Balance in Movement: The Seat of the Rider [Hardcover]

Susanne Von Dietze (Author), Susanne Von Dietze (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2000

The art of successful riding lies in the development of harmony to such a degree that, to the onlooker, horse and rider perform in total unity. The rider's key to this ideal is not a static seat, but one that is capable of making finely tuned movements with which to communicate and remain in perfect balance with the horse. Susanne von Dietze, a well-known physical therapist and riding instructor in her native Germany, has made a study of the complex physical relationship between horses and their riders. In Balance in Movement, she breaks new ground in helping riders to understand the anatomical requirements that are crucial for establishing the perfect seat. She explains how riders can control their movements effortlessly and exactly in order to achieve a uniquely efficient system for aiding and influencing the horse. Illustrated throughout with exceptionally helpful photos and drawings, Balance in Movement is an invaluable contribution to technical equestrian literature.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An intense book… that has much to offer.” -- Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar

“everything is clearly and methodically explained. Exercises on the horse and off help bring practical application to the concepts.” -- Horse Illustrated

“it all comes together to focus on coordination in the body as well as in the application of the aids.” -- Horse Illustrated --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Susanne von Dietze is a physiotherapist, riding instructor, and active dressage competitor. She frequently tours the U.S. and Europe, presenting lectures and clinics.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 175 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing (February 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761558
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761553
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,503,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy 2 copies: 1 for you and 1 for your trainer!, July 14, 2000

By 

music lover "gmw" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Balance in Movement: The Seat of the Rider (Hardcover)

I took up riding as an adult, and have been struggling with sitting the trot on my warmblood mare with extravagant movement. I bought this book based on a review I read in an equestrian magazine, and by the time I had finished the first 3 chapters, went back and ordered 3 more copies (1 for each of my trainers, and 1 for my sister who would otherwise try to steal my copy). It has been incredibly helpful to me personally, and my trainer finds that some of the images and instructions are helping her to get through to other students better, as well. Probably the most valuable book in my rather large equestrian library!

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Found My Seat!, February 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Balance in Movement: The Seat of the Rider (Hardcover)

After two years of off-and-on dressage lessons, I still had not found my seat. This book helped me get a true dressage seat. My horse is so thankful! I bought one to read and highlight, another to lend out. It's especially helpful for trainers to explain the physiological basis for the correct seat, hands, leg, etc. Also, for adults learning to ride, who process information much differently than kids, Susanne von Dietze knows how to explain riding properly. The book contains a lot of helpful photographs, as well as anatomical illustrations. The exercises and stretches are also great. My only beef with the book is that is was translated from German by a German, so the English is awkward at times, but this is a minor quibble.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book for the Thinking Horseman, July 2, 2000

By 

Carol McHale "Dixie Chicken" (Fort Walton Beach, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Balance in Movement: The Seat of the Rider (Hardcover)

"Balance in Movement" is an excellent book for the thinking horseman who wishes to improve his/her communication skills with their horse. The book details how, physically, we ride and how our body, unconsciously or unconsciously, effects the way our horses react. This is not an easy read, the anatomical terms can get a bit unwieldy, but the excellent photos and line drawings illustrate each point clearly, and make rereading sections valuable. This book can be compared favorably with "An Anatomy of Riding" by H. Schusdziarra, MD and V. Schusdziarra, MD., although "Balance in Movement"does not have a specific Dressage focus. I can recommend this book to anyone who has wondered just exactly how to achieve the perfect balance on a moving horse.