The equine pursuit known as Cowboy Dressage® combines Western riding with classical dressage. The focus is on the relaxed flow of communication between horse and rider rather than the proper headset, action, or breed of horse.
Cowboy Dressage: Riding, Training, and Competing with Kindness as the Goal and Guiding Principle (Trafalgar Square Books)was written by Jessica Black with Eitan and Debbie Beth-Halachmy, the founders of the Cowboy Dressage movement.
Black captures the feel and philosophy of Cowboy Dressage by sharing the story of Eitan and Beth Halachmy and their phenomenal Morgan Horses that have served as the movement’s ambassadors.
A thorough section on ground work, as well as specific training advice for achieving engagement, regulating the gaits, smoothing transitions, and balancing bend and straightness, get you started with a solid foundation. Specific descriptions of the Cowboy Dressage tests are provided, with additional tools for those interested in competition, including rules, divisions, and how to execute and judge tests.