Dressage Essentials [Hardcover]

Jane Kidd, an internationally successful dressage competitor and editor of such notable horse books as The Way of the Horse: How to See the World Through His Eyes, has written this practical and informative guide to the essentials of dressage, a method of classical schooling as well as a competitive equestrian sport. Kidd focuses on the beginning and intermediate rider, using easy-to-follow guidelines and tips as well as many color photographs that demonstrate riding techniques, diagrams, and sample dressage tests. Also included are commonsense methods for getting you and your horse in shape for dressage at any level, making Kidd's expert advice appropriate for all who enjoy the sport. From basic training methods to problems and corrections, dressage riders will find this book an excellent resource. --Julia King

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 is 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

Dressage Essentials Dressage has been the fastest growing of all equestrian sports for many years, yet the discipline still retains a certain mystique. Jane Kidd, a leading dressage writer and internationally successful competitor, demonstrates—in a way that is at once clear, straightforward, and completely practical — the attributes and merits of classical riding. Dressage Essentials treats dressage as the control and development of the horse's natural athleticism. Jane Kidd begins by analyzing the special talents needed by a dressage horse, and explains a number of techniques for maximizing natural ability, both human and equine. She then moves on to examine the all-important—and often neglected—basic principles of dressage. With the help of specially commissioned photographs from Bob Langrish, many in sequences, plus detailed explanatory captions, the reader is guided through the various movements required in dressage tests up to advanced level, and finally the preparation for and riding of the test on the day. Dressage Essentials has much to offer riders at all levels of ability and most especially it will enable riders and spectators alike to appreciate the art and beauty of this demanding discipline.

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 is 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

JANE KIDD has ridden internationally in both show jumping and dressage and was placed up to and including Grand Prix levels during her competitive career. She is an international trainer and judge, in addition to being editor of Dressage News and a regular contributor to Horse and Hound. She is the author of many books and the editor of A First Guide to Horse and Pony Care, The International Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies, A World of Horses, and The Way of the Horse, all published by Howell Book House.