This book offers a comprehensive guide to horse training, from the earliest stages of imprinting a foal to addressing behavioral issues in mature horses. While the text is clear and well-illustrated, some readers may find the repetition, particularly in the sidebar boxes, slightly disruptive to the narrative flow. However, the book excels at clarifying fundamental concepts that might have been overlooked in a rider’s education. For those who, like the reviewer, spent their formative years in riding lessons without owning a horse and are now training independently, this book is invaluable for filling significant knowledge gaps in areas such as groundwork and longeing, and for connecting these skills to riding.
The Core of Dressage: Training and Partnership
Perhaps the most illuminating aspect of this book is its explanation of dressage. Previously, dressage was perceived as a separate, perhaps even mundane, discipline distinct from the excitement of English hunt seat equitation. However, as the reviewer transitioned to Western riding and reining, a growing appreciation for the similarities between these disciplines emerged. This book delves into the training depth and understanding that can be cultivated through dedicated work with a horse and a skilled trainer. It moves beyond the traditional approach of simply getting a horse to cooperate and presenting a polished appearance, introducing a philosophy of horsemanship that fosters a profound connection between horse and rider.
The concept of dressage is multifaceted, encompassing basic training, achieving harmony between horse and rider, refining gaits, and enhancing a horse’s physical and mental capabilities. Contrary to common misconceptions, dressage is not limited to a specific riding style or exclusive to English riders. The term originates from the French word “dresser,” meaning “to train.” Dressage training extends beyond merely breaking a horse to accept a rider; it involves refining a horse’s abilities to make them more agile, responsive, controllable, pleasant to ride, graceful, and balanced. This discipline requires consistent horsemanship to achieve perfect obedience, lightness, and agility.
Dressage training enhances a horse’s understanding of and responsiveness to aids. This makes it beneficial for all horses, promoting a well-rounded education and reducing the likelihood of developing one-sidedness or behavioral issues. Even a basic introduction to dressage can lead to a better-trained horse. A more extensive engagement with dressage not only trains a horse but also contributes to their physical and mental development, fostering a true partnership where the horse understands and is capable of performing the rider’s requests.
Reinterpreting Dressage in Western Riding
Interestingly, the reviewer began to associate this advanced approach with Western riding sensibilities. The idea of working horses possessing these refined skills to effectively perform their tasks, rather than focusing solely on the aesthetics of show horses, resonated deeply. This book, however, has provided a newfound appreciation for a discipline that was once dismissed, even if watching competitive dressage is not yet a high priority. The insights offered bridge the gap between perceived disciplines, highlighting the universal value of dedicated training and partnership in horsemanship.
The book effectively explains foundational groundwork, such as longeing, and its integration with riding skills, thereby addressing gaps in the reviewer’s own equestrian education. The detailed exploration of dressage principles provides a framework for understanding how to develop a deeper connection and more effective communication with a horse, applicable across various riding styles.
This comprehensive approach to training, as detailed in the book, emphasizes that a well-trained horse is a more responsive, agile, and pleasant partner. The principles of dressage, when applied thoughtfully, can elevate the relationship between horse and rider, leading to a more harmonious and successful equestrian experience.
