Dressage School: A Sourcebook of Movements and Tips

Great book with many dressage movements such as leg yield, renvers, travers, piaffe and others described and with photographs of Isabell Werth doing the movements. What I like about this book is the addition of where each movement is on the training scale, for instance, shoulder in is given 1 star for rhythm, 2 stars for impulsion, and 3 stars for collection. This is very helpful to see where movements are on the training scale so that you are sure you are not putting the cart before the horse, so to speak, and asking for too much collection before developing rhythm and contact. The only thing I would have to give a thumbs down to, and I do realize this is just a difference in American versus German customs, but hardly any of the rider demonstrators have helmets on. I assume this will change as books come out in the future with the addition of more helmet rules in both the USEF and FEI. In the mean time, in showing this book to my riding students, it opens up a discussion of helmet use and why I always wear one and why I require them to always wear one also. Overall, definitely purchase this book if you are seriously wanting to learn dressage and need some guidance on movements or a refresher course on our sport.

this book is absolutely fantastic - the step by step instructions and analogies are amazing. i have never fully understood the half-halt until reading the chapter explaining iti have read through the book two times in a week - it's dumbed down and beautifully done - anyone who is wondering what the heck is dressage or if you're upper level or whatever - buy this book - i just bought one for my trainer - and the Isabel Wirth photos and others are amazing...the beautiful horses are the topping...

Great book for anyone who has tried to break down the dressage tests into meaningful movements and attempted to analyze the best way to link them all together. The beginner will benefit from the easy descriptions and pictures. The intermediate and advanced will have a review of all the movements and be able to address problem areas individually. It is the kind of book you have at your elbow at all times to reference. Easily understood. Wouldn't leave home without it.

This book provides detailed instructions as to how and why various moments are performed. I learned so much about what happens when aids are not done correctly. I work alone 99% of the time and I am not able to take lessons on a regular basis...I found this soooo WONDERFULLY helpful. I gave the book four stars due to the chapter sequence. Which, IMO, is a correctable type concern rather than an actual deterrent. If you and your horse are Dressage Neophytes, with no one to inform you otherwise, and you do not have a basic understanding re: the goals and the various levels in dressage.....you would be very frustrated and could (at least in theory) damage your horse. The chapters (movements) are not arranged in a "training" order or in a way that moves you from beginning levels to the more advanced. For example Flexion, Lenthening Stride, Leg-Yielding, and Turn on the Forehand are early training concepts and listed and discussed AFTER Passage and Piaffe....which are upper level movements that require the horse to develop certain muscle groups before attempting. However, if you are a motivated beginner, who has a basic understanding of the levels and Training Pyramid... or you are lucky enough to be a more accomplished/advanced rider, then I believe this book would provide a very concrete "how to" guide. With each movement Isabell indicates how it relates to the Training Pyramid and what the goals are. Her "FAST Facts" discussion for each movement identifies when the movement should be done. This is why I said the arrangement of chapters is a correctable concern as opposed to a deterrent.I use this book like a lesson planner. I first read the entire book (several times) then went back and highlighted the chapters I wanted to start at. I will build and add on as I accomplish the movements. Between this book and my Jane Savoie tapes all I need are arena mirrors and I would have it made! It's great...Get it!

I did not read the book but I looked through it, and was pleased with what I saw.I gave this book to a friend hoping it will help her move up in her level of Dressage.She told me how mush she liked it and she has learn a lot of new information she didn't know..

This book is like reading a step-by-step clinic on dressage movements. Absolutely wonderful! I would not suggest this for a beginner, though. It is written for riders who understand the aids and how to use them tactfully. I was looking for a book written for more advanced riders, and I found it!

Excellent for specifics of certain movements and aides.

Lots of clear explanations and good photos

Excellent read for any dressage rider

excellent book, very easily written nevertheless very technical and accuratethe lay-out of the book is very appealing, the photos give the extra visual explanationone of the cleverest feature is the scale of training inherent to every exercise mention.and an other feature very appreciated is the boxes with comments from the top riders\trainers to brake the monotony of the list of movements explained

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Loved it

I found this book extremely helpful in showing me what to aim for, both for myself and my horse (not even prep/prelim ex racer). Clear and to the point with excellent illustrations.Ideal for planning interesting and varied schooling sessions at all levels.A great guide, manual and "how to" book.