The Competitive Edge: Improving Your Dressage Scores in the Lower Levels

I do a some scribing at schooling shows, and this book in clear language and a logical presentation covers the things judges have explained about what they are looking for, why things are weighted differently at different levels, what specifics mandate an insufficient (4), what elements do NOT prevent a sufficient (5) score, but what must be present for it to be satisfactory (6). This applies to the nuances between Fairly Good, Good, Very Good and Excellent as well. The definition and explanation of correct execution of the directives and the movements they apply to are themselves a basic education in dressage. He covers schooling exercises for correct development, he covers common riding faults and how they affect the horse and the execution of the test, he covers strategies and techniques for riding the test as well advice for how to approach the whole thing of showing. I thought the book was excellent help not only on showing, or how to maximize the riding of the test itself but also on the training going on at home. A friend told me about the book because it gave the first explanation of a half-halt that truly made sense to her; and I found myself constantly nodding my head as all the bits and pieces I'd been hearing from various judges were right there in a lovely logical, clear structure.

We have no idea how differently things look from where the judge sits at "C". Max enlightens us in his books. My scores have gone up significantly with his help. I always start out the show season by rereading them as a "reminder session". Besides, he is the only dressage author whose work is entertaining as well as informative! If you compete, do your self and your horse a favor. Read these books!

This book is filled with many, many helpful things even my trainer neglected to tell me about! A must have for anyone who wants to be competitive