Have you ever ridden with Gerd Heuschmann?

[Lucky_shamrock]

I just signed up for a clinic with Dr Heuschmann for September with a 2nd/3rd level horse I'm leasing. Has anyone here ever ridden with him? Thoughts?

I am super excited!

Heather

[atr]

I audited him a couple of months ago. He is a charming man and put everyone at their ease.

For one reason and another (last minute Strangles quarantine issue, replacement horses had to be found) he got to work with a very interesting variety of horses, from some pretty fancy warmbloods and Morgans to a paint horse that had spent most of its life on a dude string, and even a couple of NSH's. It was very interesting to see how he could improve the movement of every one of them. He was a good sport too and got on everything that was presented to him, which, as he's not a small guy, presented some interesting pictures!

He has an axe to grind, but he obviously passionately believes in what he is talking about and presents a very credible case.

[Kareen]

I had no idea he was giving riding lessons? Only know him from the veterinary side and reading his recent book is high up on my priority list IF I ever get my 7 day's vacation this year. Happy riding!

[Blkarab]

Is he the author of the book that is bashing the use of rolker? Just curious. It's an interesting and informative read and he sounds like a facinating and passionate instructor.

[ideayoda]

He was not bashing anything, he spent twelve years doing an in depth study (as a vet surgeon) with no preconceptions, but looking for answers as to conditions in horses. The book is the simple simple explaination of balance in training and forces which can be pressed against a horse (incorrect flexion of the vertebral body can put almost a ton of pressure on an area of about 1/4"). His slide show is much more in depth. He is a teacher as well as a vet, is very articulate, and great explaining the whys and wherefores of riding techniques.

[Blkarab]

I didn't mean offense by the "bashing" comment....

The advertisements for the book and the cover photo gave me the impression that it was more about jumping on the current bandwagon of going after those doing severe hyperflexion (rolkur) rather than simply educating about the negative impact that it has on the horse.

I completely disagree with using rolkur or severe hyperflexion. I think that it is a very cruel way to make a horse go.

I have Dr. Heuschmann's book, I just haven't had time to read it all the way through...although I'm working on it. So far, it's a fascinating read.

It sounds like he is a wonderful man and teacher. I hope that he's able to make the rounds to the central US and I would love the opportunity to clinic with him.

[muddyhorse]

I have read his book, scoured his website (www.gerdheuschmann.com), audited his clinics (three times) and I think he's really great. But he looks a bit strange on a horse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQgAtjIuRrU

Also found on youtube (poignant stuff):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAWUJn5RIPQ

Camille

[Dune]

I have read his book, scoured his website (www.gerdheuschmann.com (http://www.gerdheuschmann.com)), audited his clinics (three times) and I think he's really great. But he looks a bit strange on a horse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQgAtjIuRrU

Also found on youtube (poignant stuff):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAWUJn5RIPQ

Camille


Now you've piqued my curiosity...does he advocate riding a horse like he does all the time? Looks like a hunter....nothing wrong with that but you know what I'm trying to say. :confused:

[Schiffon]

That doesn't look like most hunters I've seen. I don't think GH would be in favor of the loose rein, hollow topline seen in many (at least lower level or local) hunters. Seems like GH is trying to show the horse the way to a top line that is stretched round, down and long.

I saw him at the USDF symposium with Balkenhol in Burbank and thought he seemed like a very straightforward, knowledgable, passionate person. However, I would imagine that a few feathers might get ruffled in a riding clinic since he is probably going to do alot with some horses and riders to totally change their balance, posture, and way of moving.

[Blkarab]

I just signed up for a clinic with Dr Heuschmann for September with a 2nd/3rd level horse I'm leasing. Has anyone here ever ridden with him? Thoughts?

I am super excited!

Heather

Is the clinic here in the States or in Germany? I would be interested in attending his clinic if it was close to the Midwest.

[AZ Native]

But he looks a bit strange on a horse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQgAtjIuRrU


Camille

I have his book and Anja Beran's '' Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind''
Notes and Commentary by Heushmann. Both books advocate the seat shown in the video for starting YOUNG horses, untill the horse is strong enough in the back to support the classical seat. My guess is that he was riding a youngster in the video. I cannot recommend Anja's book enough . There are a few utube clips of her available. Wonderful !

[AZ Native]

Now you've piqued my curiosity...does he advocate riding a horse like he does all the time? Looks like a hunter....nothing wrong with that but you know what I'm trying to say. :confused:

No. see above post.:)

[Lucky_shamrock]

He is coming to Central Mass - Holden to be precise. We're in a horse-y black hole around here so I was amazed to hear he was coming to the area!!!

Thanks for all the info and the videos! I just ordered his book to read - should be interesting! I've heard he's very classical in a sense because he is a huge proponent letting the horse find its own balance. Plus I really like that he's a veterinarian and has the knowledge of physiology to back up the training.

Heather