Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10986 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781570763755
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review

About the Author

Customer Reviews

For the horse's sake
In Tug of War, Dr. Heuschmann, who is a leading veterinarian in Germany, explains the functional anatomy of the dressage horse, including detailed diagrams of the muscles and ligaments used to develop the horse according to classical principles. He explains which muscles and ligaments are used, and how, in the overbent "rollkeur" method, as well as in the flashy movements used to sell and show dressage horses. As Kyra Kyrklund calls it "the expensive trot", a pun on extended trot. Dr. Heuschmann takes an unequivocal stand on the questionable morality of these practices, and recommends guidelines for riders, judges, and breeders. The book is amply illustrated with photographs of horses being ridden well and not well. If you want to know the difference between a leg mover and a back mover, this is the book for you. This is a great book for educating your eye, and it takes a refreshingly candid look at practices which in my opinion need to be eliminated, for the horse's sake.

The dressage world needs to reclaim its heritage. Classical dressage is known for its ability to rehabilitate ruined horses. It preserves horses into their old age. But "modern" techniques do just the opposite. Come on riders, let's turn this trend around!

This book is also of interest to hunter jumper riders - Dr. Heuschmann points out that overbending happens there too.

So, buy this book and throw away your draw reins!

Easy, Clear, Sensible and For The Good of the Horse
I refer to this book again and again. I am learning dressage to help my horse be strong and healthy and relaxed, and this book shows me what "right" looks like and what "wrong" looks like and why which is which. Interestingly, most of the "wrongs" show high level dressage horses, which reminded me to remain objective, and to not be impressed by "impressive show dressage horses/riders," but to look carefully at the movements and ask if that training builds up the horse or breaks it down. I learned a lot about conformation, too, in this book, and how much we can help our horses. And the "why" of right vs. wrong isn't explained with "because I said so" or sycophantic genuflection at "The Masters." It's explained clearly and anatomically, so that you can see how incorrect riding breaks down and hurts your horse, leading to lamenesses and injury and stress, and how thoughtful riding helps your horse AND your dressage scores. I am so glad to have this book -- as the one responsible for my horse's health, longevity and happiness, this book helps me take good common-sense care of her, even though I am not a vet and can't afford regular lessons/clinics with top trainers. Truly, finding this book is a relief. Now that I see the big picture, I can just practice and try to improve her body and mind with lots of gentle bending and better riding.

Every horse owner and dressage rider should know this
I've recently attended a Gerd Hauschmann clinic and was thrilled to find someone who understands how the horse's back works, and how much riders can affect (afflict!) their horses. The principles that he discusses are 'commonsense' and relate directly to the simple directives that the great masters of riding teach, but it is amazing how many at the clinic were ignorant of the problems they were causing their horses.

I wish all dressage judges were forced to read this book and attend a clinic so that they can see for themselves how quickly a horse responds to correct training\riding rather than today's 'circus dressage' movements.