The Dressage Competitors' Handbook [Hardcover]

Cindy Sydnor (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0965490017 | ISBN-13: 978-0965490016 | Publication Date: June 23, 2000

Competing in dressage should be fun, and it will be if you are well prepared. There are many rules -- written and unwritten -- pertaining to dressage and dressage showing, but before now, competitors had to go to a number of sources to find all the information they needed. All of this information is now contained in one place -- "The Dressage Competitors' Handbook."

Information on proper attire, grooming for a competition, legal and illegal equipment, warming up and warm-up area etiquette, competition rules, awards programs, packing for a show, arena diagrams, an extensive glossary, checklists, and much more are clearly and logically presented.

Whether you are contemplating your first dressage competition or have already begun your show career, you will find answers to all of your questions in "The Dressage Competitors' Handbook."

Editorial Reviews

Review

... those trying their hand at competitive dressage for the first time... handbook comes as a welcome source of invaluable information. -- The Chronicle of the Horse magazine, July 21, 2000

Fraser's new book, "The Dressage Competitors' Handbook," is like a best friend who has been there and done that. -- USDF Connection magazine, September 2000

About the Author

Fraser grew up with horses and has had the opportunity to work with top dressage trainers in this country as well as abroad. She received her BHSAI certification from the Talland School of Equitation in Glos. England, and has won numerous year end awards awards through USDF, AHSA, and ATA on horses she has trained herself.

Suzy trains and competes her sponsored Danish Warmblood gelding, Helenikos, teaches, gives clinics, writes non-fiction horse books and magazine articles, and is continuously working to enlarge her knowledge of horses and dressage. Fraser is the author of "Financing Your Equestrian Activities: Sponsorships and Scholarships," which is also available through Amazon.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 238 pages
• Publisher: Equissentials Pr (June 23, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965490017
• ISBN-13: 978-0965490016
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,424,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful!, July 11, 2000

By 

Heidi Matthews (Newbury, NH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dressage Competitors' Handbook (Hardcover)

What a wonderful, common-sense, methodical, organized, well-thought-out approach to dressage showing. As a novice to showing, contending with show nerves is enough of a challenge. Add to that trying to learn-and then strategically remember-all of the details and rules and etiquette that surround showing... well, you've got your work cut out. Enter: The Dressage Competitors' Handbook.

I find this book clearly and concisely answers every possible question you can think of and, most importantly for me, those I didn't even know to ask. Suzy has thought of everything-especially those little, but absolutely crucial, details that slip so easily into the seasoned shower's repertoire but that are just as easily overlooked when coaching the novice. ("Hmmm..... what's up with that obnoxious guy with the bell? ")

Thanks to this book, I can be better organized, educated, and prepared before I get to the show, so I can then focus on what's really important: my horse. What a help in minimizing those pre-show jitters. The next time I turn down center line, I can feel well prepared and confident. A real treat and a joy to read. And a definite "must" for every new dressage competitor-and their trainers!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book for those new to dressage competitions., July 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dressage Competitors' Handbook (Hardcover)

As well-known dressage judge Cindy Sydnor writes in the Forward to the book, "You will want to keep a copy of The Dressage Competitors' Handbook in your truck. It is one of the best gifts you could give to a new competitor and to experienced ones. I plan to keep it nearby for my students and myself."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Cure for Dressage Test Nerves!, November 29, 2000

By 

"ristree" (East Otto, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dressage Competitors' Handbook (Hardcover)

Entering a dressage show and preparing for your first test can be a nerve-wracking experience! This book is the closest thing there is to a cure for those nerves.

The author covers EVERYTHING you'd want to know prior to entering, the actual entry process, what to pack, what to wear, what to expect and strategizing your ride. She even fills us in on something important to those of us who compete -- awards!

Written in a down-to-earth voice, but with very clear instructions and recommendations, this is a must-recommend for dressage instructors whose students are venturing into the showring, or for the veteran who is looking to have all the critical information (including lists, rules, etc.) all in one place.

Highly recommended! (I've already bought several for Christmas gifts for my dressage-showing friends.)