Master Dressage book review   

This, the 2^nd edition of Peter Doves “Master Dressage” adds yet more valuable information for anyone who is interested in dressage, whether a competitor or not.

A fabulous, clearly explained, easy to follow book, with colour pictures and diagrams, which provides the reader with valuable information, tips and advice, without complicated jargon.

The book covers some of the most common mistakes riders make, from inaccuracy, a lack of fluidity, the influence of the rider over the horse, rider fitness and the mental perspectives of riding a test, how to identify when you and your horse are ready to move up a level, amongst others. I found the chapter on score sheets very good, helping you interpret what the judge has written and why.

Although the book discusses matters ranging from Intro to Elementary level, personally I think most riders, and even coaches, can find something relevant to them, especially the rider biomechanics chapter.

This book should be on every riders and coaches book shelf, where it can be referred to time and time again.

 Here is a link to Peter Doves website: https://masterdressage.co.uk/

During a busy day in the shop my phone rang, nothing unusual there, except it was from the BHS Southern committee asking if I would consider attending the Bursary day, to be held at Wellington Riding. My reply was, erm, yes, what's the catch?! I was informed that only 6 trainers had been chosen and I was one of them, the day was going to be free, but we were going to be "assessed" on our coaching ability, and the winner would have their BHS ITT exam paid for them. As I had been considering moving my qualifications forward, I agreed to attend.

On the day, I arrived and was greeted by Alison, Hannah Marsh and Jo Winfied FBHS, who introduced me to the other candidates, all of who were delightful and made my arrival feel less scary!

The day was broken down in to several lessons, including 1-1 Jumping, 1-1 Dressage, Group grid work, Group flat work and a lunge session, a proper reminder of the BHS Exam system for me!!

We were all assessed and at the end of the day, I was expecting to be sent home and have results sent to us in the fashion I am used to, but no, we were asked to go get a drink, have a chat and then we would be called in one by one to be "interviewed" and given the results! Oh wow, I felt like a candidate on The Apprentice!!

After a very nervous wait I was called in, no one knew anything at this point, it was all secretive, so off I went, feeling like a lamb to the slaughter, after all it was a few years ago I last sat a BHS Exam!!

In the room I was asked about my future plans, how I want to grow my own business and how the Bursary would help me, then after what felt like years, but was actually only about 10 minutes, I was told I had been chosen as a runner up and had indeed won £100 to pay for further training! 

It was hard returning to the group showing no emotion, I was delighted!

The lady who won thoroughly deserved it, and the other lady who shared the £200 runner up prize was equally pleased to have been joint 2nd.

I aim to use the Bursary to further my own training, so that it can be passed onto my fabulous riders!