Dressage Principles Illuminated [Hardcover]

Charles de Kunffy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

An elegantly written appraisal of classical riding by a highly respected equestrian author, enhanced with 50 superb color photos.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

In this lovely, thought–provoking work on the art of dressage, readers will recognize author Charles de Kunffy’s uncompromising devotion to the horse. He insists that riding must have therapeutic value for the horse as well as the rider, and that a seamless partnership between the two be the most important goal (rather than accolades in competition). He explains the rationale for training the horse and the methodology for doing so correctly, placing great emphasis on the importance of suppleness and collection, which lead to athletic development. Mr. de Kunffy also writes eloquently about what it means to be an equestrian and about the roles of teachers and mentors in a rider’s education. Charles de Kunffy is a sought–after international dressage judge and clinician who zealously passes on his vast knowledge to further generations. His previous books include The Athletic Development of the Horse and Training Strategies for Dressage Riders. Mr. de Kunffy makes his home in the San Francisco Bay Area. An Equestrian Edge Book Club Selection

About the Author

Charles de Kunffy is a sought-after international dressage judge and clinician who zealously passes on his vast knowledge to further generations. His previous books include The Athletic Development of the Horse and Training Strategies for Dressage Riders. He makes his home in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570762333
• ISBN-13: 978-1570762338
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,551,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, Elegant, Thoughtful., March 31, 2005

By 

Wendy Wolfe (WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dressage Principles Illuminated (Hardcover)

As a starting rider, this book set the tone for how I would like to approach the (if I may be so bold) 'philosophy of riding':

* Care for the horse-man relationship
* Develop mastery of self
* Listen to (and learn from) the horse
* Respect the process and the history
* and more..

Granted, there are many pieces of advice I'm not ready for (specifics on Cavaletti riding and so on). And other books have been more practical (for my level) with the how-tos.

But no other book has touched me so deeply with the why-tos.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dressage Mentor, July 18, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dressage Principles Illuminated (Hardcover)

Reading this book is like listening to the wisdom of an incredibly articulate and accomplished trainer! The author gives you the "road map" toward a clearer understanding of the art of Dressage. It has given me a much better understanding of my horse, and of what we are accomplishing together. The illustrations are so inspiring, and the entire book is a joy to read as well!

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, December 2, 2010

By 

MICHELLE ALANA MORGAN - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dressage Principles Illuminated (Hardcover)

This isn't a book for a total beginner, but armed with a basic knowledge of dressage, this book is a great read. It bridges the gap between what a horse is thinking and what the rider is trying to do. There are lots of useful pictures in the book, pointing out common errors and misconceptions, like over flexion, and will bring a rider closer to understanding what it means to be on the bit and what collection really is and how to achieve it. It is also useful in describing evasive maneuvers your furry partner might try and how to correct it. I found it very useful in understanding the whys along with the hows of dressage.