Monsieur Baucher and His Arts: A Serious Word with Germany's Riders

Author: Louis Seeger
Translator: Cynthia F. Hodges, J.D., LL.M., M.A.
Foreword: Karl Mikolka
Cover Design: Cynthia and Bonnie Hodges
Price: $16.98 USD (eBook $4.98)

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Description

Modern day dressage is split between adherents of the Classical School and those who are "competition" riders. Some techniques meant for competition derive from the training system of Francois Baucher. Louis Seeger, a contemporary of Baucher, was a dressage master in Berlin who trained with Max Ritter von Weyrother of the Spanish Riding School. He was also the instructor of Gustav Steinbrecht, author of Gymnasium of the Horse. Seeger was compelled to write Herr Baucher und seine Kuenste. Ein ernstes Wort an Deutschlands Reiter in 1852 after witnessing what he considered to be incorrect training techniques used by Baucher. He tried to warn riders that these methods would be very destructive to horses' training, and that the Classical principles were to be preferred. Seeger predicted some of the problems that can now be seen in high levels of competitive dressage.

Seeger's classic book, once only available to an elite group of European experts, is now available in English. Cynthia Hodges has translated this pillar of equestrian literature into an easy-to-read document that offers dressage theory that is as pertinent today as it was in Seeger's time.

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An excerpt has been published in the May/June 2010 issue of Topline Ink Equestrian Journal.

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Highlights

• Seeger was the student of Max Ritter von Weyrother of the Spanish Riding School, the instructor of Gustav Steinbrecht (author of Gymnasium of the Horse), and inventor of the dropped-noseband.

• Translated by Cynthia F. Hodges, who has a B.A. and an M.A. in Germanic Studies, and 20 years experience riding, training, and showing dressage. She also translated Anatomy of Dressage by Schusdziarra. [See Classical Dressage website]

• Foreword by Karl Mikolka, former Oberbereiter at the Spanish Riding School and former Brazilian Dressage Olympic Team Coach.

• Artwork by award-winning fine artist, Bonnie Hodges. Please see Bonnie's Portfolio and a blog post about the book.

Editorial Review

"Monsieur Baucher and His Art: A Serious Word with Germany's Riders" stands as a timeless testament to the enduring principles of classical horsemanship. Authored by Louis Seeger and masterfully translated by Cynthia Hodges, this book offers invaluable insights into the world of dressage, illuminating the divide between traditional methodology and modern competition techniques.

Seeger's profound observations, penned in 1852, resonate with remarkable relevance in today's equestrian landscape. With a discerning eye, he cautioned against the potentially detrimental effects of certain training methodologies championed by François Baucher. By advocating for the preservation of classical principles, Seeger foresaw the challenges that contemporary dressage would face, shedding light on issues that still permeate the highest echelons of competitive riding.

Hodges' translation ensures that Seeger's wisdom is accessible to a wider audience, transcending language barriers to impart essential knowledge to aspiring equestrians and seasoned professionals alike. With a foreword by the esteemed Karl Mikolka, former Oberbereiter of the Spanish Riding School and Brazil Olympic team coach, this edition enriches the reader's journey into the depths of dressage theory.

"Monsieur Baucher and His Art" emerges as a cornerstone of equestrian literature, offering a timeless guide for those dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in horsemanship. Through Seeger's meticulous observations and Hodges' eloquent translation, this book remains an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of classical dressage and uphold the welfare of the horse above all else.

Reader Reviews

"Just a note to say I've received your Seeger book and am very impressed with the elegance and fluidity of your translation."
~ Kip Mistral, co-author of Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from the Ground: Long Lines, Long and Short Reins, Work on the Longe

"The book you translated is making waves throughout the dressage community."
~ Karl Mikolka, former Oberbereiter at the Spanish Riding School and former Brazilian Olympic Team Coach

"Today, I finished reading your Seeger translation... I thought the English ... reflected a writer's feeling for and facility with the language."
~ Michael Fletcher, Translator

"I was on the edge of my seat reading your excerpts."
~ Terryn Griest, Topline Ink Equestrian Journal

"I received your manuscript today. I have read several pages and it looks very good and well done."
~ Richard F. Williams, Xenophon Press

"Thank you for all of those who will benefit from all the work that you have done."
~ Nadja King, Horses for Life Publications

"Lipizzaner Stallion" Enlarge

A signed 8" x 10" print by Bonnie Hodges is available for $9.98 USD. Price includes postage to anywhere in USA.

About the Author

Louis Seeger was an important 19th century German equestrian figure. He was the son of a court horseman in the service of Prince Heinrich von Preussen (Prussia), the brother of King Friedrich II. Seeger attended the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and studied under Max Ritter von Weyrother. After his stint at the Spanish Riding School, he owned the first private riding school in Berlin, Seegershof. Seeger was a board member of the Berlin Racing Club and was also awarded the gold medal of honor. He was an outspoken opponent of Francois Baucher's "Nouvelle methode."

Seeger authored the following equestrian books:

• System der Reitkunst, 1844 [Translation: System of Horsemanship]

• Rathgeber fuer die Stalldienerschaft, 1848

• Zuechtung, Erziehung, Ausbildung des Pferdes im systematischen Zusammenhang, 1850

• Herr Baucher und seine Kuenste. Ein ernstes Wort an Deutschlands Reiter, 1852 [Translation]

About the Translator

Cynthia F. Hodges, JD, LLM, MA

Cynthia F. Hodges, J.D., LL.M., M.A. has an LL.M. in Environmental and Natural Resources Law, a Juris Doctor, and a B.A. and M.A. in Germanic Studies. Cynthia has written a number of animal law papers, has won a couple of legal writing awards, and was the former Assistant Editor for Michigan State University College of Law: Animal Law Center. Please see About Cynthia for more information. Cynthia has also translated three books on horse-training theory from German to English and offers German translation and tutoring services. She has also written a number of articles on horse training. Please visit Washington Classical Dressage.