101 Western Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider
The exciting new discipline of Western Dressage lets riders of Western pleasure, work, or competitive horses enjoy the benefits of traditional dressage while using Western tack and attire. This book — the very first on the topic — offers 101 fun and effective exercises that will improve every Western horse’s suppleness, balance in movement, and responsiveness. Each exercise is presented with illustrated, step-by-step instructions and a full arena diagram, and exercises are organized by focus: softness, looseness, rider development, engagement, adjustability, and ground work. This book is the ultimate reference for this new sport.
Whether riders are interested in developing their horse for pleasure riding or for competition, 101 Western Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider will give them the tools to take their horses to the next level. Each exercise is presented with a full arena diagram and step-by-step instructions with helpful tips. The exercises are organized in chapters by individual training emphasis – softness, looseness, rider development, engagement, adjustability, and ground work – and address all levels of riders.
This book joins Storey’s other titles in the successful Read & Ride series that are designed with comb binding to lie flat open or hang from an arena fence.
What my readers have to say…
“Concise, clear exercises for horse and rider. This is an excellent collection of exercises that would be beneficial to just about any horse and rider combination. It has a lot of very clear illustrations, and I appreciate the explanations of ‘why’ to do each one, and how it benefits the horse. I enjoy having so many ideas on hand when I am limited to arena work, or am limited on time and still want ideas for a productive ride.”
“Excellent exercises for your horse. Divided into sections which focus on themes such as softness, looseness, engagment, rider development and groundwork, this flip style book provides a wealth of ideas for developing your horse with a variety of western dressage exercises.”
“I like knowing the reason behind the exercise. Jec explains what the exercise is going to accomplish for both horse and rider (and there ARE exercises just for the rider!). Clear explanations, good diagrams. I only wish all of the exercises were grouped by level - beginner section, intermediate section, advanced, or an index that has the exercised grouped by level of rider.”
“Great reference! I incorporate these exercises 3-4 x a week working my barrel horses. Highly recommended for your western riding program!”
“Great to take out in the arena with you. Gives you lots of good ideas to keep your horse interested.”
“An excellent workbook for all western dressage. I am training a young mule and myself in Western Dressage. A friend and person who rode classical dressage recommended this book, 101 Western Dressage. It has been invaluable for my work. The format of the book is a spiral so it is easy to turn to an exercise while in the arena, review it and then proceed to work. The explanations and diagrams are excellent. You Cannot miss on this book if you and your equine want to learn dressage in a progression that builds upon itself.”
“LOVE LOVE LOVE. Excellent content, easy to use and inspiring ! A must have for riders who understand the importance of suppleness and flexibility first.”