Customer Reviews

Dressage Principles Illuminated

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

The book I ordered was in even better condition than I had expected, and looked to be almost new. The handling of the order and shipment occurred without any issues whatsoever. I would definitely order from this retailer again.

As far as the content of the book, the author gets a little 'wordy' at times, but makes many good points. The illustrations are very helpful, especially with position. I skipped by the wordiness and found the parts which were most helpful to me.

I know pretty well how to ride a horse. I can ride any horse in any saddle and make it go at the exactly the pace I want. I can even do a little of fancy stuff all the way to making the horse lie in the ground and get back up without dismounting. I also know that to a dressage expert, a ten-year-experience-rider "does not know the first thing about riding a horse". This might not be a bad book; it might even be a great one. But for somebody hoping for an introduction to dressage it is a disaster. You look at a picture as it explains the x, y and z attributes of horse and rider while x, y and z remain a mystery to you. Do not buy this book if you do not have ample experience in dressage. It will be like reading a book written in Chinese.