“THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS OF DRESSAGE is a unique and special book,” says FEI dressage trainer/rider Yvonne Barteau. “I have been a collector of equine literature for many years, and this book has earned a spot on the ‘top shelf’ in my library. I have recommended it to all of my students as a ‘must read’ and will continue to do so. Author Douglas Puterbaugh covers vital and important rider information in an entertaining, engaging, and compelling manner.”
What kind of “vital rider information” will you find in THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS OF DRESSAGE? Check out the attributes Douglas lists as the 10 qualities of a good instructor/trainer—something every one of us should keep in mind as we spend our lives striving to improve our horsemanship and become better partners to our horses.
“Find a good trainer is like finding a good mechanic,” says Douglas. “When you do, embrace him/her because he/she’s the difference between your satisfaction and disappointment.”
A good instructor/trainer should:
1 Treat you as an individual and recognize that different personality types require different approaches. He/she should tailor teaching style accordingly.
2 Evaluate your training goals.
3 Be well-rounded him/herself. A good trainer is constantly trying to improve in his/her own right—studying, practicing, learning from others.
4 Help you improve. A committed student taught by a good trainer should experience skills that improve steadily over time—that is, if the trainer is given enough time and the student is giving enough effort.
5 Work well with you. A comfortable relationship will yield more results than a difficult one. Better to look forward to your lessons than to dread them.
6 Be able to improve diminished gaits or correct spoiled horses. This is a skill, beyond the abilities of many otherwise capable trainers.
7 Not be a bully. A trainer should encourage your potential, not discourage your efforts.
8 Display infinite patience with both horse and pupil.
9 Never grow tired of repeating things that need to be repeated.
10 Be inspiring and kind, for even the most talented trainer will find it difficult to instill confidence in his/her students when prickly or unapproachable.
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS OF DRESSAGE is available from the TSB online bookstore.