DRESSAGE FORMULA

by Erik Herbermann. Foreword by Egon von Neindorff. Hardcover, 208pp £16.99. JA Allen.

September 9, 2008

This is the completely revised fourth edition of the dressage classic that was first published in 1980.

Illustrated throughout by black and white photographs, the format is unique in that it is a step by step guide to practical training. The book is split into eight main sections, of which four are the "nuts and bolts" of horsemanship. For example, section two's "The seat and position" is broken into a dozen steps, so the rider knows what function each part of the body is intended to perform, and how it is to do so.

To illustrate this, here's number 011: "Lower Leg and Foot". The five main points here are explained, as is how to attain the correct function, why, and techniques to improve understanding. As an example, here's one of the points:

• Heels must be the lowest point of the rider. (This is an end result of sitting correctly, when the whole leg ends up hanging relaxed in the stirrup.) The 'attitude' of the heels should say the same thing as the seat bones say. Avoid jamming the heels down, or bracing against the stirrups. Always keep the ankle joint relaxed. This:
  • Gives our whole seat/position an attitude of going forward with the horse.
  • Is a living part of stretching from heel to head.
  • Helps draw the weight into the seat; keeps the centre of mass down in the 'basement'.
  • Helps to stabilise the lower leg.

Nearly all points benefit from the addition of extra notes from the author.

But the sections on the aids and working the horse are the largest, understandably. Each exercise is categorised, starting with preparatory work (loosening), followed by the actual work (suppling exercises), and then moving into collecting exercises. Collected (High School) work, including canter pirouettes and piaffe and passage are also covered, as are airs above the ground.

Again, additional notes and observations are included, allowing the student to learn - and hopefully retain - little "snippets" of information as they go.

So many riders appear to be more of a hindrance to their horse than a help. This book aims to encourage riders to gain the most pleasure and education from riding. As the author says in the final section of observations, "it is far easier to detract from the horse's natural integrity and beauty than to enhance them".

ISBN: 9780851319520

About the author:

Erik Herbermann was born in Amsterdam in 1945. At an early age, he moved with his family to Johannesburg and ten years later moved to Canada. His initial equestrian training was with Patricia Salt FBHS, herself a pupil of Richard Watjen and Oberbereiter Lindenbauer at the Spanish Riding School. Subsequently, he studied under the celebrated Classical riding teacher Egon von Neindorff whose annual displays of classical equitation are renowned throughout the world.