Feeling Dressage: How to Achieve Harmony With Your Horse

by Ruth Sabine Schaefer

In the quest to master the techniques of classical dressage, riders can forget an equally important component of successful riding - achieving the feel. Feeling Dressage describes in a systematic way how to achieve the right feeling. Detailed yet easy to understand descriptions help the rider comprehend and mentally visualise the goal and the feeling certain movements should have when performed correctly. Feeling Dressage is an important training tool, not only for the dressage enthusiast but for all riders who understand the importance of the relationship between rider and horse. The author discusses basic requirements of horse and rider, early training, advanced movements and dressage competition requirements.

202 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Ben Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In riding, there is a key element that separates the good from the great: feeling. Anyone can simply do what their trainer tells them without question or thought, but great riders are able to feel what is correct and know how to create that feeling in their position or in the horse's gaits. Ruth Sabine Schaefer's Feeling Dressage explains how to achieve just that. I consider it to be an excellent guide for riders of any skill level looking to improve their riding. Dressage is the foundation of all riding; without it, horses and riders cannot develop properly and hence will not perform as well.

This book covers a variety of topics throughout its chapters: from correct rider position and preparation, to the training scale and working with the young horse, to various movements across all levels of Dressage. It explains the finer points of all topics in exquisite detail, but not so much as to bore the reader. It covers what is correct, as well as exploring specific flaws and how to correct them. A rider who rides in a "chair seat" could benefit from a longer stirrup that lets the leg hang underneath the rider's body; if your horse jigs at the walk, loosen your reins and allow them to find their four-beat rhythm again. Some chapters even give you tips on what you could be faulted for in a test, if you look closely.

I selected this book to build up my knowledge while I take some time off from riding due to certain circumstances. In May, I had to leave my trainer of over three and a half years, as she leased her last ride-able horse off the property. I have been waiting until my mother's new job becomes permanent before I begin to look for a new place to take lessons, and luckily this change occurred just before the end of the summer. I will hopefully start up with regular lessons soon, but after leaving my old trainer I decided this would be the perfect time to stock up on valuable knowledge that I could readily apply upon my return to the saddle. The timing couldn't have been better; I found plenty of informative books while helping one of my teachers pack up her classroom, and she was kind enough to let me keep the ones I liked. I have read plenty this summer, but Feeling Dressage was easily my favorite. A highly informative and detailed read, I feel well-prepared to begin riding again with this wealth of new knowledge.