German rider and equine veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschmann is well-known in dressage circles--admired for his plain speaking regarding what he deems the incorrect and damaging training methods commonly employed by riders and trainers involved in competition today. Here, he presents an intelligent and thought-provoking exploration of both classical and modern training methods, including hyperflexion (also known as Rollkur), against a practical backdrop of the horse's basic anatomy and physiology. In a detailed yet ...
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German rider and equine veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschmann is well-known in dressage circles--admired for his plain speaking regarding what he deems the incorrect and damaging training methods commonly employed by riders and trainers involved in competition today. Here, he presents an intelligent and thought-provoking exploration of both classical and modern training methods, including hyperflexion (also known as Rollkur), against a practical backdrop of the horse's basic anatomy and physiology. In a detailed yet comprehensible fashion, Dr. Heuschmann describes parts of the horse's body that need to be correctly developed by the dressage rider. He then examines how they function both individually and within an anatomical system, and how various schooling techniques affect these parts for the good, or for the bad. Using vivid color illustrations of the horse's skeletal system, ligaments, and musculature, in addition to comparative photos depicting correct versus incorrect movement--and most importantly, photos of damaging schooling methods--Dr. Heuschmann convincingly argues that the horse's body tells us whether our riding is truly gymnasticizing and building the horse up, or simply wearing it down and tearing it apart. He then outlines his ideal physiological education of the horse. Training should 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.
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Add this copy of Tug of War: Classical Versus "Modern" Dressage: Why to cart. $85.25, like new condition, Sold by Pegasusbooks rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Farmington Hills, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Trafalgar Square Books.
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Fine dust jacket. 1570763755. Hardcover is burgundy with silver lettering on spine. DJ in a mylar cover. Pages are clean and tight; appears as if unused. Sewn book. Grey endpapers. Extensively illustrated with dozens of color and b/w photographs and drawings and diagrams. Originally published in German in 2006 as 'Finger in der Wunde'; translated by Reina Abelshauser. "As a practicing equine veterinarian, Dr. Heuschmann--an internationally recognized authority on issues of equine health in dressage competition, including "hyperflexion" (previously referred to as 'Rollkur')--is faced daily with the debilitating, and sometimes career-ending consequences of incorrect training methods....openly confronts developments in dressage--as a sport and a recreational pastime--that he asserts have deviated from the classical training principles conscientiously developed over the centuries of careful analysis and masterful riding by the world's greatest horsemen...." This is very much an on-going debate, and hot button topic in the dressage world today. Xenophon had it right 2500 years ago; why would we do anything against our horse's nature and well being? Has even been the sujbect of international conferences and research. Sections are: Who's Responsible for Today's Training Problems? ; Riding According to Classical Principles: What Does It Mean? ; Basic Equine Anatomy; Functional Connections--and Their Importance in Correct Training; Correct Physiological Training; Training from a Veterinary Point of View; Conclusions; bibliography and recommended reading and web sites; index. A highly valued title in my personal collection.; B&W and Color Illustrations; 7 x 9 1/2; 144 pages.
All Editions of Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Modern Riding Negatively Affects Horses' Health
