When Two Spines Align: Dressage Dynamics: Attain Remarkable Riding Rapport with Your Horse

by Beth Baumert

Within riding exists a fundamental conflict of The rider needs to have control—her confidence depends on her ability to control the balance of her own body as well as that of her very powerful horse. The horse, by nature, needs to feel free—free in both mind and body to express himself through movement.

In When Two Spines Align , author Beth Baumert, writer and editor at the equestrian magazine Dressage Today , resolves the freedom-control enigma by taking a close look at the individual components that make up riding and dressage and providing practical ways riders can learn to harness the balance, energies, and forces at play. Readers will discover how to use “positive tension” and their body’s “power lines” to become balanced and effective in the saddle. They will then find ways to understand and manage the horse's balance and “coordination challenges.” Ultimately, the rider learns to regulate and monitor the horse's rhythm, energy, flexion, alignment, bend, and line of travel by properly aligning her spine with his. When the center of gravity of a balanced rider is over the center of gravity of a balanced horse, that place where two spines align becomes the hub for rider and horse harmony.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction

248 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2014

Reviews

[Shannon Ryan-Dinmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this as part of a book club and finished it on my own. This should be required reading for every rider whether they ride dressage or any other discipline. Baumert has a way with explaining motions and aides that make it clear what the rider needs to do.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal. I highly recommend it to any rider who cares about their craft.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wealth of information and exercises with most having variations that can be done at a range of different levels. I probably only retained a small portion of this wonderful information and will be a book I read more than once and refer back to. I prefer to learn things through explanation and this book is excellent for that. Highly recommend for all horse riders of any discipline to gain more knowledge of a base training for human and horse.

[Ruth Keeling-Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a number of my students buy this book as a reference