Tug of War: Classical versus Modern Dressage

Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect “Modern” Riding Negatively Affects Horses’ Health

Gerd Heuschmann

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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.
Additional Information

Author: Gerd Heuschmann

Format: Paperback, eBook

Page Count: 144

Illustrations: 76 color photos, 20 color illustrations

ISBN: 9781570769139

By Gerd Heuschmann

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann trained as a Bereiter (master rider) in Germany before attending veterinary school at Munich University. There he specialized in equine orthopedics 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. He has been an active member of the hyperflexion (Rollkur) debate, weighing in at numerous symposiums and workshops around the world, as well as writing the bestselling books Tug of War, Balancing Act, and creating the video If Horses Could Speak. 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 against serious mistakes in equestrian sport (gerdheuschmann.de).

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Today’s Equestrian Says:

“This is a very timely and important book.”

USDF Connection Says:

“Someone had to sit down and write a book to say this has to stop and Heuschmann has done it so well and with good reasoning.”