A Gymnastic Riding System Using Mind, Body, and Spirit: Progressive Training for Rider and Horse

Most books on dressage discuss the physical aspects of riding: horse position, rider position, use of the aids, and movements. International dressage rider and trainer Betsy Steiner believes that the physical(body) is just one–third of the riding equation, with two vital components—the intellectual(mind) and the psychological(spirit)—playing roles of equal importance. Each level of the classical training pyramid—rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection—is addressed in all three dimensions for both rider and horse. Never before has such a multifaceted training system been laid out for riders and horses of all levels. Betsy Steiner is a teacher, trainer, and clinician based in New Jersey and Florida. Jennifer Bryant is the editor of the U.S. Dressage Federation’s monthly magazine, USDF Connection.

An Equestrian Edge Book Club Main Selection

Most books on dressage discuss the physical aspects of riding: horse position, rider position, use of the aids, and movements. International dressage rider and trainer Betsy Steiner believes that the physical(body) is just one–third of the riding equation, with two vital components—the intellectual(mind) and the psychological(spirit)—playing roles of equal importance. Each level of the classical training pyramid—rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection—is addressed in all three dimensions for both rider and horse. Never before has such a multifaceted training system been laid out for riders and horses of all levels. Betsy Steiner is a teacher, trainer, and clinician based in New Jersey and Florida. Jennifer Bryant is the editor of the U.S. Dressage Federation’s monthly magazine, USDF Connection.