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

Transform your riding and deepen your bond with your horse through this step-by-step guide to mastering dressage. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, Dressage 101 provides the tools you need for effective, compassionate training.

This comprehensive guide takes you through Jane Savoie’s proven, four-stage system, beginning with foundational exercises and progressing to advanced dressage techniques. With a focus on kindness, consistency, and clarity, Savoie ensures both horse and rider can move forward at a comfortable pace while developing a strong partnership. Inside, you’ll explore:
• Stage One: Master the basics, from rhythm and forward motion to straightness and balance.
• Stage Two: Dive deeper into transitions, lateral movements, and developing a responsive, eager horse.
• Stage Three: Learn the secrets of the half-halt and how to elevate your horse’s training through connection and self-carriage.
• Stage Four: Prepare for advanced work, including collected, extended, and flying changes, as well as advanced lateral movements.

Savoie’s system is accessible to riders of all levels and suitable for every horse, regardless of breed or discipline. With over 75,000 copies in print, this book has been a trusted resource for riders aiming for both competitive success and more enjoyable rides.

Key Takeaways:
• Practical, clear, and step-by-step dressage training for riders of all levels.
• Exercises to improve balance, responsiveness, and your horse’s athleticism.
• Techniques for effective communication through aids and non-verbal cues.
• Real-world applications to enhance your horse’s physical and mental well-being.

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.