Product Description

German rider and veterinary surgeon Dr Gerd Heuschmann is known for his plain speaking regarding what he deems the incorrect and damaging training methods commonly employed by riders and trainers involved in dressage competition today. Here, he presents an intelligent and thought-provoking exploration of both classical and 'modern' training methods against a practical backdrop of the horse's basic anatomy and physiology.He then outlines his ideal 'physiological education' of the horse: one where training and riding mirror the mental and physical development of the horse, fulfilling 'classical' requirements - such as regularity of the three basic gaits, suppleness, and acceptance of the bit - rather than disregarding time-tested values for quick fixes that could lead to the degradation of the horse's well-being. Dr Heuschmann's assertion that the true objectives of dressage schooling must never be eclipsed by simple 'mechanical perfection' is certain to inspire riders at all levels to examine their riding, their riding goals, and the techniques they employ while pursuing them.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15542 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

Classical Riding Club Magazine, Autumn 2007
'Should be given as compulsory reading to ALL judges, trainers, riders and breeders . . . Absolutely worth it, for the sake of our horses'

BHS Chairman Patrick Print FBHS, British Horse Magazine, January 2008
'I strongly recommend this book for all. So much so that it will be added to the recommended reading list for BHS examination students'

About the Author
DR GERD HEUSCHMANN trained as a Bereiter (master rider) in Germany before qualifying for veterinary study at Munich University. There he specialized in equine orthopaedics for two years before accepting a post as the head of the breeding department at the German FN, which he eventually left to start his own practice in Warendorf. Along with Klaus Balkenhol and other prominent figures in the dressage community, Dr Heuschmann is a founding member of 'Xenophon', an organization dedicated to 'fighting hard against serious mistakes in equestrian sport' (www.xenophon-classical-riding.org).

Customer Reviews

A sound argument to back up the title!
A good basic introduction to the biomechanics of correct movement in the horse and the effects of incorrect riding. It is easy to read and well illustrated. A must for those who are unfamiliar with the reasons why we school in the first place, and places emphasis back on taking time to school correctly and stop fiddling with horses heads. Particularly to read if you use draw reins, or hyperflexion...it will hopefully change your mind about the validity of such methods.

Tug of War: Classical Versus "MODERN Dressage
An excellent book which is a "Must" read for all serious minded equestrian, especially those involved in the training/coaching of both horse and riders as well as those involved in the upper management of running the sport

Inspirational
An inspirational book! Borrowed a friends book first and was so inspired I bought 3 new books, one for myself , my trainer (not that she needed it!), and a fellow rider. It explains in no uncertain terms the physiological reasons why force does not work with horses , but also explains what we should be aiming to achieve and why. Having said that it puts the subject in straightforward terms which are easy to read and understand. An absolute must for the rider who cares about their horse and sincerely wants to improve.