Dressage Essentials (Howell Reference Books) [Hardcover]

Jane Kidd (Author)

Book Description

Series: Howell Reference Books | Publication Date: February 5, 1999

The Howell Equestrian Library is a distinguished collection of books on all aspects of horsemanship and horsemastership. The nearly fifty books in print offer readers in all disciplines and at all levels of competition sound instruction and guidance by some of the most celebrated riders, trainers, judges, and veterinarians in the horse world today. Whether your interest is dressage, show jumping, or western riding, or whether it is breeding, grooming, or health care, Howell has a book to answer your needs. Get to know all the books in the Howell Equestrian Library; many are modern-day classics and have achieved the status of authoritative references in the estimation of those who ride, train, and care for horses.
The Howell Equestrian Library

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Jane Kidd, an internationally successful dressage competitor and editor of such notable horse books as The Way of the Horse: How to See the World Through His Eyes, has written this practical and informative guide to the essentials of dressage, a method of classical schooling as well as a competitive equestrian sport. Kidd focuses on the beginning and intermediate rider, using easy-to-follow guidelines and tips as well as many color photographs that demonstrate riding techniques, diagrams, and sample dressage tests. Also included are commonsense methods for getting you and your horse in shape for dressage at any level, making Kidd's expert advice appropriate for all who enjoy the sport. From basic training methods to problems and corrections, dressage riders will find this book an excellent resource. --Julia King

From the Inside Flap

Dressage Essentials Dressage has been the fastest growing of all equestrian sports for many years, yet the discipline still retains a certain mystique. Jane Kidd, a leading dressage writer and internationally successful competitor, demonstrates—in a way that is at once clear, straightforward, and completely practical — the attributes and merits of classical riding. Dressage Essentials treats dressage as the control and development of the horse's natural athleticism. Jane Kidd begins by analyzing the special talents needed by a dressage horse, and explains a number of techniques for maximizing natural ability, both human and equine. She then moves on to examine the all-important—and often neglected—basic principles of dressage. With the help of specially commissioned photographs from Bob Langrish, many in sequences, plus detailed explanatory captions, the reader is guided through the various movements required in dressage tests up to advanced level, and finally the preparation for and riding of the test on the day. Dressage Essentials has much to offer riders at all levels of ability and most especially it will enable riders and spectators alike to appreciate the art and beauty of this demanding discipline.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (February 5, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582450013
• ISBN-13: 978-1582450018
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,700,002 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Training Book!!!!!, March 31, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Dressage Essentials (Howell Reference Books) (Hardcover)

The pictures in this book are wonderful! They are taken from all the right angels, and show you not only how it looks when done right, but also faults, which is VERY heplful. All the training tips are so well organized, with aims for the correct movements, as well as practical problems and solutions that you can try.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, August 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Dressage Essentials (Howell Reference Books) (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books I have read on Dressage and riding in general. It explains the basics in a way that is easily understood and the pictures illustrate the points brilliantly. I would reccomned this book for anyone who is starting in Dressage.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Ever, good tools, right terms, July 20, 2004

By 

Karen J. O. Shaughnessy (Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dressage Essentials (Howell Reference Books) (Hardcover)

This is not only full of good information, not fantasy, but explains the why it works in more than one way. It is not an elitist method but a proven one, one of common sense and good sense. This helps in not only training the horse but the rider. It does away with many misconceptions and gives the no frill basic method that really works. BRAVO