and verbal. This was a wonderful book!

Too touchy-feely
This is not a book for die-hard theorists. It is a nice little book on horse psychology (as the author sees it) and a plea to be kind to thehorse (can't argue with that). However, it does not get at the foundationof dressage in any meaningful way, so something more concrete (Mairinger,Podhajsky, Steinbrecht) would be more worthwhile. ... Read more

Product 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. ... Read more

Product Description
Introduction by Lynn Palm Pittion-Rossillon Jane Savoie shows how basic dressage techniques can be used to improve every horse's athleticism and performance, no matter what the rider's chosen sport. Many people think that dressage is only for expensive, highly trained horses, but Jane Savoie shows that all horses, no matter what their discipline, can benefit from basic dressage schooling, which emphasizes forwardness, straightness, rhythm, transitions, and elementary lateral work. In Cross-Train Your Horse, she offers easy-to-understand lessons, accompanied by hundreds of photos, drawings, and helpful mental images. There are also interviews with experts who cross-train their champions with basic dressage, excelling in sports as diverse as Western reining, show jumping, and endurance riding. Jane Savoie, author of the best-selling That Winning Feeling!, is a highly-regarded teacher and trainer; she was also a reserve rider for the 1992 bronze-medal U.S. Olympic dressage team. She lives in Vermont and Florida. 256 pp 8 x 9 173 photos, 182 line drawings ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Applicable to all riders
I enjoy listening to Jane Savoie and this book certainly doesn't disappoint.The explanation of how dressage training is a benefit is thorough and understandable and the application to other disciplines is clear.As usual, her exercises are easily transferred to the individual rider trying to do their own training at home.This is a book I will refer to again and again.

Well worth the money
I recently purchased Jane Savoie's book Cross train your horse. I have read it through twice now and I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to learn to be a better rider and partner with your horse. It is well written and breaks down learning dressage in bite sized pieces for anyone new to the sport.

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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Practical Guide
This book is a readable guide to appropriate turn out for eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumper riders and horses.She has good practical advice and some great time saving ideas.My students have enjoyed reading this too.It is quite comprehensive and written in a light hearted style that is fun to read.

A top pick any dedicated horse jumper needs to read
Horse owners and show participants won't want to be without To The Nines: A Practical Guide To Horse And Rider Turnout For Dressage, Eventing And Hunter-Jumper Shows. Author Jennifer Chong spent years refining her competitive process both in the U.S. and in Europe, developing ways to make her preparations quicker and more effective. To The Nines is thus packed from cover to cover with a wealth of invaluable tips and shortcuts derived from competitions, sharing secrets she gained through years of experience. To The Nines is a top pick any dedicated horse jumper needs to read.
... 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 (2)

Medeical analysis of Müsseler
The book Reitlehre from Müseler, Parey, 1936 has been the most influential cornerstone under horse riding in western europe. It is thé foundadation under the dressage seat and -teaching and every rider should have studied or study it.

Müseler explains the seat of the rider and his perception of human anatomy leads to confusing vocabulary.
The Schusdziarras analyse what Müseler writes, compair it with human anatomy and make a sound translation of Müseler intentions to correct modern language.
As they analyse the human anatomy they also treat with the difference between male and female anatomy, thus putting the finger on a problem that seems to be universal with women riders.

The ónly mistake in the thinking concerns the stirrups. The Schusdziarras stop their analyse with accepting the incorrect combination open stirrup/demanded foot carriage.
The thinking reader however can easily work this out for him-/herself as the foundation is all there.

The work has sóme fame in German and has contributed to p.e. the development of the thinking by S.G.Solinski and Dr.N.Nicholson, but for the most part is one of those unknown jewels.
I think this book is one of the múst-reads for all trainers and also for riders who seek root information for understanding.
It is thé golden standard for a proper seat in any riding style, or as King Duarte would have put it: for Bem Cavalgar em toda sella.

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

Product Description
In this beautiful new book, dressage rider and Level 2 Pilates Instructor Janice Dulak has compiled a program of Pilates exercises specifically designed to help the dressage rider enhance her ability for success in dressage.While they use different terms, both Pilates and dressage share an emphasis on to torso, or "Powerhouse" in Pilates-speak, and achieving core strength, good posture and muscle flexibility. The goals of a Pilates program are often Identical to what riders try to achcieve in the saddle in the sport of dressage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great!!
I've worked with my horse to improve her. I've worked on our relationship to improve that. Now I am working on me to become the best me I can be for my horse and our relationship.

Not for the pilates beginner
This book should be titled Pilates for the Dressage Rider Who is Also an Intermediate Pilates Student. I thumbed through it when it first arrived, and it is far more advanced than I would have thought from the publisher info. My Pilates instructor said I won't be ready for most of this book for at least a year, with twice-weekly lessons and regular self-practice using a DVD. Also didn't have very many illustrations to help explain. The illustrations that were present are confusing and drawn from bad angles that make it hard to see what you should or shouldn't do. Overall, I would avoid this book and try something like The New Total Rider.

Pilates for Dressage Riders (and non Dressage Riders!
Excellent read to get you motivated no matter what your discipline is.I am currently trying to change my couch potato status and this book helped!!!

It's okay.
Up front, I'm a Pilates instructor and I ride.I had different training from Ms. Dulak and have a difference of opinion of some fine points.

I don't agree with the traditional Pilates "style", if you will, in that it focuses on tightening the [...] and thighs and turning the toes and legs out.I know several horses who would not put up with a clenched [...] from the rider.And I don't think those of us who ride dressage want our toes pointed out with the backs of our thighs and backs of our calves on the horse.Horses mirror everything from us, including how we use our bodies.Do you want your horse to have a clenched [...]?

That being said, it's a good basic book.Just don't take it as the be-all end-all source.

I also take exception to the essay at the end of the book that comes across as a diatribe to me.There are many qualified and well-trained Pilates instructors who did not train with Romana.Ms. Dulak's main point of finding a well-trained and qualified Pilates instructor is a good one.But she went too far with saying that only those trained by Romana are worth going to.

Several of the photographs show the demo person attempting to do an exercise that I would have corrected before having them photographed.

Disappointed
This book was a disappointment to me, I found the formatting to be a huge distraction. The black and white photos are dark, the cartoon graphics are unappealing, and I was expecting it to be more demonstrative and less "block paragraph" and wordy. I have picked it up three times since I bought it and just cannot work my way through it. I'm a visual learner and this book is definitely not overly visual.

If I'd gotten a better "look inside", I would not have purchased this book and gone for one that more clearly illustrated what was being done. ... Read more

Product 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 (7)

Inspirational book that will help you train with patience.
I especially like to refer to this book when I get frustrated or impatient with my riding.The training philosophy here reminds me that training, like life, is a journey.

Another great addition to the big pile of dressage books
This is yet another great addition to the big pile of dressage books. The difference with many is, that it is accompanied by many pictures and clear text, to help you do it yourself. Many horsebooks are not capable of getting out of the theoretical realm.
I also like the very subtle examples in which the author himself does the stuff, so it is not at all purely academic.

Furthermore, I simply liked the tone of the author. He is one of unfortunately few horsemen that do dressage, or riding, purely for the fun of the harmony with the horse, not for their ego. His erudition shows in the text, which makes it not arrogant, but pleasant to read.

Out of print, it seems, unfortunately.

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! ... Read more

Product Description
By popular request, here's a more advanced series of exercises and movements that follow from the best-selling School Exercises for Flatwork & Jumping. A very useful book aimed at instructors and for riders schooling their own horses, by a highly respected BHS chief examiner, coach, dressage judge and competitor ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For the not so great memory.
Many of these exercises are not new to the horse world, however I think this is a publication every teacher and trainer should have on hand. Sometimes when teaching I find it difficult to come up with a new exercise to have my students perform. Even though I have done and taught thousands of them in my lifetime somehow they never come to mind when I need them. Now I can just open to any pageof this book and have an excellent exercise. The best part is that they are listed progressively so I know just where to flip for my beginners, intermediate students and advanced jumping students! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Opened my mind!
This was my first experience with Dominique Barbier and the French approach to dressage.His presentation of the French theory of lightness and harmony opened my mind.It changed my rigid approach and my horses have been very grateful.From this book I learned that lightness can be achieved without force.His instructions for work in-hand were clear and easy to duplicate on my own.Diagrams and explanations were clear and technical enough without being complicated.I felt this book was easy to read and understand, was presented in a progressive format and just oozed with a sensitivity and a passion for the horse that is not found in similar books.This book is a must read for any serious dressage rider, instructor or trainer. ... Read more

Product Description
A step-by-step guide to training a horse to the high standards of obedience, temperament and physique needed for advanced dressage. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description

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