GERD HEUSCHMANN

German rider and equine veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschmann is well-known in dressage circlesadmired for his plain speaking regarding what he deems the incorrect and damaging training methods commonly employed by riders and trainers involved in competition today. Here, he presents an intelligent and thought-provoking exploration of both classical and modern training methods, including hyperflexion (also known as Rollkur), against a practical backdrop of the horses basic anatomy and physiology.In a detailed yet comprehensible fashion, Dr. Heuschmann describes parts of the horses body that need to be correctly developed by the dressage rider. He then examines how they function both individually and within an anatomical system, and how various schooling techniques affect these parts for the good, or for the bad. Using vivid color illustrations of the horses skeletal system, ligaments, and musculature, in addition to comparative photos depicting correct versus incorrect movementand most importantly, photos of damaging schooling methodsDr. Heuschmann convincingly argues that the horses body tells us whether our riding is truly gymnasticizing and building the horse up, or simply wearing it down and tearing it apart.He then outlines his ideal physiological education of the horse. Training should mirror the mental and physical development of the horse, fulfilling classical requirementssuch as regularity of the three basic gaits, suppleness, and acceptance of the bitrather than disregarding timetested values for quick fixes that could lead to the degradation of the horses wellbeing. Dr. Heuschmanns assertion that the true objectives of dressage schooling must never be eclipsed by simple mechanical perfection is certain to inspire riders at all levels to examine their riding, their riding goals, and the techniques they employ while pursuing them.