Collection or Contortion

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.

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann trained as a Bereiter (master rider) in Germany before attending veterinary school at Munich University. There he specialized in equine orthopedics for two years before accepting a post as the head of the breeding department at the German FN, which he eventually left to start his own practice in Warendorf. He has been an active member of the hyperflexion (Rollkur) debate, weighing in at numerous symposiums and workshops around the world, as well as writing the bestselling books Tug of War, Balancing Act and creating the DVD If Horses Could Speak. With Kurd Albrecht von Ziegner, he has authored a new book: "H. Dv. 12 on the Training of Horse and Rider with Commentary" offered by Xenophon Press.

Richard Williams began riding in Canada at the age of eleven. He was introduced to Dressage at fifteen, and has since devoted his life to the promotion of Classical Horsemanship. Mr. Williams is widely-read in equestrian literature and has attended many lecture series and symposiums on the subject. He has completed judges' forums, instructors' seminars, and other significant educational events dealing with classical equitation. Since 1983, Mr. Williams has instructed private students in dressage, and has presented clinics in many different states.Currently, Mr. Williams continues the work of Xenophon Press founder, Ivan Bezugloff. Xenophon Press is alive and well bringing historic and new classical equestrian works to print in the English language. This has further increased the knowledge base Mr. Williams uses in his teaching and training process.