Review - Dressage Today October 2009







Table of Contents
Foreword 7
1 Introduction 9
What is this book about? 9
Who can benefit? 10
Why did I want to write this book? 11
Introducing the author 12
The Survey 13
How the book is structured 15
Acknowledgements 17
2 The Objectives of Riding 18
Control or influence? 19
Achieving self control 23
Systems and riding 24
Communication 26
3 Understanding Dynamics 29
Structure affects behaviour 29
Mental Models 31
Variables and Relationships 32
Digging deeper 34
Feedback 36
Equilibrium 42
Improvement 43
4 Connection in Theory 47
Rider Ingredients 49
Strengthening the connection 52
Influencing the horse’s ingredients 54
5 Connection in Practice 58
Hands 58
An Independent Seat 77
Legs 83
6 Communication 89
Balance 89
Communication - Correction and Reward 96
Definiteness 104
7 The Dynamics of Training 107
Correct musculature 107
The Scales of Training 112
The Way Forward 123
8 Rider Dynamics 125
Brain control 126
Inside vs Outside 128
Body control 129
Back problems 131
Pilates 132
Alexander Technique 134
Nutrition for riding 138
Fitness for riding 138
9 Application - Riding in the moment 140
Dismounted preparation 140
Thoughts on lunging 141
Initial Assessment and warm up 144
Down to work 146
Training opposites 150
Cool-down 151
Some thoughts on riding exercises 152
Circles 153
Going sideways 154
Improving the Canter 156
Improving the Trot 158
Developing the Whole 161
Training and competition 162
10 Managing your performance 164
Finding the right horse 165
Choosing a trainer 171
Assessment and Feedback 178
Prioritisation 182
11 Thoughts on Equipment 186
Horse equipment 186
Bits 186
Nosebands 189
Saddles 191
Numnahs and girths 194
Lunge Tack and facilities 200
Shoes 201
Rider equipment 202
Riding surfaces 203
12 The Way Forward – The Learning Rider 206
The Learning Cycle 208
Improving Learning effectiveness 211
Knowledge acquisition 213
Active reading 214
Filtering knowledge 215
The Learning Zone 216
Adaptation 221
Afterword 226
Appendix 1 - References 228
Appendix 2 - Survey questions 231
Appendix 3 – Pilates 233
Appendix 4 - Osteopathy 239
Appendix 5 - Massage 246
Biographies 248

Thanks to:
Dustie Capellina for all her help with this book:
http://www.dustiecapellina.com/Dustie_Capellina/Osteopath,_Sports_Therapist_%26_Physical_Trainer.html

Kerry recommends:
Lynn Henry. Think Like a Pony: http://www.thinklikeapony.co.uk/