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

A new edition of the classic dressage how-to guide trusted by professionals, with more than 75,000 copies in print.

Beginning with the three golden rules of dressage training―clarity, consistency, and kindness―dressage legend Jane Savoie leads riders through her four stages of dressage education.

Stage One introduces the fundamental basics, while Stage Two focuses on the core building blocks of training, including transitions, school figures, and movements. By the end of Stage Two, you will have a happy, responsive horse that understands forward movement and straightness, accepts contact for clear rein communication, moves with regular rhythm and steady tempo in all three gaits, and performs transitions, circles, backing up, lengthening the stride, and lateral work with confidence.

In Stage Three, Savoie demystifies the half-halt, showing you how to put your horse on the bit and adding a new level of refinement to your training. Stage Four prepares you for advanced work, including collected, medium, and extended gaits, advanced lateral movements, and flying changes.

Everything in this book is well within the ability of most horses, regardless of breed, discipline, or intended activity. With a time-tested, expert-approved, and exceptionally easy-to-follow system, this guide is ideal for anyone seeking to improve a horse’s physical balance and mental well-being, ensuring a healthy, willing partner in whatever pursuit you choose.

Featuring all-new full-color photographs.

In 2021, the equestrian world lost a tenacious competitor, committed teacher, and extraordinarily vibrant presence. Dressage competitor, coach, instructor, speaker, and author. Jane Savoie leaves 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. Jane 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. Through her books and videos, Jane’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 lives on.