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The Definitive Guide to Riding and Competing
Like any discipline, dressage must be practiced as a science
before it becomes an art. Before you can play a Mozart concerto,
you must practice the scales. You must practice the basics of dressage
before you can ride a Grand Prix or even a training level test.
If you think about it, all a horse really needs to know are two simple
responses: to yield to the rider's hands (through the bit) and to move
away from the rider's leg. However, a sideways disobedience is not a
half-pass and a wrong lead is not a counter-canter.
Even if you never plan on riding dressage or riding in a dressage
competition, this book covers the basics of riding for any level of rider.
If your goal is to ride in first or second level competition, this book is for
you.
Dressage means "training." Every riding discipline
requires hours of practice and training. The basics of riding must be
accomplished correctly in order to move to the next level. If the lower
levels of riding are not mastered, the upper levels look stilted and
mechanical.
Dressage competition is a "test of training."
This is the only guide you will need if you want to know about
dressage competition. It is authoritative and conclusive, covering every
aspect of showing dressage horses. There are so many aspects of dressage
competition, from the basic philosophy of competition to the physical maneuvers
you and your horse must perform, to the standards the judges look for.
Where do you begin to learn it all? There are other books on the
dressage system of training, but this book covers everything you need to know
for first and second level competition.
Your success in dressage competition depends on how well
you learn and apply the following concepts:
- the selection of a horse, equipment, and clothing
- training the horse and rider, mentally and physically
- locating shows and completing entry forms
- traveling and show grooming
- strategies for coping with the horse's first show
- memorizing, practicing, and riding a test
- evaluating judges' scores and remarks
- designing and riding musical freestyles and quadrilles
- strategies for advancement through the levels
Written by Barbara Burkhardt, a riding instructor
for over 35 years, dressage instructor for 24 years, a U.S. Dressage Federation
"L" Judge, show manager and coach, this book will prepare both the novice and
the seasoned rider for successful showing.
No more trial and error; it's all here in Dressage from
A to X.
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