In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Elevated Equestrian, Samantha Baer sits down with Dr. Gerd Heuschmann—renowned veterinarian, author, and classical trainer—dives deep into what we've lost in modern equestrian sport. We explore the true foundations of classical riding, why biomechanics and horse-friendly training have been overshadowed by flashy outlines, and how we can rebuild the horse-rider relationship on trust, time, and anatomical truth.
Dr. Heuschmann pulls no punches as he outlines the systemic failures in modern dressage, explains why bending comes after straightness, and argues that true collection takes years, not clinics. Whether you're a rider, trainer, or vet, this episode will challenge your perspective—and might just change the way you train forever.
Key topics include:
Why classical training begins with anatomy, not aesthetics
The damage of quick fixes, draw reins, and early collection
The misunderstood concept of "bending"
How breeding and sport culture have eroded foundational training
What a balanced horse really looks and feels like
How to support horses coming back from poor training
The role of empathy, education, and ethics in becoming a great rider
📍 Plus: Gerd’s vision for a new U.S.-based nonprofit to protect the legacy of classical horsemanship.
