Jane Savoie's books have changed the way people ride. She was the first to promote mental training tools and techniques as integral to competitive riding success, and her cross-training concepts for the horse--how to use dressage fundamentals for every equestrian sport--have been called "not just a read, but a must read for every hunter-jumper rider" by George Morris, former Chef d'Equipe of the US Show Jumping Team. Now Savoie has created a book specifically for equestrian sports with a jumping component--hunter, jumper, equitation, and eventing. In Dressage Between the Jumps, she breaks down the six most common problem areas she sees when horses jump: "whoa" and "go;" rhythm; suppleness through the poll, neck, body, back, and hindquarters; contact and connection; collection; and flying changes. Then she fills the rider's toolbox with targeted exercises on the flat--simple solutions to the nagging problems that prevent riders and horses from doing their best over all kinds of obstacles. Her excellent lessons gradually incorporate ground poles and low fences to build skills without stressing the horse's body. Throughout, top riders share their own stories and insight, demonstrating numerous ways dressage exercises helped solve real problems over fences. With incredible clarity and her trademark enthusiasm, Savoie arms readers with knowledge, confidence, and problem-solving prowess that will result not only in clear rounds, but a happier horse, ready and willing to perform in partnership.

A compelling collection of focused flatwork exercises for improving jumping performance. Renowned author and mental training coach Jane Savoie breaks down the six most common problem areas she sees when horses jump: “Whoa” and “go” Rhythm Suppleness through the poll, neck, body, back, and hindquarters Contact and connection Collection Flying changes Then Savoie fills the rider’s toolbox with targeted exercises on the flat―simple solutions to the nagging problems that prevent riders and horses from doing their best over all kinds of obstacles, whether competing in hunters, jumpers, equitation, or eventing. Her excellent lessons gradually incorporate ground poles and low fences to build skills without stressing the horse’s body. Throughout, top riders share their own stories and insight, demonstrating numerous ways dressage exercises helped solve real problems over fences, including Olympian Anne Kursinski, Nations Cup rider Paul O’Shea, and eventer Nancy Bliss Byrd. With incredible clarity and her trademark enthusiasm, Savoie arms readers with knowledge, confidence, and problem-solving prowess that will result not only in clear rounds, but a happier horse, ready and willing to perform in partnership. Jane Savoie was the first to promote mental training tools and techniques as integral to competitive riding success, and her cross-training concepts for the horse—how to use dressage fundamentals for every equestrian sport—have been called “not just a read, but a must read for every hunter-jumper rider.”

An illuminating look at the story behind the success of one of the best dressage riders in the world. German Olympian Isabell Werth has six Olympic gold medals and scores of championship titles to her name—there are few her equal on paper. But an equestrian’s success is wholly dependent on the relationship she has with her athletic partner―her horse―and Werth’s astounding accomplishments would not have been possible without her unique approach to working with the animals she’s loved since childhood. Even as a little girl, growing up on a farm on the Lower Rhine, it was clear that Werth possessed an extraordinary gift for empathizing with horses and foreseeing how they were likely to react in certain situations. This insight gave her a special ability as a rider and trainer. Here, Werth collaborates with accomplished sports journalist Evi Simeoni―someone who has witnessed and written about her career from the very beginning―to tell her life story. Readers will get the inside scoop when it comes to Werth’s accomplishments―and her failures, too. They’ll hear her personal thoughts regarding some of the biggest controversies to rock the dressage world: Rollkur and Totilas. Perhaps most importantly, they’ll learn about each of the sensitive and talented horses that has impacted Werth’s life, including Gigolo, Satchmo, and Bella Rose. There is a meme that is popular in the riding community that says, “Two legs move our body, four legs move our soul.” It is this sentiment that Werth feels perhaps best defines her.

A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction. B & W photographs throughout

Aimed at horse riding eventers from the lower levels through preliminary, this guide covers the choice of horse, the daily schedule, lungeing, the use of cavaletti and gymnastics, training over all types of fences, and the actual riding and preparations for competition.

Gentle ways to improve the horse’s core fitness while relieving pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. Every equestrian wants to know: what is the difference between the horse that “dances” when you are on him, and the one that doesn’t? According to Visconte Simon Cocozza, Trainer and Examiner for the La Fédération Française d'Equitation (FFE), it all comes down to the horse’s posture. The horse’s ability to use the powerful mechanisms already built into his body relies not upon the strength we can see on the outside but the strength on the inside. This invisible and complex arrangement of internal “core” muscles control the horse’s posture, suppleness, and agility. Their good condition is the key to the dance. Equine core muscles are very difficult to isolate with the traditional training techniques common to horse sports. However, by examining what we do with the human body when faced with a weak core, we can find new methods for conditioning these areas of the equine body. Cocozza has taken principles of the human practice of yoga and used them to develop novel ways of reaching deep within the horse’s body and: Gently “unlock” areas that may be a little “rusty.” Improve core fitness. And even relieve pain related to conditions such as kissing spine. In this highly illustrated book, he provides step-by-step instruction explaining easy mounted exercises that enhance the horse’s posture, and boost his confidence in his body and movement, making him easier to ride, and ultimately, the dance partner you’ve always imagined.

A book chock-full of answers to horse-behavior questions that will change your horse's life for the better. Horses want partners they trust. Meeting their need for security makes them more tuned-in, calmer, and more reliable. In her engaging book, highly illustrated with professional color photographs, certified riding instructor Lynn Acton, MS, shows you how, with practical step-by-step instructions. You’ll see that progress can be surprisingly fast with methods that are gentle, time-tested, backed by science, and that make intuitive sense to your horse. Discover how to earn trust and make training more efficient by engaging horses’ innate intelligence, maintaining clear two-way communication, and considering their point of view. This leadership approach has been used successfully for centuries by people of all backgrounds and skill levels on horses at all levels of training. Acton refers to this relationship as Protector Leadership because you are the horse’s protector. In these pages, she combines extensive horse experience and an academic background in social dynamics with in-depth research. She interprets and cites the scientific findings that explain why Protector Leadership works, and offers valuable insights into equine psychology while exposing myths that are sources of problems. Plus, Acton includes “Things to Try” at the end of each chapter—fun and easy-to-implement exercises that help you engage your horse as a thinking partner Throughout, the narrative includes stories of Acton's progress with her own horses, including mistakes and hindsight, and especially the transformation of the book’s "cover girl" Brandy from a dangerous throwaway to a happy, reliable partner. Clear, detailed photographs show the subtle body language of horses and people, and illustrate critical interactions that make a real difference in our relationships, communication, and training. These are a few of the concrete skills you will learn: · Earn trust starting the moment you meet a horse. · Recognize “misbehavior” that actually means your horse is thinking like a partner. · Turn pressure into clear communication instead of stress. · Use Positive Reinforcement for better learning, behavior, and reliability. · Turn anxiety and spooks into confidence building situations. · Discourage unwanted behavior without punishment. · Allow your horse appropriate choices and freedom. As your bond strengthens, you can enjoy watching your horse’s true personality blossom. A thoughtful, progressive book for riders of all disciplines and students of the horse of all experience levels.