Elementary dressage

Because the basic, sound training of horses is receiving increasing attention in the U.S., so also is elementary dressage, the art and science of schooling the horse to move freely forward in a relaxed manner and with rhythm, accepting the bit and obeying the simple aids of its rider. You will learn how to train your horse to meet the prescribed standards. You will learn the gaits, paces, halt, and rein back; the figures and patterns; the qualities of the hrose, such as balance and impulsion; the position of the rider and his control of the horse. You will learn how to pare for competititve test rides, how to dress, how you are scored on tests, and how to use the judges' scores and comments to improve and to serve as the basis for further training. You will do better in your first-level tests when you have schooled your horse to halt and stand immobile, to walk, to trot, to canter on the left and right lead, to turn corners properly, to circle, to execute half circle with return to the track, and to respond to change of rein. You will do better in your second-level tests when you have mastered all these plus some additional requirements of demonstrating ability to perform a shoulder-in and straighten, to half turn on the haunches (left and right), do a serpentine, and more-all demonstrated in Elementary Dressage. It becomes clear that the development of the horse's ability through elementary dressage is both and end in intself and the sound basis for specialized uses of the horse, such as for polo, show jumping, endurance, and pleasure riding. Horse owners, riders, and horse lovers will profit by this handbooks clear explanations and by the accurat eillustrations of artist Sam Savitt, which provide a meaningful amplification of the text.