Pathfinder Dressage by Penny Hillsdon

Pathfinder Dressage by Penny Hillsdon

"Pathfinder Dressage" is both a voyage of exploration by the author and a fulfilment of her desire to write a dressage book which, while truly authoritative, is nevertheless informal and accessible. During her extensive involvement in the sport, Penny Hillsdon had noticed an apparent schism between 'classical' and 'competition' riding, with individuals tending to segregate themselves into one or other category. She was also aware that many amateur riders were confused by the different systems of training, and hoped that the different methods could somehow be put together to produce an 'instant mash' package that would guarantee success. Whilst she believes, from her own experience, that such problems are unlikely to be solved, she nevertheless offers guidance and clarification, indicating that the key to successful training lies in an awareness of each horse as an individual, with a unique combination of temperament, conformation, learning rate and ultimate potential. In seeking to fulfil her aims, the author has explored the historical roots of dressage, and followed its branches into the present day. Much of the text of "Pathfinder Dressage", therefore, comes in the form of extended dialogue with top trainers who currently represent the main schools of dressage. Accordingly, we hear from such authorities as Vicki Thompson, Ferdi Ellberg, Bert Rutten, Jane Bredin, Franz Rochowansky, Conrad Schumacher, Reiner Klimke, Paul Fielder, Michel Assouline, Charles Harris and Sylvia Loch. The author also admits that she, personally, learnt a great deal from writing the book - the chief lesson being that dressage riders must never stop learning. "Pathfinder Dressage" is a book which contains much wisdom and food for thought. Whilst dressage enthusiasts will be fascinated to compare and contrast the different systems of training discussed, it is in the areas of consensus that they may discover special significance.

Penny Hillsdon grew up not far from Goodwood and had the opportunity to watch international riders. By the mid 1980s she was competing at Advanced level and progressed from Prix St Georges to Grand Prix in one year. Wishing to promote the sport of dressage and make it more accessible, she has recently founded Dressage For All, which has the aim of 'making quality training achievable, affordable and fun'. Penny began her equestrian writing career with articles for Horse and Hound and Dressage Magazine, and is the author of two J.A. Allen Photographic Guides, All About Lungeing and All About Long Reining with Paul Fielding

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780851317458
ISBN 10	0851317456
Title	Pathfinder Dressage
Author	Penny Hillsdon
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	The Crowood Press Ltd
Year published	2000-09-30
Number of pages	256
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable