Dressage from A to X: The Definitive Guide to Riding and Competing [Hardcover]

Barbara Burkhardt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1999

While there are many excellent how-to books on dressage training, there are surprisingly few on dressage competition. Now, Dressage from A toX will prepare both the novice and the seasoned competitor for successful navigation of all the little, and not so little, elements of training and showing a dressage horse. It covers: the selection of a horse, equipment, and clothing; training the horse and rider mentally and physically for competition; locating shows and completing entry forms; traveling and show grooming; memorizing, practicing, and riding a test; evaluating judges' remarks; strategies for advancement; and much more. No more trial-and-error fumbling through shows, trying to figure out what is expected of you and your horse--it's all here in Dressage from A toX! Barbara Burkhardt has taught riding for35 years, specializing in dressage since1975. She is an active rider, judge, and show manager residing in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

While there are many excellent books on the subject of dressage training, there are few that directly address the how–to of competing. From the basics of the sport to the minutest of details, the author provides information on preparing oneself and one’s horse mentally and physically, choosing shows and completing entry forms, memorizing and riding the dressage test, selecting and caring for appropriate and legal equipment, grooming, developing a warm–up, evaluating performance, and planning for future improvement. Barbara Burkhardt, a dressage instructor and competitor for over 35 years, has managed and judged numerous dressage competitions. She lives in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

An Equestrian Edge Book Club Selection --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Barbara Burkhardt, a dressage instructor and competitor for over 35 years, has managed and judged many dressage competitions. She lives in Las Lunas, New Mexico.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761000
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761003
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,630,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful book, May 30, 2000

By 

Artsy bookwoman (FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dressage from A to X: The Definitive Guide to Riding and Competing (Hardcover)

This book really covers a lot of topics that new dressage riders and potential showers want to know about. It is aimed at the training level rider who is considering competition or has perhaps done a little showing. It has a very common sense approach and deals with topics such as how to memorize tests, how to come up with warmup routines, how to handle nerves, etc. The author seems to have thought of all the little questions that new riders would come up with, but more advanced riders would have forgotten that they didn't know (if that makes sense!) The book is not totally about showing though, and has good advice on schooling, and what the horse's frame should be at different levels. It also deals with more advanced topics such as confirmation of dressage horses (for those people considering purchasing a more advanced horse than the one they start with) and quadrille, musical freestyle programs etc. A worthwhile book with a wealth of information for the novice rider.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for Western Rider learning English Riding, November 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dressage from A to X: The Definitive Guide to Riding and Competing (Hardcover)

I have been a Western rider for over 20 years. I recently decided to try English riding, and have purchased many books regarding the subject. This is the first book that has been clear and easy to understand for a beginner. Topics include proper attire, English saddle fit, dressage scoring, proper grooming, mental and physical preparation, and the basics the horse and rider need to know to compete. This book explained a lot of the terms (like half-halt) that were not familiar to me. It even addressed the similarities between Western and Dressage rider position. After reading this book, other books I have purchased on English riding and Dressage make a lot more sense! Highly recommended for the "new to English" folks out there.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Big Help, April 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dressage from A to X: The Definitive Guide to Riding and Competing (Hardcover)

As a young dressage rider, I found that this book really helped me out. I know that I was having trouble on some of my lateral movements and it gave me some great tips that actualy worked! I would recomed this book to just about anyone who enjoys riding and learning about dressage!