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The USDF Guide to Dressage
 
 
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The USDF Guide to Dressage [Hardcover]

Jennifer O. Bryant (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

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Book Description

April 1, 2006
Once the domain of the equestrian elite, dressage (originating from the French word for “training”) is now the most popular equestrian discipline in the United States. In this book, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) demystifies basic dressage techniques for riders of all disciplines. Assuming no prior knowledge of the sport, The USDF Guide to Dressage leads you through a full course of exercises, from simple to more complex, with easy-to-follow photographic sequences, all presented in full-color and demonstrated by outstanding dressage instructors.

This authoritative guide also includes the dramatic and colorful history of dressage, an overview of proper terminology and equipment, as well as information on competition, crosstraining for other disciplines, management of the dressage horse, cross-training for achieving rider fitness, and more.


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The USDF Guide to Dressage + Jane Savoie's Dressage 101: The Ultimate Source of Dressage Basics in a Language You Can Understand + 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider
Price For All Three: $65.47

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Bryant gives a thorough discussion of what a rider needs to know to survive the entry into dressage….It’s a wonderful book...”

Eventing USA

 

“This is an excellent book for all levels of riders…This fantastic guide will be a treasured work for students of dressage.”

The American Quarter Horse Journal

 

“Whether the reader has been in the saddle for years or has just begun, The USDF Guide to Dressage offers an essential key to building a more satisfying relationship between horse and rider.”

Alaska Horse Journal

 

“[Bryant] provides a solid overview of basic dressage movements and useful lessons that will help you and your horse learn as a team.”

Albemarle

 

About the Author

Jennifer O. Bryant is the editor of USDF Connection, the member magazine of the United States Dressage Federation. Her writing has appeared in numerous equestrian publications, including The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care, Paint Horse Journal, and Horse & Rider. She has also produced award-winning Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games blogs for TheHorse.com.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (April 1, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1580175295
  • ISBN-13: 978-1580175296
  • Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 9.2 x 1.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,335 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Occasionally there are books that cross my desk that are so stunning and exciting that everything else is put aside because I'm compelled to read the one that just arrived. The USDF Guide to Dressage by Jennifer O. Bryant is one of those 'must-read' books.

Dressage is a French word for training. The USDF Guide to Dressage is the official guide of the United States Dressage Federation and is a 352-page, in-depth and comprehensive manual of all things dressage. It is must-have book for anyone who participates in or is interested in dressage.

The book explains the history, the required attire, tack and equipment, training, competition, selection of an instructor, physical training and so much more. The vast amount of information is accompanied by photographs and diagrams for the visual learner.

I loved learning about the history of dressage and who judges the events. But, as someone who doesn't know much about dressage, the section on competitions really drew my interest.

I would suggest that this book is the 'bible' of dressage. It is not a loaner because it will never be returned.

Armchair Interviews says: If you're interested in or participate in Dressage, The USDF Guide to Dressage is required reading. It will not only contribute to your education but will provide continual enjoyment.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book might better be titled "Introduction to Dressage." It starts with the basics, assuming the reader is not only unfamiliar with dressage, but unfamiliar with basic horsemanship. As an introduction, it is excellent.

However, as a recent convert to dressage after years of riding hunt seat, I was hoping for something that covered more dressage-specific information. I was disappointed to find that this book tops out at Second Level. The buyer should be aware that although the book covers some lateral work like shoulder-in, it does NOT cover the higher levels of dressage, including half-pass, piaffe, passage, canter pirouettes, etc.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
The Dressage Solution! June 30, 2006
By Pegasus
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a mammoth book and encompases everything dressage.

The USDF Guide to Dressage

As a former Dressage and Saddle Horse Judge for the EFA, I decided to purchase this book as it was written presuming readers needed no prior knowledge of the art.

An excellent book for someone starting out in this field and also a must-have reference book for the initiated. I do like the way it covers Bits to Saddles and even covers further reading, outfitters and all that sort of nitty-gritty.

The one small fault I found was with the item about "on-the-bit". It clearly states what it is, how it should look, above/behind etc, and gives some possible reasons for this - but unfortunately there are no suggestions for exercises to help put your horse on-the-bit. Personally I should have liked to see a section on "how-to-do" and some exercises to help with this manoeuvre to help riders to work along correct lines towards this goal.

"Commonsense Dressage" by Sally O'Connor gives a beaut description of how to work to achieve this. Common Sense Dressage: An Illustrated Guide Otherwise this is an excellent book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Starting Dressage? This one is for you!
I bought this book as a beginner dressage rider. It is an excellent guide and contains a history of Dressage. The book is very easy to read and relate to. Read more
Published 8 months ago by rio gal
Questionable service, good book.
The dust cover was ripped because it shifted within the bubble wrap during shipping. The book was listed as "new" but had a black felt-pen streak across the pages at the base of... Read more
Published on February 26, 2010 by Gary Wilkes
best book on the subject inyears
The book should be titled "The USDF Guide to Good Riding". The principles outlined in the book are applicable to all riders in all facets of riding horses. Read more
Published on January 21, 2010 by Penny Dunne
The best book on Dressage thus far
I love that this book is written in such a way that the absolute first time dressage rider and the experienced upper level show rider can both sit down with it and find something... Read more
Published on June 12, 2009 by Dogs & Horses
dressage queen wanna-be
this is a great book, covers about everything for the person new to dressage and/or a little rusty on the basics.
Published on February 1, 2009 by Stacey F. Lent
A little too basic
I'm not an advanced rider, by any stretch of the imagination. I consider myself an advanced beginner - training level. Read more
Published on December 10, 2007 by Joanne Pandis
A must have for avid dressage riders!
In order to take you riding skills (dressage skills) to the next level, this book is what you need. Jennifer Bryant's book is the perfect compliment to your dressage training. Read more
Published on July 5, 2007 by Cecilia Declerck
USDF Guide to _Competitive_ Dressage
I found this book to be a well-illustrated and easy-to-read guide. My one comment, or warning to those considering this book, is that as an official guide of the major national... Read more
Published on March 21, 2007 by Twinset
A necessary handbook for the dressage rider.
This book should be on the shelf of EVERY dressage rider. Particularly useful to the newcomer, it is also a way the experienced rider can stay on the same page as all their... Read more
Published on March 8, 2007 by Carole J. Cox
Lovely book!
This is a wonderful book for those interested in beginning the sport of Dressage. The writer is very knowledgable and writes on a level that is easily understood. Read more
Published on January 20, 2007 by Puffrider
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Inside This Book (learn more)
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
training level, crescent noseband, dressage boots, elastic rein contact, dressage enthusiasts, dressage education, many dressage riders, standard dressage arena, lunge lessons, dressage letters, training scale, true canter, inside seat bone, billet straps, pelvic tuck, light leg aid, dressage training, dressage movements, extended canter, dressage lessons, stretching circle, canter lead, show attire, medium walk, working canter
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, Grand Prix, Fourth Level, Olympic Games, Second Level, Introductory Level, Equestrian Federation, Emily Gershberg, First Level, Dressage World Cup Final, World Equestrian Games, Fédération Equestre Internationale, Mother Nature, Steffen Peters, Guenter Seidel, Hilda Gurney, Rule Book, Klaus Balkenhol, Spanish Riding School, George Williams, Medieval Times, Barcelona Olympics, Meghan Jackson, Montreal Olympics, Pan American Games
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
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