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Training Strategies for Dressage Riders
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
305 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
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January 6, 2024
"...the horse is a living organism and a unique individual that can develop only at his own rate. The horse is the clock, and he provides the calendar of progress."
I don't know if this book is still in print, but if it is and you are a dressage enthusiast, or even just looking to improve upon your horsemanship skills this is the book for you. Like many books written by experts in their field, there are some braggy bits in the beginning, but I am awed by how much the author emphasizes having empathy and consideration for the horse. Too many professionals today are viewing the horse as a means to an end and we need do better by our animals, be better both as riders and as human beings.
Some of the information is repetitive, but the best way to learn sometimes is through repetition. Book includes descriptions of basic, but sometimes confused, equestrian terminology like the much sought after "collection." It includes detailed instruction on body positioning to best train and influence your horse's body position, and what to do with green, or resistant horses as well as the advanced horse. It provides descriptions of the basic gaits plus the variations on them, transitions and other movements that will be required of the competitive dressage rider. Stresses the importance of cross training and gymnastics to improve upon the horse's physical and mental well-being as well as having a well-rounded rider. It even includes a chapter on tack to instruct what to use and how to use it. The author tried to include everything a dressage rider could want to know into one book.
I'm a non-competitor, riding for pleasure, but with a long-time interest in dressage, and I found the contents of this book to be highly informative and highly helpful, information that both highlights what I'm doing wrong, and what skills I need to apply to do better. I do believe I'll be a better rider for having read this book.
I don't know if this book is still in print, but if it is and you are a dressage enthusiast, or even just looking to improve upon your horsemanship skills this is the book for you. Like many books written by experts in their field, there are some braggy bits in the beginning, but I am awed by how much the author emphasizes having empathy and consideration for the horse. Too many professionals today are viewing the horse as a means to an end and we need do better by our animals, be better both as riders and as human beings.
Some of the information is repetitive, but the best way to learn sometimes is through repetition. Book includes descriptions of basic, but sometimes confused, equestrian terminology like the much sought after "collection." It includes detailed instruction on body positioning to best train and influence your horse's body position, and what to do with green, or resistant horses as well as the advanced horse. It provides descriptions of the basic gaits plus the variations on them, transitions and other movements that will be required of the competitive dressage rider. Stresses the importance of cross training and gymnastics to improve upon the horse's physical and mental well-being as well as having a well-rounded rider. It even includes a chapter on tack to instruct what to use and how to use it. The author tried to include everything a dressage rider could want to know into one book.
I'm a non-competitor, riding for pleasure, but with a long-time interest in dressage, and I found the contents of this book to be highly informative and highly helpful, information that both highlights what I'm doing wrong, and what skills I need to apply to do better. I do believe I'll be a better rider for having read this book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review