I decided to write this book in order to give continued support to the students that I was teaching around the world. I realized that there were books, and a good amount of support for students who want to learn foundation, and more dressage books than I can imagine, but nothing on how to connect the two. The hardest part of writing the book was to decide who I was talking to. Once I decided to write it for the student who already was studying or interested in natural horsemanship, it flowed fairly easily.

I also wanted a student of dressage to be able to pick it up and understand it. I am happy to report that even "straight" dressage students have given me the feedback I was hoping for:That it gives them a fresh perspective on dressage, as well as more strategies for success by seeing things from the horse's viewpoint.

The book is organized into three sections:

1. The first section gives the "Big Picture". I define natural horsemanship, dressage, and Dressage, Naturally. I discuss the progression of moving from foundation, to the specific skills that will prepare a horse for dressage, and then the principles behind gymnastic development of the horse. I also talk about equipment, riding in connection with the reins, and how liberty, freestyle riding, and on-line exercises fit into the program.
   
   
2. The second section is called The Exercises. Here I go through each quality we want to develop and give exercises to gain them. I did my best to not make it a repeat of every other dressage book that outlines how to do a shoulder-in or give a half halt. I spend a majority of the section on the specific exercises that bridge the gap between foundation and full-on dressage training. A very important step is to take the time to build the skills and reflexes the horse will need to have a conversation with him about dressage. I believe dressage is a "late specialization" sport, meaning that there are more pieces that need to be in place before we expect to do dressage. But the exercises are not just basic ones. I give enough range that the skills outlined in this book can take you into collection and advanced work.
   
   Dressage, Naturally is not just a stepping stone on your way from natural horsemanship to dressage. These principles and philosophies will be carried with you throughout your dressage development.
   
   
3. Part Three is a series of essays, Essays For Success. I know from experience that sometimes you can perform a technique correct ''technically", but it still doesn't work. I have realized that the attitude with which you apply the technique is just as powerful as the technique itself. These essays are meant to cause you to think about how you are thinking about the exercises, as well as other topics that fill in the spaces between the exercises.

The set includes nearly 3 hours of DVD footage. It is meant to compliment the book. It is not an exact DVD version of the book, but gives visual support of many of the sections. Neither is meant to stand alone, but to be used together as one powerful tool.

I was thrilled to have Anne Gribbons (my original dressage trainer, she is an 'O' judge- the highest level there is) and Linda Parelli, (co-founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship) write forewords to my book. I was told it was unusual to have two forewords, but in this case I thought it very appropriate to have words from the seemingly polar opposite influences to my horsemanship ... and they are interesting to read, for sure!

The Results in Harmony DVD Series came about when one of my young horses, Ovation, got to the point where he was at the same level as many of the horses that were in my clinics. I realized that his foundation was at a point where I was doing the exercises in my book, and my horse was going through the same learning  process. This particular horse is not one of those horses that was born to do dressage or looks amazing out in the pasture.  He is a very uninspired horse, and a good mover, but not an extravagant mover. He's also not that... swift... mentally. BUT he is  the perfect horse to film because for all those not so flattering things I just said about him ... he also very trainable, and as I build his motivation and his gymnastic skills he is"'unleashing his power within" and turning into more of an inspired, willing, proud-of-himself athlete than I had imagined.

So many of the DVDs will feature Ovation. You will see the problems, the process and the progress. There is minimal editing, so you see the good, the bad and the ugly. But as a teaching tool, I think it is invaluable to the student. I am producing and making them available as I do them, instead of holding back until I have a certain number. This too is to benefit the student who may be going along at the same pace. I am sure I will feature other horses as we go along, and I am always welcoming suggestions for other topics. Two of the DVDs (DVD #3 and #4) are exercises for the human only, and show some fun and valuable exercises for making changes in your posture!