The USDF Guide to Dressage

Whatever your primary equestrian discipline, dressage is an ideal way for you to increase your riding awareness and enhance your relationship with your horse. Providing an overview of basic techniques and a series of helpful training exercises, Jennifer O. Bryant stresses the tenets of harmonious communication between horse and rider as she guides you through the graceful movements of dressage. With suggestions on how to find qualified instructors and information on necessary equipment, this comprehensive guide will inspire you to explore this exciting and rewarding world. 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 Paint Horse Journal, Horse & Rider, and Horse Show. Jennifer lives in Chatham, New York.


George Williams is an international Grand Prix--level dressage competitor and vice president of the United States Dressage Foundation.
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I. Preliminaries
1 Origins and History
2 Are You Dressage Material?
3 Dress for Success
4 Outfitting Your Horse

Part II. Basic Training
5 Selecting an Instructor
6 Your First Dressage Lessons
7 The Training Scale
8 The Walk
9 The Trot
10 The Canter
11 Basic Dressage Movements
12 Training and Cross-Training

Part III. Showtime!
13 Letters and Levels
14 Know before You Show
15 Show-Ring Attire and Turnout
16 Show-Day Pointers

Part IV. Physical Education
17 The Fit Dressage Rider
18 Your Dressage Partner
19 Keeping Your Horse Sound and Healthy

Part V. Fun Extras
20 Dressage with a Twist
21 Learning outside the Arena
22 Must-See Shows and Events

Part VI. Appendixes
Appendix A: All about the USDF
Appendix B: Dressage-Related Associations
Appendix C: Resources
Appendix D: Outfitters

Glossary
Photography Credits
Index
"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