Jane Savoie's Dressage 101: The Ultimate Source of Dressage Basics in a Language You Can Understand

by Jane Savoie

It's a simple, riddle-free system of training that places a high priority on the horse's physical and mental well-being. Beginning with the three golden rules of dressage training—clarity, consistency, and kindness—Jane Savoie walks you through her four stages of dressage education. Stage One is an introductory course in the basics, and Stage Two covers the "nuts and bolts" of training, including transitions, school figures, and movements. By the time you finish Stage Two, you'll have a happy, responsive horse that understands going forward and being straight; accepts contact so you can communicate with him through the reins; moves in a regular rhythm and a steady tempo in all three gaits; and can do transitions, circles, and turns, back up, lengthen his stride, and go sideways. In Stage Three, Jane translates the secrets surrounding the half-halt, enabling you to put your horse "on the bit," and adding a whole new dimension to your training. You'll even be ready for some "fancy stuff" in Stage Four. Don't worry, everything in this book is well within the capacity of most horses. We're simply talking about the work required in the United States Equestrian Federation's (USEF) dressage tests up to Third Level, which concludes with collected, medium, and extended gaits; advanced lateral movements; and flying changes.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Animals

488 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Jane Savoie is one of the most recognized names in dressage, and for a good reason. Her accomplishments and the breadth of her influence are impressive. She has been a member of the United States Equestrian Team and has competed for the US in Canada, Holland, Belgium, France and Germany. She was the reserve rider for the Bronze medal winning Olympic dressage team in Barcelona, Spain. She has been long-listed by the USET with several horses and has won nine Horse of the Year awards and three National Freestyle Championships. Ms. Savoie is as well known as a coach, writer and speaker as she is for her competitive accomplishments. She was the 1996 and 2004 Olympic dressage coach for the Canadian 3-Day Event Team in Atlanta and Athens. She also coached several top dressage and 3- Day Event riders in their preparations for the 2000 Olympics and while in Sydney she helped rider Susan Blinks secure a bronze medal for the US dressage team. Ms. Savoie has written five books that have been published both in the US and abroad. Her best-selling sports psychology book That Winning Feeling! is in its ninth printing and has been translated into several languages. Her dressage training books, Cross-Train Your Horse and More Cross-Training, are rapidly becoming popular reference books for riders and trainers in all disciplines. Her fourth book, It's Not Just About The Ribbons, is a sequel to That Winning Feeling! This book is an essential addition to your library if you need help with negative emotions like overcoming rider fear, impatience, or lack of self-confidence.

Reviews

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This should be required reading for every beginning rider.

[The Mad Mad Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the “Dressage Bible” - essential reading for folks like me at the lower levels. Awesome examples, great exercises, and amazing visualizations of how to improve your dressage game, this book is a must!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute ultimate source on Dressage, written in a way anyone can follow!