"Includes: Understanding the vital role of the horse's spine in correct movement and as the communication link with the rider. Exercises for the rider to improve balance--the key to a good position. Exercises for activating the hindquarters to full develop the horse's ability to use its body. Exercises to prepare and teach the lateral movements--leg-yielding, shoulder-in, haunches-in and -out, and half pass. Special exercises for specific conformation problems. Canter work, including counter-canter and flying changes. Collection, extension--and in between. the often-overlooked role of the timing of the rider's aids--the secret of good transitions. Using the work in hand in a complete training program. Passage and piaffe. All presented in a clear, highly-readable text and generously illustrated with photos, diagrams, and drawings."--Back cover.

Includes index. "Excerpts from the "Rules of Dressage" printed with the kind permission of the Federation Equestre Internationale."--Title page verso.