REVIEW OF TWO BOOKS - By Lynn McEnespy "R" Dressage Judge and "R" Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Judge, USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist And Breeder of Hanoverian Horses
Like many dressage enthusiasts who want to discover the “magic” of riding and training, I have a large collection of books on dressage. I have often referred to many of them to see what the old masters, and new ones, have to say about certain subjects. Most are voluminous and not an easy read. Dr. Hoff does not claim any “magic” or “new” method of dressage. Instead, she has used her lifetime of knowledge and experience to create practical manuals to serve as a guide for all riders and horses, regardless of discipline be it Olympic Dressage, jumping, 3 Day eventing, or Western.
The “Harmonic Dressage” method for teaching both the horse and rider are based on the classical “Training Scale” including basic work in-hand. Dr. Hoff has successfully distilled understandable, common-sense techniques for teaching the rider and training the horse into these two very readable, succinct books. The end result is to have a laterally and longitudinally supple horse that is easy to sit on and responsive to the aids. What every rider wants.
In Part 1, she describes the rider requirements as “able to ride a trained horse, knowledge of how to control their body, how and when to apply which aids, and how to be a good communicator – neither self-absorbed nor a passive passenger”. Her suggestions to help riders develop a more independent seat and also refine the aids for various movements are clear and understandable. The emphasis is on how to first get the horse to correctly use the back, then adding more complex movements while keeping the supple back connection.
Illustrated with excellent photos. An admirable goal for all riders!
Part 2 explains the Training Scale and how the parts are inter-related to training the horse for improved suppleness and engagement. She also includes some basics of teaching the horse simple work in hand. There are again several photographs illustrating movements, paces, correct bending and the use of the unilateral and diagonal aids to achieve suppleness and encourage the horse to correctly use the back. Of particular note is the emphasis of the rider and how we have to “listen through our body” to ride successfully.
This book includes many movements and exercises to put all the elements of the Training Scale together. A very useful part is the explanation of why certain exercises are done to improve the horse. These little books are very worthwhile reading, and then reading again.
.
This book includes many movements and exercises to put all the elements of the Training Scale together. A very useful part is the explanation of why certain exercises are done to improve the horse. These little books are very worthwhile reading, and then reading again.
.
REVIEW OF TWO BOOKS By Suzy Fraser for Tip of the Hat NEDA Newsletter . Reprinted with Permission of New England Dressage Association
.jpg)
.jpg)