In Gerd Heuschmann's new book, Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage, he writes a Preface directed to the USA (UK and other English speaking countries). Here are some excerpts:
"...Europe and Germany... has had an enormous influence... in the development of equestrian sport all over the world."
"...in order to cater to the market, the horse-training process is being shortened ... A group of trainers has evolved who strive only for the quickest way to success."
"Such a monetary goal... isn't something fundamentally wrong, however, if on the way to such success the horse is reduced to a mere object... is not only very dangerous but also morally questionable."
"Some horses are being trained with mechanical and technical devices in the shortest time possible... being trained mechanically."
"Other nations... are attempting to emulate these quick training methods... "hand-dominated" riding is also being copied."
"Riders and trainers... in... the United States are widely imitating this procedure... despite the fact that hand and strength-dominated riding isn't part of the American way of riding at all. Remember... a light and horse-friendly riding style [of the US]."
"...it's an American, living... in Germany... who is showing the entire equestrian world that riding with feel and delicacy in harmony with the horse... leads to great success."
Heuschmann will be giving a seminar at the International Dressage Symposion, Maplewood Warmbloods, Middletown, NY, in October, and subsequently a clinic for the Utah Dressage Society, February 12, 13, 14.
Watch for his 60-minute DVD, "Stimmen der Pferd" ("If Horses Could Speak") on the biomechanical exploitation of horses.
4 comments:
My dear fellow.
I see that no one has commented on your view of the Icelandic horse and I believe dear chap the reason is that no one believes in what you are presenting to the world by your statements.
I must ask: Have you yourself at any point of your life tried an Icelander? I must say that I don't believe so.
The Icelandic horse has an independent will of his own and also is very willing to press forward which means that one, being the rider, must keep pace.
Feeling a bit sorry for you my dear chap for revealing your incompetence to the rest of the world.
Sincerely,
An Icelandic horseman.
Ah, an anonymous commenter!
No substance, no support.
If you read the following article, and other articles, you will find that many top horsemen agree with me:
Cavallo Article
Perhaps the Icelandic-style riders should learn about horsemanship and stop making excuses for the horse and themselves.
You signed as: "An Icelandic horseman."
Is that an oxymoron?
You said: "The Icelandic horse has an independent will of his own and also is very willing to press forward which means that one, being the rider, must keep pace."
If the horse is not working *with* the rider, maybe he is not trained well enough; perhaps the rider doesn't know enough about inter-species communication; or perhaps the horse is trying to run out from the tack that may be uncomfortable / painful.
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