Justine Wilson Dressage

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann

Every rider, trainer 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.

JW