A critical and revolutionary book about dressage and what it has become today.

Phillipe Karl one of the most outspoken critics of the modern dressage world which aims purely at competing a horse as early as possible in well-paid high-level competitions reveals some disturbing facts in this book. The author analyses the physical anatomical and mental condition of a horse with regard to official dressage guidelines issued by the German Equestrian Federation (FN). By comparing these with doctrines of such masters of classical riding as La Gueriniere or Baucher he illustrates beliefs and mistakes and shows us solutions to the dire situation of modern competitive dressage.

-Explores key problems of modern dressage: Physical aspects straightness balance exercises.

-The hand leg and seat.

-Describes the effects of modern dressage breeding and business.

-Suggests a classical alternative: the philosophy of legerity.