The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse: Manege Patterns (Howell reference books) (Hardcover)

by Charles de Kunffy (Author) "Dressage goals, simply stated, include all training activities that prolong the working life and serviceability of the majority of horses..." (more)
Key Phrases: gymnastic value, gymnastic patterns, longitudinal exercises, Susan Derr Drake, Paul Drake, Barbara Leistico (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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's 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

From the Inside Flap
The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse is the first book devoted entirely to classical manege exercises that are ridden to supple, strengthen and, when necessary, correct. Internationally known instructor, coach and judge Charles de Kunffy details a program of exercises that will enable horses at all levels of dressage and combined training to improve their performance as equine athletes. Unlike other dressage books that explain how to exercise a horse in order to ride a standardized test, this book explains how such exercises can and should be used to increase performance ability, suspension, collection and changes of gaits through true patterns and counter patterns that are accompanied by diagrams and demonstration photographs. Those who have attended Charles de Kunffy's clinics know that horses inevitably and rapidly improve under his guidance and that riders themselves improve as well. And those encountering him for the first time will experience in this, his third dressage book, what others already know: Here is a horseman of uncommon intelligence and wit who expresses himself clearly, simply and elegantly.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (August 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876058969
• ISBN-13: 978-0876058961
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #251,147 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic Dressage reference, May 14, 1997

By A Customer

This is one of the best dressage books available - although the schooling patterns are extremely useful and well-described, I actually enjoyed it more for the discussions of dressage/riding philosophy and "big picture" schooling issues

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical book, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

of great usefulness for riders of any level and discipline. The author discusses manege patterns that help achieving correct athletic development of your horse and help remedie faults such as crookedness. Too often, riders resort to use of equipment, such as draw reins, to control their horse. After reading this book, these people will realize that that is completely unneccessary and, moreover, is inhumane and has adverse effects. This book is more to the point than some of the other books by the same author.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, June 23, 1998

By A Customer

A 'keeper' and invaluable addition to any 'classical' dressage library!!! A complete list of patterns / exercises, yet still within the description of Classical Dressage. DeKunffy is certainly among the elite group of 'masters'!!!