Dressage From A to X: The Definitive Guide to Riding and Competing
The only book riders will ever need to help them on the road to successful dressage competition.
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While there are many excellent how-to books on dressage training, there are surprisingly few on dressage competition. Now, Dressage from A to X will prepare both the novice and the seasoned competitor for successful navigation of all the little, and not so little, elements of training and showing a dressage horse. It covers: the selection of a horse, equipment, and clothing; training the horse and rider mentally and physically for competition; locating shows and completing entry forms; traveling and show grooming; memorizing, practicing, and riding a test; evaluating judges remarks; strategies for advancement; and much more. No more trial-and-error fumbling through shows, trying to figure out what is expected of you and your horse it s all here in Dressage from A to X! Barbara Burkhardt has taught riding for 35 years, specializing in dressage since 1975. She is an active rider, judge, and show manager residing in Los Lunas, New Mexico.
AcknowledgmentsviPreface to the Second EditionviiIntroduction: Why Compete?xiChapter 1An Introduction to Competitive Dressage1Chapter 2Here Comes the Judge11Chapter 3Know the Score17Chapter 4Dressage, Eventing, or Pony Club--What's Your Choice?28Chapter 5Where to Start37Chapter 6The Horse47Chapter 7Equipment60Chapter 8Dress Code75Chapter 9Making a Good Impression--Rider Position and Posture84Chapter 10Rider Fitness and Diet96Chapter 11All the Horse Needs to Know108Chapter 12What are Working Gaits?119Chapter 13At What Level Should You Compete?129Chapter 14Memorizing and Visualizing Tests140Chapter 15Practice Makes Perfect (Almost)147Chapter 16Developing a Warm-Up160Chapter 17More Practice168Chapter 18Grooming the Horse179Chapter 19A Rider's First Show190Chapter 20Dealing with Nerves201Chapter 21The Horse's First Show210Chapter 22Ride Your Best Test222Chapter 23Evaluating Your Test230Chapter 24Musical Freestyle250Chapter 25Quadrille259Chapter 26Onward and Upward270Appendix287Bibliography288Index290About the Author296
