Dressage 101: The Ultimate Source of Dressage Basics in a Language You Can Understand

A new edition of the classic dressage how-to text referenced by the pros, with over 75,000 in print.

Beginning with the three golden rules of dressage training--clarity, consistency, and kindness--dressage legend Jane Savoie walks you through her four stages of dressage education.

Stage One is an introductory course in the basics, and Stage Two covers the ＂nuts and bolts＂ of training, including transitions, school figures, and movements. By the time you finish Stage Two, you’ll have a happy, responsive horse that understands going forward and being straight; accepts contact so you can communicate with him through the reins; moves in a regular rhythm and a steady tempo in all three gaits; and is proficient in transitions, circles, backing up, lengthening his stride, and goin sideways.

In Stage Three, Savoie translates the secrets surrounding the half-halt, enabling you to put your horse ＂on the bit,＂ and adding a whole new dimension to your training. You’ll even be ready for ＂the big time＂ in Stage Four, including collected, medium, and extended gaits; advanced lateral movements; and flying changes. Don’t worry, everything in this book is well within the capacity of most horses, whatever their breed, sport, or activity.

With a time-tested, expert-vetted, and supremely easy-to-follow system, this book is for anyone who aims to improve the horse’s body and mind so he is healthy and happy in whatever activity you choose to pursue.

Jane Savoie (April 15, 1949 -January 4, 2021) was a tenacious dressage competitor, committed teacher, and extraordinarily vibrant presence in the equestrian world. She left behind a legacy of learning materials she passionately created and curated over the course of a riding and teaching career that spanned decades and continents. Teaching, in all its forms--from coaching Olympic teams to instructing amateur riders to presenting inspiring motivational talks at events--was her calling, and one to which she gave generously, infusing every lesson with boundless energy and exciting ideas. Savoie was committed to giving every rider and every experience level equal opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve goals, big and small. She found the best way to reach more individuals with in-depth training that anyone could afford was through books and videos. A prolific writer, her first instructional book was published in 1992 (That Winning Feeling!) and her last in 2020 (Dressage Between the Jumps) with many others in between. Through her books and videos, Savoie’s extraordinary knowledge and innovative training techniques remain available to those seeking breakthroughs in their riding and in their lives. In this way, her true passion for teaching and learning, and her amazing commitment to the equestrian community, lives on.