Evening folks! Its 7:30pm and 90 degrees. I resign for the day, as I have sold my soul to the air conditioner. But, I would love to respond to an excellent question from the last post: Could I recommend books? You bet. First I will say that USDF has a recommended reading list for their instructor/trainer certification program. The list should be available on www.usdf.org/education/instructor-certification/recommended-reading.asp The USDF also has a reading list for the "L" program www.usdf.org/education/judge-training/lprogram/recommended-reading.asp
Great lists. Both of these list contain good books regarding training theory and principles. Some things are a little controversial and/or historical. Since classical riding is about benefitting from the learning of others passed down through history, it is appropriate to read those texts even if they aren't current or popular right now. You will find them insightful.
In addition, I strongly recommend reading the glossary of terms and definitions by USDF. Using words correctly helps your brain organize and define its world. Using "definitions" incorrectly is counter productive. Words such as forward, impulsion, engagement, flexion, bend, and tempo are very frequently misused... by professionals too! I have to thank Sarah Geikie for making me study the definitions years ago. Thanx! It has helped me communicate clearer with my horse!
Now I would like to add a few books:
The Outliers by Malcom Gladwell.
Conditioning the Sporthorse by Hilary Clayton
That Winning Feeling by Jane Savoie
Dressage Questions Answered by Charles DeKunffy
Principle Centered Leadership by Steven Covey
and
The Man who Listens to Horses by Monty Roberts
Not all of these are dressage books obviously. But reading about "success" in the Outliers helps you handle competiton... Principle centered leadership is exactly how you develop leadership with your horse... and Monty Roberts is entertaining and inspires people to have a conversation with their horses before they climb on their backs.
So, I will get to my conditioning/ training program and philosophy, later. This book question was too good to delay. In this nuclear winter (stinkin' hot summer) we can easily enjoy a book while recovering our depleted electrolytes inside!
Great lists. Both of these list contain good books regarding training theory and principles. Some things are a little controversial and/or historical. Since classical riding is about benefitting from the learning of others passed down through history, it is appropriate to read those texts even if they aren't current or popular right now. You will find them insightful.
In addition, I strongly recommend reading the glossary of terms and definitions by USDF. Using words correctly helps your brain organize and define its world. Using "definitions" incorrectly is counter productive. Words such as forward, impulsion, engagement, flexion, bend, and tempo are very frequently misused... by professionals too! I have to thank Sarah Geikie for making me study the definitions years ago. Thanx! It has helped me communicate clearer with my horse!
Now I would like to add a few books:
The Outliers by Malcom Gladwell.
Conditioning the Sporthorse by Hilary Clayton
That Winning Feeling by Jane Savoie
Dressage Questions Answered by Charles DeKunffy
Principle Centered Leadership by Steven Covey
and
The Man who Listens to Horses by Monty Roberts
Not all of these are dressage books obviously. But reading about "success" in the Outliers helps you handle competiton... Principle centered leadership is exactly how you develop leadership with your horse... and Monty Roberts is entertaining and inspires people to have a conversation with their horses before they climb on their backs.
So, I will get to my conditioning/ training program and philosophy, later. This book question was too good to delay. In this nuclear winter (stinkin' hot summer) we can easily enjoy a book while recovering our depleted electrolytes inside!
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