Training Strategies for Dressage Riders by Charles de Kunffy

 

"...the horse is a living organism and a unique individual that can develop only at his own rate. The horse is the clock, and he provides the calendar of progress." Training Strategies for Dressage Riders by Charles de Kunffy

I don't know if this book is still in print, but if it is and you are a dressage enthusiast, or even just looking to improve upon your horsemanship skills, this is the book for you. Like many books written by experts in their field, there are some braggy bits in the beginning, but I am awed by how much the author emphasizes having empathy and consideration for the horse. Too many professionals today are viewing the horse as a means to an end, and we need do better by our animals, be better both as riders and as human beings.

Some of the information is repetitive, but the best way to learn sometimes is through repetition. Book includes descriptions of basic, but sometimes confused, equestrian terminology like the much sought after "collection." It includes detailed instruction on the rider's body position to best train and influence the horse's body position, and what to do with green, or resistant horses as well as the advanced horse. It provides descriptions of the basic gaits plus the variations on them, transitions and other movements that will be required of the competitive dressage rider. Stresses the importance of cross training and gymnastics to improve upon the horse's physical and mental well-being as well as having a well-rounded rider. It even includes a chapter on tack to instruct what to use and how to use it. The author tried to include everything a dressage rider could want to know into one book.

I'm a non-competitor, riding for pleasure, but with a long-time interest in dressage, and I found the contents of this book to be highly informative and highly helpful. Information that both highlights what I'm doing wrong and what skills I need to apply to do better. I do believe I'll be a better rider for having read this book.

5 stars