Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative [Hardcover]

Philippe Karl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2008

One of the most outspoken critics of the modern dressage world reveals some disturbing facts about the physical, anatomical, and mental effects through official dressage guidelines as issued by the German Horse Society (FN) on horses. By comparing these with philosophies of masters of classical riding such as La Gueriniere and Baucher, he shows possible solutions to the challenging situation of modern competitive dressage. After describing the effects of modern dressage, breeding, and business, the author suggests a classical alternative—the philosophy of "legerity."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Philippe Karl is a breeder and rider, and former member of the Cadre Noir, the French elite riding school in Saumur. His other titles include Long Reining.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Cadmos Books (November 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3861279533
• ISBN-13: 978-3861279532
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #271,734 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary book, December 3, 2008

By 

Marianna (WA State) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative (Hardcover)

This is the best book on dressage that I have ever read. It explains in perfectly clear detail the theory and practice of how to create a light compliant and contented dressage horse. Though I work with a wonderful classical instructor, this book has helped me and my horses immeasurably. The title makes it sound like just a criticism of modern competitive dressage, but that is the smallest part of the book. With text and truly wonderful diagrams and photographs, it lays out a method for training a dressage horse in the intelligent, effective, kind and patient way of the old masters. A side benefit and pleasure are many old photos of the masters of the past. Buy this book!! Your horse will love you for it.
Marianna

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential book for all dressage riders!, January 8, 2009

By 

L. Heath "Avid Reader" (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative (Hardcover)

This is the best dressage book I have purchased/read in a long time! It is far more than the title suggests. It addresses the correct biomechanics of horse movement and some of the problems with various popular training methods used today. However, it also provides an in-depth look at Philippe Karl's training methods from the very basics all the way up to grand prix movements. The entire book is illustrated with beautiful, classically correct photos and fantastically helpful diagrams. The descriptions and explanations of aids, biomechanics, and movements are very clear and make so much sense! I can't say enough good things about this book and it should definitely be a must read for every dressage rider. He also has 4 DVDs available which are an excellent compliment to this book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and clear, February 9, 2009

By 

Simone Windeler "Keep the horse first" (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage: A Search for a Classical Alternative (Hardcover)

I purchased this book after I had seen the video Classic vs Classique. Mr. Karl give a clear explanation on biomechanics of the horse and the influence certain riding and training techniques have on the horse. While he chooses a controversial style (he quotes either the German FN Rules or FEI rules and proceeds to explain why they don't work)- I find him to be right on most of the time. For those riders that a critical thinkers and don't just want to believe everything they are told by instructors - this book is a true eye opener. Too many horses are trained with the wrong methods and when those methods fail, the horse is declared to "not be good enough". It is high time, that someone reviewed current methods and showed how wrong many of them are.