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Collection or Contortion? Exposing the Misconceptions and Exploring the Truths of Horse Positioning and Bend

40,00 

Collection or Contortion? Exposing the Misconceptions and Exploring the Truths of Horse Positioning and Bend is a critical examination of two concepts—, flexion and bend, —that are necessary to understand in absolute terms when the goal is to achieve collection on horseback. Citing the many masters of classical dressage who wrote essays and even entire books about flexion at the horse’s poll and longitudinal bend of the horse’s body, Dr. Heuschmann strives to conflate the often complex classic literature with the results of his own studies as an expert in equine anatomy and biomechanics.

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Description

A few years ago, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann rocked the equestrian world, by searing indictment of modern training and riding techniques that are sometimes used to the detriment of the horse. Collection or Contortion? Exposing the Misconceptions and Exploring the Truths of Horse Positioning and Bend is a critical examination of two concepts—, flexion and bend, —that are necessary to understand in absolute terms when the goal is to achieve collection on horseback. Citing the many masters of classical dressage who wrote essays and even entire books about flexion at the horse’s poll and longitudinal bend of the horse’s body, Dr. Heuschmann strives to conflate the often complex classic literature with the results of his own studies as an expert in equine anatomy and biomechanics. He meticulously describes various movements used, their desired effects, and the truth behind the rider’s role in each. In addition, he unveils his recommendations for dealing with the horse’s “natural crookedness” and “false bend,” providing basic guidelines for schooling that ensure correct gymnasticization with the end-goal of a more athletic, collected horse in mind, and happier, healthier horses in the long run. 180 p.

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Authors expertises affiliations

  • Gerd Heuschmann. DVM, specialized in equine orthopedics; Head of the Breeding Department at the German Equestrian Federation (FN); Equine Practice Clinic in Warendorf (Germany); and Founding member of Xenophon, an organization dedicated to fighting against mistakes in equestrian sport.
  • Publication date (digital version): 2017-06 – Trafalgar Square Books, Translation edition.

5 reviews for Collection or Contortion? Exposing the Misconceptions and Exploring the Truths of Horse Positioning and Bend

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11 December 2023

anyone trying to ride dressage correctly and humanely should read and follow this book; what you see at World Cup and FEI competitions is abominable

Avatar for Lynn
Lynn
11 December 2023

Highly recommend for anyone wanting to understand more about horse biomechanics, with a view to correct training and rehabilitation. Written in a manner thats easy to understand.

Avatar for J. M. Moiser
J. M. Moiser
11 December 2023

The book is well written, easy to follow and makes the difficult things easy! There is so many pieces falling into its place and my overall understanding of dressage training is deepening.

Avatar for Jorunn
Jorunn
11 December 2023

Another fantastic book from this author! Great for every rider and equine therapist to better understand biomechanics and how we can help our horses vs. hindering and hurting them with our training methods. I hope many people read this book so more horses can be helped. Thank you.

Avatar for Tracy Vroom
Tracy Vroom
11 December 2023

Thoughtful and detailed book with very helpful illustrations. I found the anatomical aspects particularly interesting to reflect on. These are important concepts to understand, and I hope they will be more widely studied by professionals and amateurs alike.

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Womble