Equestrian Facts

Jul 19 2010

Tug of War: Classical Versus “Modern” Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses’ Health

13 responses so far

13 Responses to “Tug of War: Classical Versus “Modern” Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses’ Health”

1. # Wowashion 18 Aug 2009 at 1:37 am

   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!

2. # Anonymouson 18 Aug 2009 at 1:55 am

   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 trainingriding rather than today’s ‘circus dressage’ movements.

3. # Nahuatlon 18 Aug 2009 at 2:36 am

   4.0 out of 5 stars
   Wish it had even more examples of “wrong”
   The anatomy discussions in the book are pretty intense. Generally people agree when they see a horse and rider performing good work that it is good.

4. # Anonymouson 18 Aug 2009 at 3:08 am

   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.

5. # Galenon 18 Aug 2009 at 4:30 am

   4.0 out of 5 stars
   About time, too!
   I’ve been enjoying this book immensely. It has really made me think about the way I ride and the way I teach.

6. # Zuzelaon 18 Aug 2009 at 5:15 am

   5.0 out of 5 stars
   GREAT BOOK!!!!!
   A timely book in this era of competitive dressage for the thinking and critical horseperson. I attended his seminar and clinic, and it is a MUST SEE!

7. # Yeardleighon 18 Aug 2009 at 7:40 am

   5.0 out of 5 stars
   A must read
   This book explained in easy to read format and with excellent pictures how to tell whether the horse is being trained and ridden correctly.

8. # Osmanon 18 Aug 2009 at 8:54 am

   5.0 out of 5 stars
   a wake up call
   I have always cringed when I heard of or seen horses ridden under the influence of rollkur, but never had a scientific basis for that distaste.

9. # Tillyon 18 Aug 2009 at 10:16 am

   5.0 out of 5 stars
   Tug of War Classical Versus “Modern” Dressage
   Tug of War by Dr. Gerd Heuschmann is important, essential reading for dressage riders all over the world.

10. # Bastienon 18 Aug 2009 at 12:15 pm

    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Excellent Book, Could Use More Illustrations
    I concur with everything that the other posters wrote but wanted to add that its one caveat is that there aren’t a lot of illustrations to show what the author is talking about…

11. # Prosperon 18 Aug 2009 at 1:10 pm

    5.0 out of 5 stars
    dressage exercises in the light of the horses anatomy
    Finally someone who comes with evidence that modern dressage has gone off track, and NOT for the good of the horse…
    Dr.

12. # Ulanion 18 Aug 2009 at 1:15 pm

    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Riders should understand this book
    This book explains why classical training and riding methods are critical for the health of your horse.

13. # Editaon 18 Aug 2009 at 3:47 pm

    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Importance of Classical Training.
    The picture on the cover is heartbreaking because one sees it too often. It is wonderful that this book has been written.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.