Deciphering Dressage

by Karen L. Davis

Overview

The definitive guide to dressage—the art, science, and secrets of graceful horsemanship for riders who want to exude natural elegance in the saddle

Dressage 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 eventing

Complete 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764599750
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	10/03/2005
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	258
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Karen Leigh Davis rode competitively in saddleseat and hunt seat equitation before switching to classical dressage. Her skills and versatility as a rider and her personal understanding of the physics, mechanics, philosophy, and intricacies of dressage give her unique insight into properly introducing aspiring riders to the sport.

Table of Contents

PREFACE.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

1. What Is Dressage?

Dressage Defined.

A Brief History of Dressage.

How Dressage Competitions Are Governed.

2. The Discipline of Dressage.

An Overview of the Rider’s Aids.

Dressage Training Principles.

Overview of the Gaits.

Overview of the Levels.

Additional Movements and Figures.

3. Your Dressage Education.

The Importance of Dressage Instruction.

Arranging Dressage Lessons.

Finding a Dressage Instructor.

Preparing for Your Lessons.

4. Becoming a Thinking Rider.

The Mind Game.

Dispelling Some Riding Myths.

The Thinking Rider versus a Joy Rider.

The Thinking Rider Understands the Horse’s Senses.

The Thinking Rider Is a Safer Rider.

The Thinking Rider As Trainer.

The Thinking Rider as Communicator.

5. Choosing a Suitable Dressage Horse.

What about Breed?

Why It’s Best to Learn from a Schoolmaster.

Searching for a Horse.

Knowing What to Look for in a Dressage Horse.

6. Caring for Your Dressage Horse.

What You Need to Know.

Boarding Your Dressage Horse.

Secure and Safe Containment.

Manure Management.

Protecting You and Your Horse with Equine Insurance.

Keeping Your Horse Healthy.

Feeding Your Dressage Horse.

7. Buying Tack and Riding Apparel.

Dressing for Dressage.

Saddles.

Bridles and Bits.

Riding Apparel.

Caring for Your Tack and Riding Apparel.

8. Preparing for Your First Competition.

To Show or Not to Show.

Choosing a Show.

Selecting Your Tests.

Participation Requirements.

Entering a Show.

Who Does What at a Show.

Grooming Your Horse for a Show.

Cleaning Tack.

Packing for a Show.

The Night Before.

9. Riding a Dressage Test.

Preparing for the Test at Home.

Riding the Halt.

The Salute.

Understanding a Dressage Test.

Warming Up at a Show.

When It’s Time to Ride Your Test.

10. Moving Up and Learning More.

Moving up the Levels.

Riding to Music.

The Quadrille.

The Learner-Judge Program.

When Sport Becomes Art.

GLOSSARY OF COMMON HORSE TERMS.

REFERENCES.

Books.

Horse Magazines.

National Dressage Organizations.

Other Equine Organizations.

Breed Associations and Registries.

Horse Equipment Catalogs.

INDEX.