Dressage now encompasses many complementary disciplines, including psychology. Technical skills need to go hand in hand with mental commitment, discipline, dedication, and resilience. This book introduces the idea that aids are just that: they let the horse know what the rider wants. When this is understood, the horse should be allowed to do whatever has been asked of him, until something else is required or the horse needs a reminder. The pursuit of excellence—not perfection—is what dressage is all about. This book offers advice and encouragement toward an advanced partnership.
Angela Niemeyer Eastwood trained to Grand Prix with Ernst Worbs and Hans Dahmen in Germany. She has competed to Inter II in the UK, as well as 3-D eventing, hunting and point-to-point. Angela is a British Dressage Accredited Trainer, holds her BD UKCC Level 3 Dressage Coaching Certificate, is a Para Dressage Coach, and is a member of the International Dressage Riders' Club. She was one of the original 12 BD trainers accredited to train apprentices. As a successful freelance trainer and a position and posture specialist, Angela gives regular clinics and private lessons from novice to Grand Prix.Andrea Hessay has worked professionally with horses for most of her life. She is a listed BD dressage judge. She and Angela co-authoredUnderstanding Dressage Training. She writes the official report for the Global Dressage Forum, held annually in Europe, and also writes articles forHorse International and British Dressage magazine. She is a British Dressage Supporters Club committee member.