Tug of War: Classical Versus “Modern” Dressage – Gerd Heuschmann
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 reccommend 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.
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.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent advice for someone training in dressage
This book made me realize the difference between natural dressage and “fake” dressage. Many riders are seduced into forcing our poor horses into the false head sets that we see…
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tug of War
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…
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must reading
This is the book your horse wants you to read, regardless of riding discipline. I wish every show barn had a copy of this on display.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Riders should understand this book
This book explains why classical training and riding methods are critical for the health of your horse.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Importance of Classical Training.
The picture on the cover is heartbreaking because one sees it too often. It is wonderful that this book has been written.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
So much more than the title implies
This book is a treasure… I am a dressage rider of many years and bought this book on a whim. The title does not do the content justice.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
a wake up call
I have always cringed when I heard of or seen horses ridden under the influence of rollkur, but never had a scientific basis for that distaste.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tug of War Classical Versus “Modern” Dressage
Tug of War by Dr. Gerd Heuschmann is important, essential reading for dressage riders all over the world.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book, Could Use More Illustrations
I concur with everything that the other posters wrote but wanted to add that its one caveat is that there aren’t a lot of illustrations to show what the author is talking about…
April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
dressage exercises in the light of the horses anatomy
Finally someone who comes with evidence that modern dressage has gone off track, and NOT for the good of the horse…
Dr.
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
tks for the effort you put in here I appreciate it!