Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses' Health [Hardcover]

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2007

Describing the basic anatomy and physiology of the horse, this book by an experienced veterinarian identifies widely-used incorrect training methods—especially in dressage—that can undermine a horse's health and well-being. Starting with the question Who is responsible for this? the book looks at breeders, breed associations, instructors, judges, riders, spectators, and the governing bodies of horse sports. The hyperflexion issue, the discussion shows, is that training affects horses both for good and for ill, and riders should reject any methods that cause pain or fail to respect the mental habits and physiological needs of their animals.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent book not only for those involved with dressage, but for the hunter/jumper/combined training disciplines as well."  —Today's Equestrian

"I strongly recommend this book for all. This book is a must for anyone with any pretentions to riding."  —British Horse

"Should be given as compulsory reading to all judges, trainers, riders—both competitve and weekend—and breeders."  —Nathalie Todd, member, The Classical Riding Club

"Packed with provocative, inspiring information. Read this remarkable book."  —The Aiken Horse

"This is a very important book for riders because Heuschmann addresses the current tendency to derail classical dressage riding." —USDF Connection (March 14, 2011)

About the Author

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann is a veterinarian with a research interest in the training of horses in equestrian sports.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570763755
• ISBN-13: 978-1570763755
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Horses > Riding
  • #59 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Horses > Equestrian

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the horse's sake, November 25, 2007

By 

Rebecca Olmsted (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses' Health (Hardcover)

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!

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy, Clear, Sensible and For The Good of the Horse, January 23, 2008

By 

revitup - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses' Health (Hardcover)

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.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Every horse owner and dressage rider should know this, November 21, 2007

By 

Vivien Dostine "Viv" (Auckland New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses' Health (Hardcover)

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 training\riding rather than today's 'circus dressage' movements.