Dressage in the French Tradition

A very good book with good explainations. Many different exercises with pictures which makes you understand much better. This is a book you just must have!

Only for the serious theorist!

If you are seeking some insight into the dressage of Nuno Oliveira, his philosophy and example of riding as an art , a thorough acquaintance with the French tradition and it's two luminaries, De La Gueriniere and Baucher, cannot be ignored. Dom Diogo's outstanding scholarship and equestrian expertise is able to provide us with a rational discussion of the methods of both, where they are applicable to the dressage of today and why we must re-aquaint (and realign) ourselves with their principle concerns. It is unlikely you will find a more balanced view of the contributions of Baucher without the emotional vitriol that usually accompanies it, pro or con. The same can be said of the sections on FEI dressage, and why the loss of the hallmark of academic equitation - lightness- is a critical issue. This is a horseman discussing the principles of balance, collection, suppleness and flexibility, all with an eye towards the brilliance, nobility, and the impressions of ease and pleasure that the horse is able to express. This is surely one of the most important books on dressage in the last century, and should endure in that role in future centuries as well.

I had been coveting this book for years but was only available in Portuguese and French. Thanks to Xenophon Press, we now have the English translation and it was certainly worth waiting for. Probably the best book on true French equitation available and an absolute must for anyone who seeks to ride in the lightness and finesse of the French tradition.

"Dressage in the French Tradition" is the most important book written to date on the evolution of French horsemanship. It explains the "general effects" (shoulder-in, half halts, etc.) invented by the classics and the "partial effects" (flexions etc.) invented by Francois Baucher. It also describes on which horses each one should be used and when. The whole book provides a practical insight in the equestrian culture necessary to understand the art that fascinates us all. This work will leave a mark in the history of dressage. JP Giacomini

One of my favorite dressage books of all time. Filled in a lot of the gaps in my understanding of Baucher and Beudant. Also covers bullfighting horsemanship.

Fabulous

It is fortunate that Xenophon Press has published this book in its English translation. The font size is a little too small for reading comfort for people in their 70's, but was probably necessitated in order to keep the number of pages down and thereby reduce the cost of production and its retail price.