dressage for the not-so-perfect horse: riding through the levels on the peculiar, opinionated, complicated mounts we all love

Janet Foy’s expertise, fundamental solutions, good stories, and
good humor are destined to bring out the best in dressage riders and their
＂not-so-perfect＂ horses everywhere.

Thousands of riders pursue the sport of dressage across the globe,
and the majority do so on a budget and with the horse they already have, or
quite simply, the one they can afford. This means riders daily face the
challenge of mastering one of the world’s most esteemed equestrian pursuits on
horses that may not be bred specifically for the task, or even if they have
been, may not be top prospects for any number of reasons--behavior quirks,
conformational impediments, age or soundness, you name it.

International dressage judge, clinician, and riding coach Janet
Foy has ridden many different horses in the course of her riding and horse training
career--different size, shapes, colors, and breeds--to the highest levels of
dressage competition.

Now she has compiled her best tips for training and
showing the horse you have (or the horse you love, despite his ＂faults＂)
through the levels. With lists of common ＂imperfections and evasions＂ experienced
when riding movements--from simple transitions and leg-yield to zig-zags, tempi
changes, and piaffe--followed by training tips and creative ways to ＂perfect＂
the ＂imperfections.＂ Riders are bound to discover countless ways to apply Janet’s
advice to their dressage pursuits.

Nancy J. Jones was a newspaper editor and reporter before
beginning a communications and speechwriting career in Washington, D.C. A published novelist, she previously taught
college courses in English literature, writing, journalism and women’s studies.
She currently works in the banking industry. Nancy is a dressage rider with
FEI-level riding experience and national level competition success. She also
specializes in equestrian journalism and has published features in numerous
publications. In addition, Nancy has earned competitive obedience and agility
titles with her Cardigan Welsh Corgis and has written for dog training and club
publications. She lives in Fargo, North Dakota.