The well-known veterinarian, trainer and author, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann devotes himself to the topic that is central to developing collection: correct bending and positioning. He shows how we can strengthen and condition the horse's haunches to bear more weight and alleviate and lighten the load on the forehand, thus preserving it, and protecting the delicate front legs from injury. The only way to go from a horse in ordinary, horizontal balance to a collected horse is through the path of correct bending. The anatomical and bio-mechanical background of this important training component is explained here for the first time in writing, taking into account anatomy and the science of movement.

The necessity of riding in a specific and correct way, and the corresponding development have been known since the 19th century, however, why we must use this method has not been explained in depth, until now.

This book will help you understand the multi-dimensional, functional way the horse can best carry us.

This work includes many topics, including:

Why halt a horse, why bend it?

Positioning and bending in classical equestrian literature.

The horse's natural crookedness

The correct positioning of the horse - a requirement for correct bending

The biomechanics of positioning and bending.

This book is a must have for every trainer and rider!

This edition's translation was completely re-checked and redone by Xenophon Press editor and publisher in chief, Richard F. Williams, an expert dressage trainer and teacher. All changes and corrections were made directly in consultation and discussion with the author, Gerd Heuschmann and the result is a clear, exact authentic translation of the original German text. This book covers a vital, often missing concept behind the mystery of how to collect horses progressively.

German rider and equine veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschmann is well-known in dressage circles-admired 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 horse's basic anatomy and physiology.

In a detailed yet comprehensible fashion, Dr. Heuschmann describes parts of the horse's 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 horse's skeletal system, ligaments, and musculature, in addition to comparative photos depicting correct versus incorrect movement-and most importantly, photos of damaging schooling methods-Dr. Heuschmann convincingly argues that the horse's 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 requirements-such as regularity of the three basic gaits, suppleness, and acceptance of the bit-rather than disregarding time-tested values for quick fixes that could lead to the degradation of the horse's well-being. Dr. Heuschmann's 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.

In no uncertain terms, this book asks what it means to be a responsible rider, and whether, in today's society, it is indeed possible for equestrians in any horse sport to put the good of the horse first and foremost, and above ambition and fame.

With vibrantly clear illustrations of the horse's anatomy and how it is impacted by various riding techniques, Balancing Act presents proof that, although some steps have been taken to prevent the use of forceful and cruel techniques, many sport horses still perform in pain and discomfort. With detailed, practical information on horse physiology and multiple examples of poor riding in pictures so that the reader can avoid similar pitfalls, Dr. Heuschmann gives all of us reasons to examine ourselves and those around us through the lens of the horse's welfare. As a veterinarian with thorough knowledge of the working equine's body, Dr. Heuschmann ultimately intends through his expos to show how bad horse-training methods can be eradicated in favor of far more humane ones.

Readers will also find five chapters full of researched and proven recommendations for retraining horses with behavioral or biomechanical issues related to poor training techniques, including:

• The tense horse.
• The rein-lame horse.
• The horse with gait deviations.
• The hyperflexed horse.
• The unbalanced horse that is off the aids.