Customer Reviews

Riding Logic

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mueseler of the German School writes a useful text in understanding dressage & riding in general. It has long been a classic & should be considered a must-read.

This book is super for anyone who truly wants to become a good rider. It has helped me numerous times to understand what my trainer was trying to tell me. A simple, logical explanation is given for the horses' reactions to my actions. I find myself referring to it regularly and understanding something new each time.

A classic aimed at the dressage rider yet applicable to all who desire a true partnership with their horse. Museler provides clear explanations and graphic illustrations on the training of the horse and rider from the basics of balance and feel to correcting disobedience and advanced training. First published in 1937, 'Riding Logic' provides practical steps to achieving the sympathetic partnership advocated by todays natural horsemen

This is the best primer for riding that I have read. It is the only book that I have read that explains the kinesthetics of riding and explains why certain actions cause a result. There is a lot of excellent advice for improving your riding skill and improving your horse. This is the only book that I buy for people who like riding and want to learn the mechanics.

This book is an excellent book, and explains collection in clear terms. Collection is so often misunderstood as simply bringing the horse's head down into position, instead of learning how to get your horse to shift his weight into his hindquarters, really push with his back end, round his back, and lift his forehand. This book is a must-read for any rider in any discipline, english or otherwise.

As a rider, a student of biomechanics and dressage judge, I have my copy of Museler and do not regret purchasing it. I do understand that it is a classic publication. However, if you have limited cash, you would do much better to purchase the platinum standard book for the independent seat of dressage, AN ANATOMY OF RIDING by Heinrich and Volker Schusdziarra (father and son medical doctors). They wrote their book after being given a copy of Museler. In order to settle discussions about dressage riding by referring to Human Anatomy, they found fundamental problems with the Museler account. These problems include Museler's invention of "sacral muscles" which do not exist. They also shed light on Museler's term, "bracing the back," which can lead to problems with the dressage seat. Their critique of Museler is sensitive and detailed, with much clearer diagrams. My copy of Museler has such tiny illustrations that they are hard to make out. On second thought, you may wish to purchase both the Museler book and the Schusdziarra book and make up your own mind. I fervently hope the second Schusdziarra book "Reitergesprache: Der Weg zum unabhängigen Sitz" (Conversations with Riders: The Way to An Independent Seat) will be translated soon, as it continues the ideas from "An Anatomy."

This book was first recommended to me many years ago by my uncle, a professional horseman of recognized fame and expertise.

Meuseler's "Riding Logic" is the product of an old-school master of the classical equestrian art. The age-old understanding of the horse, its mind, its training, its athletic perfection, its physical soundness, is recognized within the ancient logic he explains. I personally have never found anything to supercede these fundamental truths. The best of the modern exponents actually, recognized through objective analysis, adhere to the principles Meuseler presented so many years ago. Horses themselves, if they could somehow, would revere him.

Riding Logic may be the only book you will ever need about dressage. Museler's detailed explanations along with the diagrams and photographs are clear and easy to understand, even for the beginning dressage rider; in addition, his theoretical approach to writing makes this book the classic it is.

Riding Logic is a fantastic, well-written, easy to understand book on riding. It's better than most current books as far as explaining riding theories. I wish I would have discovered it a long time ago but I'm very glad I have now. Museler initially discusses the rider and how many people have a misconception on what the proper seat is. Then he moves to the horse where he discusses all the stages of training from how to teach your horse to be obedient to your aids to why the horse acts out. He further explains various lessons, going through the gaits, forehand and bending exercises. Then he ends with thorough details on jumping and equipment for the rider and horse. It's just a really amazing book. I recommend it very highly!