A Festival of Dressage

by Jane Kidd

a book was written by Jane Kido about Dressage

Genres: Nonfiction

143 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Dark-Draco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was completely not what I was expecting! I thought it would be another basic summary of what dressage is. Instead, the author focuses on the inaugural Festival of Dressage that took place on the Goodwood Estate. From the background to why the competition was held, she covers every aspect - from how the horses arrive, to the venue, judges and how the horses are ridden in before the competition. The test is broken down into its component parts, the good and bad discussed, and there's even a section on the prize-giving and the social side of the festival. The whole tone is lovely - it's easy to read, friendly and I could feel the excitement
of the event coming through the pages. And the photos! The author has captured some amazing moments on film - whether it's the perfect piaffe or a rider catching 40 winks, it's a fantastic record of the championship.

One bit really did make me smile - the author discusses how a combination can never be perfect, that they can strive for good marks but can only expect marks in the high 70%. I wonder what she makes of today's current dressage champions, who have broken the 90% mark and are moving ever so slowly towards that 100%?

A lovely book - treasure every moment of reading it.