The new and rapidly growing equestrian discipline of Western Dressage applies the principles of dressage to the training of Western pleasure and performance horses. The United States Equestrian Federation named the Western Dressage Association of America an affiliate organization with its own chapter in the USEF rule book in 2013.
Dressage work demands a horse to be responsive, supple, and balanced in movement, and this approach is a benefit, whether working cattle, navigating trails, or negotiating a dressage test; and develops a strong relationship between horse and rider.
Whether riders are interested in developing their horse for pleasure riding or for competition, 101 Western Dressage Exercises for Horse & 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 by goal–softness, looseness, rider development, engagement, adjustability, and ground work–and address all levels of riders. Part of Storey’s Read & Ride series and designed to hang on a fence post or barn wall, this book is the ultimate reference for this new sport.
Jec Aristotle Ballou is the author of 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider and Equine Fitness. She is a national advisor to the Western Dressage Association of America, helped to write the current rules for the sport, and teaches the sport across the United States. She lives in Santa Cruz, California.
Stephanie Boyles is founder of the equestrian website Unbridled Rider. Along with Jec Ballou, she has developed and produced the mobile application 101 Dressage, augmenting 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider and bringing that knowledge to equestrians the world over. Stephanie lives in Boulder, Colorado.
101 Western Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider, by Jec Aristotle Ballou & Stephanie Boyles, was first made available from Storey Publishing in July 2014. It is 240 pages with photographs and illustrations throughout. $29.95 paper with comb binding.
