Dressage Books
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Advanced Techniques of Dressage - BOOK
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GNEF Advanced Techniques of Dressage

Newly translated from the official instruction handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation, this is a revised and updated version of the dressage section of the former Advanced Techniques of Riding (now out of print), this teaching manual provides an instruction course in advanced level dressage for horse and rider, using the German training system; a clear and logical system that has consistently produced international champions for many decades. With line drawings throughout, it describes in detail the criteria governing each stage of dressage training; from transitions and extensions to piaffe and passage; giving the aids and training methods to be used for each movement or exercise. Respecting both purity and classical traditions, its aim is to create true harmony between rider and horse, and therefore mutual trust and confidence.

Contents includes:
  • The Correct Dressage Seat
  • Special Tack and Equipment
  • The Principles of Training
  • Advanced Dressage Exercises
  • Working the Horse in Hand
  • Training Problems
  • Competitions

Author: German National Equestrian Federation

Binding: Hardback

Extent: 255 x 195mm, 120 pages

Illustrations: Black & white diagrams

ISBN: 1872119646

Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage - BOOK
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Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage

A critical and revolutionary book about dressage and what it has become today.

Phillipe Karl, one of the most outspoken critics of the modern dressage world which aims purely at competing a horse as early as possible in well-paid high-level competitions, reveals some disturbing facts in this book.

The author analyses the physical, anatomical and mental condition of a horse with regard to official dressage guidelines issued by the German Equestrian Federation (FN). By comparing these with doctrines of such masters of classical riding as La Gueriniere or Baucher, he illustrates beliefs and mistakes and shows us solutions to the dire situation of modern competitive dressage.

  • Explores key problems of modern dressage: Physical aspects, straightness, balance, exercises
  • The hand, leg and seat.
  • Describes the effects of modern dressage, breeding and business.
  • Suggests a classical alternative: the philosophy of ‘legerity’.

Author Notes: Philippe Karl, a breeder and rider, is a respected and active participant of all areas of equine sport. For thirteen years, he was an active member of the Cadre Noir, the French elite riding school in Saumur. Philippe Karl lives in Southern France and teaches riding students all over Europe. His previous publications “Hohe Schule der Doppellonge” and “Reitkunst” have been translated into several languages and achieved international recognition. Phillipe Karl is also a talented artist, whose detailed and often satirical drawings complement this book.


Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 160
ISBN: 9783861279532
Author: Philippe Karl

Dressage School - BOOK
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Dressage School - Demonstrated by Isabell Werth
 
A sourcebook full of movements and tips demonstrated by Olympian Isabell Werth. This book clearly illustrates how dozens of dressage moves are supposed to look, along with the correct aids for each exercise and how to apply them. It also describes the most common mistakes made by horses and riders and how to overcome them. A very useful guide for dressage riders.

Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780851319674
Author: Britta Schoffmann

Anatomy of Dressage - BOOK
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Anatomy of Dressage

 

This new translation provides riders with the anatomical basis for correct riding. Only with a working knowledge of human anatomy can a rider fully understand the instructions given for correct position in the saddle and explanations of movements.


Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 144
ISBN: 9780939481699
Author: Heinrich & Volker Schusdziarra

The Allen Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dressage - BOOK
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The Allen Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dressage
 
The first comprehensive international encyclopaedia of the dressage world, from club to international level. This long-awaited encyclopaedia covers dressage terminology, gaits and movements, equipment, major events, associations and establishments, eminent riders and horses, trainers and judges, writers and important publications. Authoritative, engaging, and illustrated with colour photographs and line drawings throughout, this handsome book should be on every dressage lover's bookshelf.
Dressage has enjoyed a long and colourful history and is today more popular than ever. The Allen Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dressage offers general guidance on the development and practice of dressage, both in its pure sense as ‘training’ and in its newer role as a competitive sport. Accordingly, it contains biographical entries of eminent trainers, authors and competitors, past and present, fro many countries. It also contains explanations of dressage terms and references to the rules of the competition, with notes that the latter may vary in points of detail depending upon the organising body concerned and the precise nature of the test. The entries are attractively illustrated throughout with contemporary photographs of eminent individuals, older photographs and pictures of personalities from former eras and a range of drawings and engravings taken from books written by those mentioned within. This first international encyclopaedia of the dressage world will be of great value to those seeking information on specific points of dressage, and is fascinating reading for those interested in the historical development of the discipline and the progress if achievements of many of its key figures. Comprehensive and engaging, it is an essential addition to every dressage lover’s bookshelf.

Author Notes: Martin Diggle has been a keen rider for many years, with an active involvement in ball the major disciplines. An author and editor by profession, he has achieved success in all of the major competitive disciplines and is involved in the training of both horses and riders. He is the author of Riding From Scratch, Riding Over Jumps, Riding Cross-country, Teaching the Mature Rider, Teaching Basic Jumping and joint author of Riding a Dressage Test. He is also the series compiler of the highly successful Masters of Equitation series.

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 256
ISBN: 0 85131 887 8
Author: Martin Diggle

Pilates for the Dressage Rider - BOOK
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Pilates for the Dressage Rider

In this beautiful new book, dressage rider and Level 2 Pilates Instructor Janice Dulak has compiled a programme of Pilates exercises specifically designed to help the dressage rider enhance her ability for success in dressage.

While they use different terms, both Pilates and dessage share an emphasis on the torso, or "Powerhouse" in Pilates-speak, and achieving core strength, good posture and muscle flexibility. The exercises in the book have been taken from over 500 Pilates exercises and have been specifically chosen to best suit the needs of the dressage rise. Clear photos and detailed instructions clarify each exercise.

An essential read for any serious student of dressage.

REVIEWS

'Get the feel for common dressage principles through this popular exercise method.' Exclusive book excerpt USDF Connection

'Of immense practical value to a dressage rider. This book gives exercises that can be done at home and are particularly relevant to the rider.' British Dressage

'Get back into shape with this great book, which teaches you how to build core strength, good posture and muscle flexibility - all of which are vital for riding.' Horse and Rider

Tug of War: Classical versus Modern Dressage - BOOK
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Tug of War: Classical versus Modern Dressage
 
German rider and veterinary surgeon Dr Gerd Heuschmann is known for his plain speaking regarding what he deems the incorrect and damaging training methods commonly employed by riders and trainers involved in dressage competition today.

Here, he presents an intelligent and thought-provoking exploration of both classical and 'modern' training methods against a practical backdrop of the horse's basic anatomy and physiology.He then outlines his ideal 'physiological education' of the horse: one where training and riding mirror the mental and physical development of the horse, fulfilling 'classical' requirements - such as regularity of the three basic gaits, suppleness, and acceptance of the bit - rather than disregarding time-tested values for quick fixes that could lead to the degradation of the horse's well-being. Dr Heuschmann's assertion that the true objectives of dressage schooling must never be eclipsed by simple 'mechanical perfection' is certain to inspire riders at all levels to examine their riding, their riding goals, and the techniques they employ while pursuing them.

Author Notes: DR GERD HEUSCHMANN trained as a Bereiter (master rider) in Germany before qualifying for veterinary study at Munich University. There he specialized in equine orthopaedics for two years before accepting a post as the head of the breeding department at the German FN, which he eventually left to start his own practice in Warendorf. Along with Klaus Balkenhol and other prominent figures in the dressage community, Dr Heuschmann is a founding member of 'Xenophon', an organization dedicated to 'fighting hard against serious mistakes in equestrian sport'


Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 144
ISBN: 9780851319506
Author: Dr Gerd Heuschmann

Lungeing the Rider for a Perfect Seat - BOOK
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Lungeing the Rider for a Perfect Seat
 
For centuries, the riders from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, have been revered around the world for their exemplary seats and impeccable equitation. Lungeing the rider is the School's tried and true method of teaching students to attain an independent seat, and they are lunged for at least six months before being allowed to take up the reins. Why is this method so consistently successful? Being lunged temporarily relieves the rider of complex and often confusing tasks, such as managing the horse's speed, direction, balance, and alignment. It reduces the very long list of riding responsibilities, enabling the rider to become organized, learn to juggle an increasing number of mounted tasks, and concentrate on his or her own balance and self-control.

This step-by-step guide to both lungeing others and being lunged unveils the secrets behind the most beautiful - and functional - riding in the world. By combining traditional mounted exercises with yoga, conscious breath work, and hands-on bodywork, Linda Benedik's unique rider-lungeing programme helps the rider create a personal balance that leads to a deeper connection with the horse while at the same time developing a stable, correct, elegant and independent seat - every rider's goal.

Author Notes: Linda Benedik is an internationally known equestrian author, clinician, trainer, and riding instructor. She is the founder of 'Harmony With Horses', a unique programme that blends mind-body practices with classical horsemanship, and the author of the acclaimed book, Yoga for Equestrians, as well as the two-part instructional video series, Yoga & Riding. She resides on California's Gold Coast in San Buenaventura where she freelances as a private equestrian trainer for an exclusive clientele in the Los Angeles region. She also travels to teach various classical riding and yoga clinics each year.

 

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 248
ISBN: 9780851319599
Author: Linda Benedik

Horse Breeds - BOOK
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Horse Breeds
 
In the field or the stable, trail, racetrack, show circuit, ploughing a field, horses have a firm place in our culture, our history, and our hearts.

This beautifully illustrated book profiles the most popular horse breeds, from the diminutive ponies and multitude of light horses to the eye-catching colour breeds and gentle giant draft horses. With descriptions of each breed, accompanied by exquisite photographs, this survey of horse breeds the world over constitutes an essential visual referance for anyone with an interest in horses.


Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780760332658
Author: Samantha Johnson