Balancing Act: The Horse in Sport - an Irreconcilable Conflict?

This book explores the concept of being a responsible rider and emphasizes the importance of putting the horse's welfare first. It provides evidence of the pain and discomfort experienced by many sport horses due to poor riding techniques and offers recommendations for retraining horses with behavioral or biomechanical issues. The paperback edition includes new observations from the author.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2021
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

This book delves deeply into the concept of being a responsible rider and explores the question of whether it is truly possible for equestrians in any horse sport to prioritize the well-being of the horse above ambition and fame. Through vibrant and detailed illustrations of the horse's anatomy and the impact of various riding techniques, Balancing Act provides compelling evidence that, despite some efforts to prevent the use of forceful and cruel methods, many sport horses continue to endure pain and discomfort. Dr. Heuschmann employs stunning art to illustrate the horse's anatomy and offers numerous examples of poor riding practices, allowing readers to avoid similar pitfalls.

Furthermore, the book includes five chapters that offer researched and proven recommendations for retraining horses with behavioral or biomechanical issues stemming from poor training techniques. These chapters cover various topics such as the tense horse, the rein-lame horse, the horse with gait deviations, the hyperflexed horse, and the unbalanced horse that is completely off the aids.

Published in paperback for the first time, this revised edition includes new observations from the author, making it an essential resource for every conscientious horse person who is committed to riding and training with the utmost regard for the horse's welfare.

Weight: 860g
Dimension: 213 x 261 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908809933