The Literate Rider

SueW · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Northamptonshire, UK

Just a thought, but if slightly more randon dicussion is allowed (I'm new here), this is a topic I would find interesting.

I've just spent a little while in hospital, and while I was in there, I re-read Henry Blake's "Talking with Horses". I was stunned when I realised that everything I have ever done with my horses, since I bought that copy in 1978, has been deeply influenced by that book. At the time it was pretty revelationary in the UK. But looking back on my time with horses, I realised I had taken his principles completely to heart and have acted on them ever since. But it was not until I re-read it that I had realised how much I had adopted as my own.

If anyone had asked prior to this last week, I would have said that Sylvia Stanier's booklet "The Art of Long Reining" had been *the* most influential to me, because it made me understand why the timing of aids is so vitally important to effective riding and I have successfully used this principal in all my teaching ever since. However, Henry Blake's book influenced my personal relationship with horses, and this is the most important thing to me.

Best wishes, Sue

Trudi · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Limousin, FRANCE

Well Sue, for me it would be Horsemanship by Waldemar Seunig. I was given my copy as a 14 year old (30 years ago now) by a friend of my fathers. I found it extremely heavy going to begin with but some years later I found it's true worth. Every time I re-read it or use it to cross reference I find a gem, I just wish I could have taken some of it on board in my early days.

galopp · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 6 Location: washington

Seunig for SURE!!! It is like an onion, no matter how many times you read it, it says something more to you. It has been said it is poorly translated, but I love it.
_________________
unrelenting equine bibliophile

SueW · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Northamptonshire, UK

There is someone there! OK, I've ordered a copy of Horsemanship so I can discuss it sensibly, but it will take about 3 weeks to arrive from the US.

So what I want to know, is *how* this book has influenced you. What one thing do you do because of it that has made your entire equestrian life different and better? Why is it the most influential?

Personally, I find in any book, clinic or whatever, there are usually one or two gems that fit the jigsaw and increase my understanding of what I am trying to do. What were the gems in this book for you?

Cheers, Sue

Trudi · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Limousin, FRANCE

Sue, Sorry it's been a hectic holiday weekend!

I look forward to discussing Seunig as I'm sure there is lots I've missed!

This book was so influential to me in lots of ways but for now I'll just keep it general.
Growing up in the 60's and 70's I learnt to ride in the 'traditional' pony club way. Exercises with leaves strategically placed between saddle and knees/bottom and lots of 'gripping' here and there.
Receiving the book as a teenager it sat between my only other equestrian books, The Pony Club Manual and Keeping a Pony at Grass! I neither knew or probably cared much for it's true worth BUT it had photographs of the incredible Richard Waetjen in piaffe/passage and I remember thinking that he looked so amazing and that one day I wanted to do that.

Later in my 20's, after a break from riding, I discovered dressage and rediscovered Seunig. There was so much in one book, he covered the physical and mental side of riding and told me I must love my horse!
quote.. A horse will overcome its inborn shyness and gain confidence, the fundamental condition for mutual understanding, with a man whose love it feels..end quote.
Remember, this was written at a time when men were men and 'new' man, in touch with his innermost feelings, had not been born! It really struck me as did certain exercises like turn around the forehand in motion which I still use and value today.

Hope you get lots from it Sue, better look after my rather moth eaten copy if I can only get one from the states! Trudi