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11/12/2009

Equitation/extra

Its time hyperflexion is banned. Like rape, and murder, and cruelty as such. The reader will judge the chances, that - declared torture and made illegal - the Rollkur will in fact disappear.

Seeing this rider is painful. Yes, why did no one step in? How can such practice not cause an immediate uproar? But - isn't it time to ask a few questions on behalf of the rider? Why does he see it fit to do what he does. Because it looks like Anky Van Grundsven? Or does he have reasons of his own?

Quite obviously the horse is not straight. The vertebra is stressed. The horse is on the forehand. There is not one indication horse and/or rider would pass even a simple entry level dressage test. So, how come they qualify for World Cup dressage tests? 

Not long ago I saw a similar thing at the annual Winter Dressage Festival in St. Lo, Normandy. What was worse: The rider was but a teenager. He had no sense of doing things wrong. He was riddled with fear of his gorgeous young Hannovarian stallion. The beauty of the horse and the elegance of his outfit stood in stark contrast to his dilemma and the horse's suffering. 

Isn't it time for a new informed modern equitation?

Posted at 09:45 PM |

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Categories

Events to Visit

  • August Sander in Paris
    The exhibition August Sander: "Voir, observer et penser" at the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson opened September 9, 2009. It will continue through mid-December 2009. Don't miss it if/when you are in Paris.

Videos to Watch

  • Anna
    Some stories are too complex to share and too touching. In any rate, here is Anna - after she fixed herself -, walking, tracking and in balance again. She and her rider learning the shoulder-in. In the background, Beth Darrall (see Events), helping Fallada to get the best of herself.
  • Direct and Indirect Rein
    This video is commented in German. It illustrates the use of the direct and the indirect rein for movements on the spot and making the horse straight.

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About Reading Here

Sites to See

  • Ein Klassiker/A Classic
    Diese Text ist auch heute noch so informative wie vor 2000 Jahren und mehr. Fünf Übersetzungen stehen zur Verfügung. This text today is as controversial and thought provoking as it was some 2000 plus years ago. The German site provides five parallel translations.
  • Aus statisch wird dynamisch/Static goes dynamic
    ..., und - macht's gut August, Chargesheimer und nun Gigi/..., and - farewell August, Chargesheimer and now Gigi...
  • Indiens eldle Pferde/India's noble horses
    Nach und nach kommt es heraus. Es gibt weitere noble Pferderassen weltweit./Slowly news about yet another noble equine race is seeping in.
  • Craig Stevens: "How to speak to the horse/Wie mit dem Pferd sprechen?"
    Google for more/Google für mehr Information. Es lohnt sich.
  • David Rothenberg: "Mit Walen Musik machen/Making Music with Whales"
    Ein erstaunliches Projekt/An absolutely astounding projekt
  • Christine Sander, "Die Elemente der Reiterei (2007)"
    Dieser Text, der auch als Taschenbuch - aber im Moment vergriffen - erschienen ist, entstand unter dem Eindruck von fast fünf Jahren, die ich praktisch nur zu Pferd verbracht habe. Seither habe ich die Recherche zur Rolle der Haltung (Pferd und Reiter) gemacht, und daraus ist das Buch "Posture, Not Only in Equitation..." geworden (leider bisher nur in English auf humuncu.li zu lesen).
  • Christine Sander: "The Elements of Equitation (2007)"
    This text, in a short German version, was first published in 2007. The first four of sixteen chapters of the English on-line version have been expanded in Winter 2009. Testing the additional information is "study-horsemanship's" daily work these days. Twelve more chapters await additions. Some restructuring has taken place. Final conclusions will have to wait. One thing, however, is evident: There is another horse in the horse we normally get to see.
  • Humuncu.li
    The brain map of a.i.s.' first and major project "Study-Horsemanship": Checking into how equitation functions.
  • The Oppo Seat
    Here is a seat that may fit here. And concepts to admire.
  • Theatre, plus...
    There is an affinity to theatre, music and training horses. In these "living" arts no breaks may interrupt the flow of energy and performance. We wish you all the best, Nina alias Raelle. Whow - what an encouragement you are!
  • Cultural Content in the Web
    Talking about cultural content in the web: This beautiful and informative site is recommended reading for anyone interested in photography today.

Books to Read

  • "The Art of Horsemanship", by Xenophon
    Quoting Xenophon: ".... I think, as I have said all along, that it is the best lesson to give the horse a season of rest whenever it has behaved to his rider's satisfaction".
  • "Werner Heisenberg" by Gregor Schieman
    An easy to read German summary of Werner Heisenberg's life, work and impact on how modern man increasingly views himself: Alone, standing before God. Heisenberg, in the first part of the 20th Century, provided the mathmatical basis for Quantum Mechanic's practical application and its command in today's technology.
  • "Der aufrechte Mensch" by Robert Schleip
    A conclusive set of exercises for all who safely, soundly and pleasurable would like to improve their posture and the way they walk. The author draws on extensive personal experience and his professional knowledge of Feldenkrais, Rolfing, Alexander Technic and Hakomi. Dr. R. Schleip today is a scientist, devoted to fascia research and promotes a world-wide interest in fascia.
  • "A History of God", by Karen Armstrong
    This book represents an enormous research effort aimed at illustrating, how humanity in the Western hemisphere has formed its perception of a one and only God. It traces the history and development of Judaism, Christianity and Islam from the origins to today.
  • "The Brain That Changes Itself", by Norman Doidge
    "On the forefront of my book shelve...", our son put it. A book about how the body orients itself in space. But that is not all... This book is consulted by anyone interested in the living body, movement and the astounding plasticity of the brain.