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.

Riding in Release considers the relationship between two significant traditions of riding and horse training – The French Classical School and horsemanship born out of the Vaquero and Buckeroo lineage. Both traditions are founded on the development of a partnership with a horse, which enables lightness of foot and thought. This book provides useful insights for riders of all levels – whether you want to hack out in harmony or improve your half pass – with clear, practical, step-by-step instructions and advice. Topics covered include: consideration of the similarities of the traditions and why this is useful for modern riders to understand; how horses move, think and feel, and how this knowledge is useful to us; foundational handling up to high school – common themes; the human side of the partnership – how to make sense to our horse and be someone he wants to learn from and how to help our horse develop a greater ease of movement without the use of gadgets or force. There are detailed explanations of straightness, balance and dynamic posture along with step-by-step guidance on teaching 'the language of the aids'; tapping into your horse's amazing capacity to learn. Finally, the development of good feeling between you and your horse, through logical application that respects a horse's emotional life as well as his physical body is covered.

Get in the saddle and experience the thrills, challenges, and fun of Western riding! In this comprehensive introductory guide, veteran trainer Charlene Strickland covers everything from safe horse handling procedures and basic Western riding techniques to stylish competition outfits. With plenty of encouragement and a contagious passion, Strickland provides easy-to-follow riding instructions along with expert advice on evaluating horses and appropriate tack. You’ll soon be enjoying pleasurable rides both in the training ring and out on the trail.

Do You Speak Equis? outlines a method of communication with the horse using the head collar and the bit in a way that is non-coercive and based on mutual understanding and reciprocal respect. The aim of the method is to develop a horse who carries himself with lightness from the outset of training. Topics covered include communicative action and receptive reaction; natural flexions; aggressive horses and how to work with them; interaction with head collar and finally, introducing the bit. This comprehensive guide is aimed at horse owners, trainers and riders and is fully illustrated with 154 colour photographs, 14 diagrams and 5 cartoons.

Out of print for more than 20 years, this classic book on equitation introduces and explains the art of riding. Updated with all new color photography of contemporary riders and horses, it includes details on training the rider, schooling the horse, cross-country riding, dressage exercises, and jumping techniques. It expertly provides a wealth of practical knowledge and experience and concisely lays down rules and guidelines that are as applicable today as when the book was written more than 70 years ago. Beginners and experts alike will find the instructions easy to follow and will benefit from the essential theoretical background provided here but so often overlooked in modern riding.

The View From The Box 58 The Carriage Trade 59 A Short History 62 Old Silver 66 Questions and Answers 70 Breaking To Harness 71 The Nineteenth Century "Horse Educators" 74 From Landing Pad to Palace 80 Centerfold The Hermes Collection 85 The Mercer Museum 86 The Education of The Driving Horse 91 Book Reviews 93 Horse Sense 95 Letters To The Editor 97 Advertisements