Customer Reviews

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

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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!

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.

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.

This is a book that should be required reading for anyone who gets on a horse's back, and certainly needs to be mandatory for anyone who is registered as a dressage judge. Straight-forward, easy to understand without mind dumbing scientific jargon.

This is a very important book for all dressage riders. Written by a very knowledgeable veterinarian (works directly with Klaus Balkenhol), this book explains the biomechanics of throughness and its importance in preventing lameness in easy to understand terms. Many dressage horses will benefit from thier riders understanding this important concept.

Horses are amazing animals so it is up to us as riders to be educated from all points of view. This book explains in extreme depth and anatomically why rollkur and other harsh methods do nothing for the horse except give them a pain in the neck, poor muscling and other problems. If you are sick of being told that "modern dressage" is the way to go then read and be educated, take a stand for your horse.

Every trainer and rider and judge of dressage horses needs to read this book. After doing so, you will never again wonder if hyperflexion of the neck (rollkur) and absolute elevation are legitimately sound methods of riding and training. You will also be able to spot horses in the arena which have had these methods used on them. You may even become ashamed of how our sport of dressage has progressed in the past few decades.

Dr. Heuschmann definitely has it out for those who choose to ignore the traditional methods. And with reason. With vivid color illustrations of the horse's anatomy and straightforward commentary, he takes time in this book to carefully point out the crucial points of a riding horse's anatomy and how they are affected by both correct and incorrect training techniques. The photographs clearly demonstrate the differences in movement, tension and balance between horses ridden in a traditional manner and those who are not.

As a dressage trainer who has been educated in Germany, it is my sincere hope that with the publishing of this book and support by its readers, it is an indication that we are ready to abolish training techniques that are harmful to our horses.

I would that every rider, regardless of discipline, would read this book. It relates excellent information that goes against the grain of much commonly held training. Our horses would move with more freedom and pleasure and have long careers instead of early retirements. Well illustrated and explained. It's actually a quick read. The principles are simple and consistent. Very accessible.

This book is a must for all riders/trainers who love and care for horses. Reading it was a rude awakening for me since it showed me how harmful my "modern" training and riding were for my horses. I want healthy and happy horses so no more shortcuts for me.
Pascale

Finally a book to educate trainers and riders to think about what they are doing to their horses in the name of "training" Well done.