As further along in the development of our horses, we have adopted the classical theology of dressage. Some of our most favorite authors and instructors are:
| Most of these books can be found on amazon.com |
Author/Instructor and Title |
Comments |
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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. |
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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! |
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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!!! |
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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. |
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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. |
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Kathryn Denby - Wrightson and Joan Fry
The Beginning Dressage Book |
Wonderful for beginners - very nice descriptions on placement of legs, saddle fit, down to earth view of dressage. |
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Centered Riding
Sally Swift |
THE BEST!
This book is a MUST HAVE for any rider! |
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Bengt Ljungquist
Practical Dressage Manual |
Very nice overall descriptions of applying the aids. |
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Anky van Grunsven, Dirk Willem Rosie
Selecting the Dressage Horse |
Interesting conversation and opinions on confirmation of dressage horses. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Philippe Karl
Long Reining, The Saumur Method |
Contains some super great images and explanations on muscle use and development. |
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Kyra Kyrklund
Dressage with Kyra: The Kyra Kyrklund Training Method |
General discussion and instrucitons for dressage. This book has a nice chapter on selecting an instrutor best suited for you. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
| These are no longer being sold/produced. Amazon has a few that are used, but they are a little expensive. |
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. |
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Charles Harris
WORKBOOKS from the SPANISH SCHOOL |
A bit expensive, but a super tool!
What a treat to be able to review notes the notes of a student of the Spanish Riding School! |
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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." |
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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. |
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John Lyons
Lyons on Horses |
This is a MUST for every horse owner.
Basic horse communication is covered within this book. |
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Mark Russell
Lessons In Lightness - The Art of Educating the Horse |
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