Deciphering Dressage (Howell Equestrian Library)

✍ Scribed by Karen L. Davis

• Year: 2005
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 274
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

The definitive guide to dressage--the art, science, and secrets of graceful horsemanship for riders who want to exude natural elegance in the saddleDressage 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 eventingComplete 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.

✦ Table of Contents

Deciphering Dressage......Page 3
Contents......Page 7
Preface......Page 14
Acknowledgments......Page 16
Dressage Defined......Page 17
A Brief History of Dressage......Page 25
How Dressage Competitions Are Governed......Page 28
An Overview of the Rider’s Aids......Page 34
Dressage Training Principles......Page 50
Overview of the Gaits......Page 52
Overview of the Levels......Page 60
Additional Movements and Figures......Page 70
The Importance of Dressage Instruction......Page 78
Arranging Dressage Lessons......Page 83
Finding a Dressage Instructor......Page 88
Preparing for Your Lessons......Page 95
The Mind Game......Page 102
Dispelling Some Riding Myths......Page 103
The Thinking Rider versus a Joy Rider......Page 107
The Thinking Rider Understands the Horse’s Senses......Page 108
The Thinking Rider Is a Safer Rider......Page 109
The Thinking Rider As Trainer......Page 110
The Thinking Rider as Communicator......Page 121
What about Breed?......Page 127
Why It’s Best to Learn from a Schoolmaster......Page 130
Searching for a Horse......Page 133
Knowing What to Look for in a Dressage Horse......Page 134
Boarding Your Dressage Horse......Page 144
Secure and Safe Containment......Page 153
Manure Management......Page 155
Protecting You and Your Horse with Equine Insurance......Page 156
Keeping Your Horse Healthy......Page 157
Feeding Your Dressage Horse......Page 172
Saddles......Page 177
Bridles and Bits......Page 183
Riding Apparel......Page 187
Caring for Your Tack and Riding Apparel......Page 191
To Show or Not to Show......Page 193
Choosing a Show......Page 196
Selecting Your Tests......Page 197
Participation Requirements......Page 198
Entering a Show......Page 199
Who Does What at a Show......Page 200
Grooming Your Horse for a Show......Page 204
Cleaning Tack......Page 209
Packing for a Show......Page 210
The Night Before......Page 213
Preparing for the Test at Home......Page 215
Riding the Halt......Page 218
The Salute......Page 220
Understanding a Dressage Test......Page 222
Warming up at a Show......Page 226
When It’s Time to Ride Your Test......Page 228
Moving Up the Levels......Page 235
Riding to Music......Page 239
The Quadrille......Page 241
The Learner-Judge Program......Page 242
When Sport Becomes Art......Page 243
Glossary of Common Horse Terms......Page 245
References......Page 252
About the Author......Page 266
Index......Page 267