Tug of War: Classical Versus "Modern" Dressage

Author: Gerd Heuschmann
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
ISBN: 1646012585
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 234

Book Description
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.

Tug of War

Author: Gerd Heuschmann
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781570763755
Category : Pets
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
"Describing the basic anatomy and physiology of the horse, this book by an experienced veterinarian identifies widely-used incorrect training methods--especially in dressage--that can undermine a horse's health and well-being. Starting with the question Who is responsible for this? the book looks at breeders, breed associations, instructors, judges, riders, spectators, and the governing bodies of horse sports. The hyperflexion issue, the discussion shows, is that training affects horses both for good and for ill, and riders should reject any methods that cause pain or fail to respect the mental habits and physiological needs of their animals"--Publisher's description.

Collection Or Contortion?

Author: Gerd Heuschmann
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781570767777
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 112

Book Description
Ten years ago, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann rocked the equestrian world with his international bestseller Tug of war, a searing indictment of modern training and riding techniques that are sometimes used to the detriment of the horse. Now Dr. Heuschmann returns with this new book: a critical examination of two conceptsflexion and bendthat are necessary to understand in absolute terms when the goal is to achieve collection on horseback. Citing the many masters of classical dressage who wrote essays and even entire books about flexion at the horse's poll and longitudinal bend of the horse's body, Dr. Heuschmann strives to conflate the often complex classic literature with the results of his own studies as an expert in equine anatomy and biomechanics, supporting his explanations with precise illustrations and numerous photographs. The outcome is a book that finally makes the concepts of flexion and bendand ultimately, collectioneasy to understand, promising more correct, conscientious riding, better results in training and competition, and happier, healthier horses in the long run.

Balancing Act

Author: Gerd Heuschmann
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781646010721
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 264

Book Description
In today's society, is it indeed possible for riders in any horse sport to put the good of the horse first and foremost?

Tug of war - classical versus 'modern' dressage

Author: Gerd Heuschmann
Publisher: J. A. Allen
ISBN: 9780851319506
Category : Dressage
Languages : en
Pages : 142

Book Description
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.

Release the Potential

Author: Doris Halstead
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 152

Book Description

The Horse's Muscles in Motion

Author: Sara Wyche
Publisher: Crowood Press (UK)
ISBN: 9781861264565
Category : Horses
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
This book is much more than an anatomy textbook. This is a guide to how and why the horse moves as he does. An essential aid for all who care about the horse's health and athletic performance.

Tug of War: Classical Versus 'Modern' Dressage

Author: Gerd Heuschmann
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781908809773
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 144

Book Description
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. This book is his appeal to: Riders - to use only gentle, progressive training methods in accordance with the time-tested principles of classical riding. To: Judges - to sharpen their eyes and recognize unnatural postures or forced movements and evaluate them accordingly in competition, while rewarding classically trained, correctly gymnasticized horses. To: Governing organizations - to review their regulations and uphold stipulated "ideals" on both national and international levels. To: Spectators - to reject sensational performances and flashy tests when the methods used to obtain them have not had the health and welfare of the horse in mind. Dr Heuschmann provides readers with a thorough discussion of the correct physiological training of the horse, walking through the elements of contact, lateral movement, and other important aspectrs of a classical training foundation. He explains how impulsion and correct collection can indeed be developed safely and to the horse's benefit - and tested at the highest levels in the show ring - if only we use care for our equine partners and allow time to achieve their physical best.

Ride Horses with Awareness and Feel

Author: Tineke Bartels
Publisher: J. A. Allen, Limited
ISBN: 9780851319636
Category : Dressage
Languages : en
Pages : 160

Book Description
This training method from some of the world's finest equestrians teaches that riding is an activity that must be learned by both horse and rider through a conscious awareness that ultimately will become a subconscious ability, once the modern rider gains a 'feel' for riding.

Training and Riding with Cones and Poles

Author: Sigrid Schöpe
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781570767210
Category : Pets
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Training your horse to concentrate on a lesson, bend his body from nose to tail, and pay attention to where he places his feet--whatever your discipline or level of expertise, these are necessary foundation skills. Here you will find an incredibly handy guide to introducing and solidifying these concepts, as well as many others, with exercises using two very basic training tools: traffic cones and ground poles. Incorporating cones and poles in your daily lessons not only provides visual interest and physical guidelines for your horse as he moves around the ring, it also gives you a means of developing accuracy in your schooling figures and transitions. With these exercises, your horse's movement and response to your aids will certainly improve, but so will your overall riding performance.