Cowboy Dressage

Riding, Training, and Competing with Kindness as the Goal and Guiding Principle

Jessica Black with Eitan & Debbie Beth-Halachmy

$19.99
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Description

The equestrian pursuit known as Cowboy Dressage was borne of a desire to meld the best of Western riding traditions and classical dressage in the pursuit of a harmonious relationship with a horse. Intended to be accessible to all, Cowboy Dressage is open to all breeds and all levels of riders; there isn't a set frame for overall look, head carriage, or action. The singular goal is to consider the horse's potential at all times as one strives to achieve a subtle and relaxed flow of information between horse and rider.

In this superbly written book, lifelong horsewoman Jessica Black traces the evolution of Cowboy Dressage back to its roots, sharing the story of Eitan and Debbie Beth-Halachmy and their phenomenal Morgan horses that have served as the movement's ambassadors. She then provides an engaging and articulate explanation of the philosophy of Cowboy Dressage; expectations of the rider; what a participant needs in terms of equipment; and how the most important element—the horse—should be prepared. A wonderful and thorough section on groundwork, as well as specific training advice for achieving engagement, regulating the gaits, smoothing transitions, and balancing bend and straightness, get the reader started with a solid foundation. Then, specific descriptions of the Cowboy Dressage tests and 'court'—the training area designated for practicing the tests—are provided, with additional tools for those interested in competition, including rules, divisions, and how to execute and judge tests.

Striding the line between utterly engaging story and well-organized how-to manual, Cowboy Dressage gives readers everything they need to find a 'soft feel' with their horses and then share what they've developed with a community of like-minded horsepeople. As the founders of the movement say in the book, Cowboy Dressage is more about a way of life than a rulebook. And with that as its premise, one can see how it can show the way to true partnership with a horse.
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Additional Information

Author: Jessica Black with Eitan & Debbie Beth-Halachmy

Format: eBook

Page Count: 224

Illustrations: 170 color photos, 20 diagrams

ISBN: 9781570766800

By Jessica Black with Eitan & Debbie Beth-Halachmy

Jessica Black grew up riding and showing Morgan horses. She was introduced to Spanish doma and rode pure Spanish bred and Lusitano horses while studying in Spain. Later, she spent several years training, galloping, and racing Thoroughbreds and Arabians as an amateur in Spain, and galloped Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in Mexico and Panama. She earned an MA in Psychology from Humboldt State University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate at the University of Oklahoma. Her research is focused on the intersection of narrative and morality.

Eitan and Debbie Beth-Halachmy founded Cowboy Dressage and have devoted their lives, their Morgan horses, and their Wolf Creek Ranch in Grass Valley, California, to spreading the movement's ideals of lightness and kindness as reward in training (cowboydressage.com)

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