Dressage: The Art of Classical Riding

By Sylvia Loch

Book Overview

A Grand and Engaging History of the Art of Classical Equitation

Discover the magnificent history of dressage in this insightful work from Sylvia Loch, acclaimed riding teacher and expert on the subject of classical horsemanship. Dressage chronicles the origin and development of every facet of the sport, including everything from its beginnings in ancient Greece to the current state of practice and competition. Loch begins with a thorough examination of what dressage is, and how our understanding of it has changed over time. With clear and contemporary prose, she eloquently traces the threads that connect the evolution of this elegant tradition throughout the centuries. All of the important schools, masters, and famous horsemen are covered in lavish detail. Starting over 2,000 years ago with Xenophon's equestrian philosophy, Dressage progresses through the Renaissance and Enlightenment to Nuno Oliveira and the ?cuy?res of the nineteenth-century French circus. Also of note is the spread of dressage from Europe to the rest of the world, which continues up to the present day, and has been more firmly established with the sport's inclusion in the modern Olympics. Illustrated with more than 100 paintings and photographs, Dressage is a thoroughly-researched and engaging history. Loch's work is the comprehensive and definitive reference source for dressage enthusiasts. It is a treasure trove of fascinating information for all riders, of all disciplines, and of all skill levels. Reading it will inspire you to improve your own riding, deepen your understanding of dressage, and increase your appreciation of this fine art of horsemanship.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1648371787
• ISBN13: 9781648371783
• Release Date: May 2022
• Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 1.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.3" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

A Wonderful Book!

The author has done a wonderful job. This is a huge book. Every great Horseman is covered that helped form what we have today. Great Schools, Great Horsemen,~ it's all there. The author has went into great details, sometimes having private information from friendships that add so much more. You will love this book.

Beautiful and Informative Book

This book has beautiful color pics in it..and the information is from the past to the present..This is a very special book..B.W.

An astonishingly good book

Dressage, isn't that just a bunch of horses being ridden around in circles? How could a book about it possibly be interesting, especially if you don't ride that way? If that is what you think, read on... Sylvia Loch has written a masterpiece in a style that does far more then just talk about "Dressage". Her book has topics of interest for virtually every dicipline, from western to jumpers. Sylvia has put together more history, more people, and more horse breeds then it would seem to be possible. She has artfully presented it in a way that makes it resonate to virtually everyone by showing how they are all connected through history. Better still, she has done it in a way that is fascinating and contemporary to read. I found her style eloquent and conclusions insightful. Reading this book will contribute to any riders understanding about where the modern horse has evolved from, and more importantly, how current teaching methods relate to historic methods. By reading the title of the book I might have put it last on my list, after reading it, I have put it FIRST!

Beautiful and thoughtful

This book is truly a work of art, not to mention dedication in its fine summary of the history of dressage from early Greek history on to modern times. The knowledge I gained from this book is immeasurable. It has improved my riding, my understanding of dressage, my appreciation of this fine art of horsemanship, and most of all the incredible athletic ability, generous nature, and humbleness of our equine partners.

A in-depth look at riding in its historical context

As the nature of horseback riding has changed from the original, practical purposes to being a recreation and past-time, riding styles have changed from what is best for horse, to what is most expedient for the casual rider who wants to "enjoy" horses. An example of this phenonema from US-style western riding is the "sliding stop". When a horse is very responsive, it should be possible to stop quickly in order to change direction, and sometimes the horse is going so fast he slides to a stop. Unfortunately, "responsiveness" is difficult to judge, and sliding is dramatic, so an original practical ideal of being able to change a horse's direction has turned into a contest to see how far a horse can drag itself by the front hooves while letting the back hooves drag on the ground. A similar corruption of purpose and technique has played itself out in almost every riding discipline as those activies have become more removed from any practical purpose.This is one of the only books that attempts to place riding in its proper context in history. Its points are illustrated with many rare color and black & white prints of historical paintings and photographs that are invaluable in learning how to ride. The major riding masters of history and what they discovered are all presented in a way that makes one want to learn more. Anyone wishing to increase their understanding of riding past past what is currently fashionable should own this book.