When Two Spines Align: Dressage Dynamics

Within riding exists a fundamental conflict of interest: The rider needs to have control--her confidence depends on her ability to control the balance of her own body as well as that of her very powerful horse. The horse, by nature, needs to feel free--free in both mind and body to express himself through movement.

In When Two Spines Align, author Beth Baumert, writer and editor at the equestrian magazine Dressage Today, resolves the freedom-control enigma by taking a close look at the individual components that make up riding and dressage and providing practical ways riders can learn to harness the balance, energies, and forces at play. Readers will discover how to use "positive tension" and their body's "power lines" to become balanced and effective in the saddle. They will then find ways to understand and manage the horse's balance and "coordination challenges." Ultimately, the rider learns to regulate and monitor the horse's rhythm, energy, flexion, alignment, bend, and line of travel by properly aligning her spine with his. When the center of gravity of a balanced rider is over the center of gravity of a balanced horse, that place where two spines align becomes the hub for rider and horse harmony.
About the Author:

Beth Baumert was the initial editor for Dressage Today magazine and later served as its technical editor for nearly 25 years. In that capacity, Beth was in constant contact with the best dressage riders in the world as they discussed and wrote about the technical aspects of dressage. From this depth of knowledge, Beth wrote her first book, When Two Spines Align. It continues to serve as a "bible" for serious dressage riders. A German edition comes out in 2020.

Beth's primary commitment has always been studying dressage and teaching. She has been a USDF Certified Instructor since nearly the inception of the program, and she continues to support the program by hosting annual retreats and encouraging young trainers through the program. She is an "L" graduate with distinction of the USDF judges training program. For many years, she produced videos of the Aachen Dressage Show, as well as other instructional videos/DVDs, so American dressage riders could aspire to the European standard.

Beth is President and CEO of The Dressage Foundation (TDF). She has been involved with the foundation since 2000. The mission of TDF is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the United States. To that end, TDF awards grants, scholarships and prizes to promising riders, instructors, trainers, judges and breeders of dressage horses.

Beth and Alan, her husband of more than 50 years, divide their time between Wellington, Florida and Columbia Lake, Connecticut.