This lovely book follows the training of three young horses, from their first schooling experiences to the execution of classical airs at the age of nine. Each of the three horses in this book have different personalities and capabilities, which prompt the author to draw upon his vast equestrian experience and highlight particular aspects of communication and technique throughout.
New things are forgotten old things - this rediscovery of the past is especially important in horsemanship and equestrian sports. Despite advances in sciences and technology, the physiologies and psychologies of the two principal agents, the equid and the human, have undergone relatively few changes since horse domestication. The studies collected in this volume outline such essential and recurring challenges in equestrianism as gender issues, equine identification, the use of hyperflexion and groundwork in training, as well as many others, from prehistory to this day.
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.
Dressage is often seen as the most formal and controlled of the equine sports, following an ancient, standardized training progression. For philosopher and dressage instructor Dr. Sherry Ackerman, dressage is much more. It — along with riding in general — can be a transformational art and an avenue for reflection, exploration, and self-knowledge through which a rider can experience liberation from the individual, egoistic self. This second, revised edition of Dressage in the Fourth Dimension is a pioneer work in awakening “dressage consciousness.” Drawing on such diverse sources as sacred geometry, ancient Western and Eastern philosophies, and esoteric spirituality, Ackerman seeks to heal humanity’s alienation from nature through riding. She points us toward the liberation from societal conditioning and normative thinking, and, ultimately, from our own egos. Her concept of the fourth dimension requires us to leave the analytic, objective mind behind and enter into the mystery of inspiration. A short, unique, thought-provoking work that has enjoyed a word-of-mouth reputation among horse people for years, Dressage in the Fourth Dimension will challenge riders’ assumptions about their horses and themselves.
Calm, Forward and Straight must always serve as guiding principles during dressage training and the order of these concepts should not be changed. "In these volumes, I capture and explain the training foundations passed down to us from the great Masters. I provide appropriate exercises to restore, develop, and enhance the horse's natural gaits. This goal is shared in all riding styles and training disciplines, including dressage, jumpers, hunters, western, pleasure, and many others. Book One includes the fundamental training progression from the beginning to the elementary level. The training mastered in Book One is necessary to advance to the collected and extended gaits, pirouette at the canter, tempi flying changes of lead, piaffe and passage that are presented in Book Two." - Francois Lemaire de Ruffieu This work-study program explains how to Divide and Conquer the horse's body parts. To be able to properly perform the exercises the horse should be able to find the appropriate head position independent of the rider. The exercises are beautifully illustrated by hundreds of the author's drawings and diagrams. Using Ruffieu's experiential teaching method, horses and riders are transformed by a wealth of exercises, patterns and aids revealed in a logical, progressive sequence.
This book, is the anticipated English translation of "MEILENSTEINE OSTERREICHISCHER REITKUNST" Find out how Austria came to be the safe hold of such a wealth of equestrian tradition: Dr. Werner Poscharnigg eloquently answers this question by chronicling the development of the classical practices in this region of Europe. Austrian Art of Riding traces the contributions of pivotal Austrian horsemen through 500 years of elegance and ease in the equestrian art. Over 140 illustrations--many previously unpublished or little-known--along with inaccessible documents reveal the development of a culture of the thinking rider imbued with careful, loving training that results in a healthy, durable high school horse. Equestrians world-wide who admire fine horsemanship and seek the subtle, passionate, masterful handling of the horse, will find the methods they pursue here, in Austrian horsemanship as they have been for centuries. "Dr. Werner Poscharnigg's stunningly produced Austrian Art of Riding is special for....the incredible illustrations which show good balance in both man and horse in different situations and....a shining pride of achievement, commitment of endeavour and desire for perfection." - Sylvia Loch "Austrian Art of Riding is a major contribution to the understanding of classical riding principles...The Austro-Hungarian classical training method is without fear of force, artifice and cruelty. Instead, it is a monument to impeccable trust between horse and rider. The ennobled horse becomes able to move better than he ever could have had he been left alone in nature. Through correct riding, the rider is elevated in character and his virtues are multiplied." - Charles de Kunffy "Austrian Art of Riding...leads the reader on an exciting journey through the Cultural History of Austria, illuminating five centuries of equestrian advances. The Spanish Riding School in Vienna, the European cradle and sanctuary of classical riding since the Baroque era is masterfully documented in text and illustrations. Historical events are harmoniously melded with the equestrian milestones of the Riding Masters of the past." - Karl Mikolka Dr.Werner Poscharnigg's writing is appreciated the world over for its eloquent style, polished language and reliable expertise. This learned horseman, speaking from personal experience and accurate research, takes us on a pleasurable reading journey rich in detailed information. He makes his home near Graz, in Southern Austria.
Nuno Oliveira was one of the last of the great international riding masters. He revealed much of his own personality and philosophy in his writing, examining and explaining classical techniques with clarity and brilliance. The book emphasizes lightness and harmony, reflecting a deep love and respect for the horse.
As commandant of the cavalry school Alexis-Francois L'Hotte (1825-1904) was obliged to use the methods of the Comte d'Aure, but with his own horses practised the teachings of Baucher. He became one of France's greatest riders.
The future of "Dressage" is at a crossroads today. That sounds like a dramatic statement but it is very true. Competitive Dressage is abandoning the very rules that its top governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (F. E. I.) is responsible to uphold, leading to a crisis in Competitive Dressage. Money and popularity rule the day. From their inception, the F. E. I. rules were established to protect horses and to uphold the basic principles that are true for all horses, regardless of the style of riding. Broken or Beautiful explains in-depth: What the rules are, Why they are important, How they are being disrespected, and How they are causing harm to horses. For every top competitor today, there are thousands of riders copying what is perceived as "good training" because their role models are "winning." So-called "Modern Dressage" is being imitated by the masses to the extreme detriment of the horse. We offer an alternative path to the many dressage riders that are questioning what is on display in the competitive world today, riders that want to re-affirm and follow the Correct Classical Principles. The prevailing measure of all correct dressage training is to help the horse to become the happy athlete that is so often mentioned in the F. E. I. Rule Book. We offer this book in love of the Horse, love of Dressage, love of beauty, and joy that can honestly be part of our everyday experience with our horses, both in and out of the show ring. Dominique Barbier & Liz Conrod
