The Seven Deadly Sins of Dressage

Like the classic deadly sins, the seven deadly sins of dressage presented in this innovative guide?ignorance, timidity, pride, fear, gluttony, impatience, and sloth?wreak havoc on both rider and equine development and training. Calling attention to common mistakes and offering new strategies for avoiding age-old pitfalls, this manual addresses the philosophical issues of incorrect dressage training by examining each vice in depth. Using a touch of humor and sound advice, this guide comes complete with practical exercises, enlightening photographs, and useful information for becoming a better rider and person.

"Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all", wrote Shakespeare. Such words could not be more true than when applied to the sport of dressage—an ancient art still passionately pursued, and one
dependent on a rare and delicate balance of truth and honesty between rider and horse.

It is the nature of humans to fall victim to temptations; to sway beneath the considerable
pressures of our modern societies; to yield to urges, desires, wants, and "needs". We recognize this in our day-to-day actions, and forgive ourselves regularly for trespasses inherent to motivations common to the twenty-first-century experience, such as ambition, power, money, and success.

But when we swing into the saddle in search of a riding epiphany, when we choose dressage
as our means of establishing meaning and partnership in our life, a moment’s weakness can
forever breach fragile trust.

Therefore, as riders, it is our foremost responsibility to routinely self-examine our reasons for riding, our reactions to our horse both in and out of the saddle, as well as our emotional state and capability for self-control. We must be aware of symptoms indicative of the Seven Deadly Sins of Dressage, and we should be prepared to deny them entry in a world where our horse’s welfare trumps all else.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Dressage—Ignorance, Timidity, Pride, Fear, Impatience, Anger, and
Immoderation—are sadly so commonplace within the horse industry as to often fail to capture our attention. And so it is the hope that this book, a passionate exploration of human nature and the necessity that it be meticulously controlled and cultivated when another living being is involved (in this case, the horse), will serve to shine light on the errors of our ways. Once acknowledged, weaknesses can indeed be overcome with the steps outlined within, and thus our dream of riding with honesty, truth, and brilliance will not be in vain.

Douglas Puterbaugh has been a professional trainer, instructor, and clinician for more than 20 years. He is the founder and operator of Puterbaugh Dressage Sport and is a USDF Silver Medalist. He lives in Howell, Michigan. Lance Wills is an award-winning writer and photographer. He has written for a variety of publications, including the Christian Science Monitor, the Gainesville Sun, and Ocean Magazine. His photographs have been published by the Christian Science Monitor, Smithsonian Magazine, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He lives in North Charleston, South Carolina.