Philippe Karl

The Art of Riding

Classical Dressage to High School

Odin at Samur

One of my favorites!

Reading this was like meeting Philippie Karl and listening to his very familar stories of his adventures with Odin.

The principlas of training are mixed in with the text. Easy to understand, reasons to go along with, and explinations of why to do the excercises are all covered in this beautiful book.

A MUST read/watch.

A very interesting education of biomecanics of the horse.

This will enhance your ability to see more clearly why a horse is using his body correctly or not.

Charles Harris

WORKBOOKS from the SPANISH SCHOOL

A bit expensive, but a super tool!

What a treat to be able to review the notes of a student of the Spanish Riding School!

Philippe Karl

Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage

This was a turning point in my riding.  I finally found what I was looking for in a teacher.

My horse moves freely forward, no fighting, so easy, smooth and simple, naturally as it should be.

Need I say more?

Jean-Claude Racinet

Falling for Fallacies: Misleading Commonplace Notions of Dressage Riding

This book is a little more difficult to read because it says why the nots are bad.

If the focus were more positive to tell me what he thinks correct upfront it would be an easier read.

For those long time dressage students this might be more enlightening.

Dr. Reiner Klimke, Ingrid Klimke

Basic Training of the Young Horse

This book is a nice overview of training a young horse. 

Some basic information on foals is given along with the introduction of work to the untrained horse is covered.

Dr. Reiner Klimke

Dressage in Detail Parts 1, 2, 3 (DVD set)

WoW!  This DVD collection is most educational on many different levels.  A happy horse and a willing attitude is the result of correct training.  

Definitely worth purchasing!

Wonderful for schooling your eye! He shows correct vs wrong.

Kurd Albrecht von Ziegner

Elements of Dressage

One of my favorites!!!

There are so many light bulb moments in reading this book.

The wonderful illustrations demonstrate the concepts so perfectly!!!

Major-General Jonathan R. Burton

How to Ride a Winning Dressage Test, The Judge's Guide to Step-by-Step Improvement

The things your instructor didn't tell you about dressage tests!

This book is older, but gives a detailed account of what the judge is looking for and expects to see for each movement of a test. Burton also gives some super good points if things go wrong.

Sylvia Loch

Dressage in Lightness

Many good ideas and techniques within this book.

Pictures include every day horses as they go through the process of training.

Very good instructions for training your everyday horse.

Another treat in this book is the descriptions of how the horse feels as the rider applies the aids.

Sylvia talks about the receiving seat which is vital for collection.

Kathryn Denby - Wrightson and Joan Fry

The Beginning Dressage Book

Centered Riding

Sally Swift

THE BEST!

This book is a MUST HAVE for any rider!

Bengt Ljungquist

Practical Dressage Manual

Very nice overall descriptions of applying the aids.

Step by step application of the aids.

Anky van Grunsven, Dirk Willem Rosie

Selecting the Dressage Horse

Leonie M. Marshall

A Mental Attitude to Dressage

A must have if you plan on competing!

A look into the psychology of sports as it pertains to riding.

W. Museler

Riding Logic

A must read for any serious dressage rider.  In depth explanations and use of the rider’s body.  Museler says time and time again the rider must ride with his back rather than with his reins.

Philippe Karl

Long Reining, The Saumur Method

Contains some super great images and explanations on muscle use and development.  

Kyra Kyrklund

Dressage with Kyra: The Kyra Kyrklund Training Method

Conrad Schumacher

Conrad Schumacher's Dressage System: Volume I: Basic Level

Wonderful DVD which gives a nice overview of neck positions among other things.  It also illustrated a horse who was tense through his body which was highly educational.

Alois Podhajsky

Complete Training of Horse and Rider

Alois Podhajsky was a former head of the Spanish Riding School.  I found this book to be a basic ground work of horse and rider.  I have tabbed and highlighted many sections of this book which I refer back to time and time again.

Gawani Pony Boy

Horse, Follow Closely

I love this book! It is filled with beautiful photographs and wonderful stories.

One of the most intriguing stories was about the reflection of a chase Pony Boy and his horse had just had.  He noted that within the terrain they had just encountered, there were no “visible aids” or thoughts.  Just riding with a common focus and instinctively – truly being ONE with the horse.

I would say that describes this book in a nut shell.  The ideas, examples, and exercises a horse owner can do to really understand and bond with his or her horse.

John Lyons

Ground Control - Teaching Manual for Unbroke and Broke Horses

This is a huge step by step manual used when obtaining the John Lyons certification.  It really spells it all out.  If you are very interested in the aspects of taking a wild horse or untouched horse and developing the bond, this is a perfect manual!

It is also a wonderful resource for referencing back when encountering those basic issues that are sometimes overlooked.  A solid horse is a well rounded horse.

Nuno Oliveira

Reflections on Equestrian Art

The writing itself is a bit of an art form.

It is exactly as it states, a reflection.

A quote:

"Riders who give their horses freedom are those who will taste the delicacies of equestrian art."

Alfons J. Dietz

Training the HORSE IN HAND

The classical Iberian principles.

This book is filled with beautiful photographs, but most of the horses are advanced.

I would not recommend this book for a beginner at ground work although it has some wonderful discussions about basic principles.

John Lyons

Lyons on Horses

This is a MUST for every horse owner.

Basic horse communication is covered within this book.

Sylvia Loch - DVD

Balance & bodywork for the Horse & Rider

This is a wonderful body mechanics of riding.

She explains and demonstrates the movements of the horse.

Although a little dull, it was wonderfuly done all at the same time!

If you are interested in position - this is a must!

Arthur Kottas, Cheif Rider of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna

The Art Of Classical Dressage With arthur Kottas

Part 1 BASICS - Lungeing the Horse

Part 2 BASICS - Lungeing the Rider

Part 5 - Work in Hand

Part 8 - The Quality of Basic Paces

The information is thorough in these DVDs, but sometimes can be a little dull.

I found Part 8 to be the most useful one of the series.

Ingrid Klimke

2006 Adequan/USDF National Symposium

Working horses with cavalletti.

Since this is more Ingrid talking as the riders work over the poles, it is fun to see Ingrid's personality come out.

She also has a wonderful blurb in the beginning about achieving the level when the horse can carry himself.

Conrad Schumacher

USDF National Symposium

Conrad Shumacher really stresses that the basics must be revisited over and over.

Our local rider, Jane Cleveland is in this one!

Subscription to Dressage Online Training!

This is a wealth on information!

Judges such as Hilda Gurney give commentary on various tests being ridden. She explains how and why of her marks! WOW!

Fuego's practice runs with Jan Bemelman are amazing to watch!

So much more... if you learn from watching video clips, this tool is amazing!

Step by Step

Riding the 2006 USEF Dressage test for Eventing

This was okay, but no major revelation.