Dressage Formula [Hardcover]

Erik Herbermann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1999

Based on the principles of the classical school, this book covers both the aesthetic and practical aspects of riding and training.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Erik Herbermann trains riders in the US, Canada, and Great Britain.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: J. A. Allen; 3 edition (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851317537
• ISBN-13: 978-0851317533
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,252,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best explanation of dressage basics anywhere., March 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dressage Formula (Hardcover)

This book lives by my bed and I will soon have to buy another copy because there is no more room for marginal notes, comments, etc. If I could only recommend one book about riding this would be it. There is beautiful writing here about the goals, aims and principles of classical riding, but even more helpful to the rider are the detailed chapters on the basics. Ever wondered why those great classical riders make it all look so effortless, while everyone else is huffing and puffing and fighting with their horses? Everyone talks about how important basics are and how riders spend too little time mastering them before trying to do "the movements," but most dressage books spend perhaps a few pages on position and aids and then jump right into shoulder-in and it's off to the races. Herbermann puts his money where his mouth is and actually devotes an entire book to explaining all the tiny details that go into creating the basic foundation for classical, harmonious riding. Basics, basics, basics! Chapters on the seat and position, the aids, and the signs of correct and incorrect work. If you want to get away from "band-aid" riding --riding from correction to correction-- and find a guide into the realm of correct, harmonious, classical work, this book is the place to start. This is one of the most uncompromising -- and inspiring -- discussions of the principles of classical riding you will ever read.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the best on classical riding, February 10, 2001

By 

Duaa Anwar "Dressage rider/ Author" (Cairo, Egypt) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dressage Formula (Hardcover)

The amount of elaboration in this book about the true basics of classical riding makes it by far one of the best available dressage books on the market. The 'basics' does not make this book for amateurs, because even some advanced riders have not had the basics cleared. I was inspired by Herbermann's respect for the horse and his approach on making training more pleasurable for horses. His simple and clear instuction on the essence of classical riding makes it within reach of every rider. The first part of the book focuses on the rider's position and aids. Later on, collection and advanced work is described in detail. He doesn't get into very advanced stages though...flying changes, canter pirouettes, piaffe, passage, etc., are not covered. The book is about getting the basics right.

The title of the book very much explains what it is about - the formula that will help you reach new heights with your horse. I recommend this book to every rider willing to give their horse more comfort and joy in dressage.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars practical guidance from a classical master, December 6, 1999

By 

Jessica B. Woodhouse (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dressage Formula (Hardcover)

This book is a fantastic practical guide for classical riders! Eric Herbermann is a long-time student of Egon von Neindorff, widely regarded as one of the great living classical masters. I have never ridden at von Neindorff's Reitinstitut, but my understanding from those who have is that Herbermann's book (approved by von Neindorff) reflects Reitinstitut teachings very closely.

Straightforward, well-illustrated outline format sections on the seat, the aids, and correct basic work give wonderfully clear guidance to riders, while prose chapters on the philosophy and aims of classical horsemanship emphasize the spiritual values on which the art form is based. The section on the "most common position corrections" should be prominently posted in every dressage arena!

This book concentrates on the stuff too few people talk about -- the years of work toward gaining a correct seat that must precede any truly classical riding, and the rewards along the way of watching your horses become happy and beautiful. Focus is on improving the average horse and working on correct basics, not movements. This is a great contrast from all the competition oriented books that focus on teaching movements to the superhorse and rider, without talking enough about the development of the basic work.

Cannot praise this book highly enough. It is a practical bible for any classical rider.