System of Horsemanship

Original Title: System der Reitkunst
Author: Louis Seeger
Translator: Cynthia F. Hodges, J.D., LL.M., M.A.
Cover Art: Bonnie Hodges
Price: $29.98 USD

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Description

Louis Seeger was an important 19th century dressage figure in Berlin. He was the son of a court horseman in the service of Prince Heinrich of Prussia, the brother of King Friedrich II. After training at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna with Max Ritter von Weyrother, Seeger founded his own riding school, Seegershof, where he preserved Old School training principles. His most famous student was Gustav Steinbrecht, the author of Gymnasium of the Horse. 

Seeger authored a number of books about horses. In addition to System of Horsemanship (original title: System der Reitkunst) (1844), he wrote Rathgeber fuer die Stalldienerschaft (1848), Zuechtung, Erziehung, Ausbildung des Pferdes im systematischen Zusammenhang (1850), and Monsieur Baucher and His Arts: A Serious Word with Germany’s Riders (1852) (translated by Cynthia F. Hodges). Seeger was also a board member of the Berlin Racing Club and was awarded the Gold Medal of Honor.

This book lays out a dressage training system that begins with breaking the colts and continues all the way up to the Airs Above the Ground of the High School. Proven methods to put the horse in perfect balance under the rider are outlined in this book, as well as how to use jumping to unlock the power in the hindquarters. Seeger also explains how horses that are not suited to dressage can be made serviceable for the cavalry, hunt-riding, etc.

Seeger’s classic horse-training treatise, System of Horsemanship, was once only available to an elite group of European experts. Now that Cynthia F. Hodges, JD, LLM, MA has translated this pillar of equestrian literature, the classical principles of Old School dressage training contained herein are available in English for the first time.

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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, JD, LLM, MA who has a B.A. and an M.A. in Germanic Studies, and 20 years experience riding, training, and showing dressage. She also translated Monsieur Baucher and His Arts: A Serious Word with Germany's Riders by Louis Seeger and Anatomy of Dressage by Schusdziarra. [See Classical Dressage website]

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

Editorial Review

"System of Horsemanship" by Louis Seeger, skillfully translated by Cynthia F. Hodges, is a true gem for any equestrian enthusiast. Louis Seeger, an esteemed figure in 19th-century dressage, brings a wealth of expertise and tradition to his teachings, which are meticulously outlined in this comprehensive guide.
Seeger's background as the son of a court horseman and his training at the renowned Spanish Riding School in Vienna lend an air of authority to his work. His dedication to preserving Old School training principles is evident throughout the book, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand classical horsemanship.

What sets "System of Horsemanship" apart is its systematic approach, covering everything from breaking colts to mastering the intricate movements of the High School. Seeger's proven methods for achieving perfect balance between horse and rider are both enlightening and practical, offering valuable insights for riders of all levels.

Of particular interest is Seeger's emphasis on the importance of balance and the role of jumping in unlocking the power of the horse's hindquarters. His insights into making horses serviceable for various disciplines, including cavalry and hunt-riding, are both informative and forward-thinking.

Thanks to Cynthia F. Hodges' expert translation, this timeless masterpiece is now accessible to English-speaking audiences worldwide. The classical principles of Old School dressage contained within "System of Horsemanship" are as relevant today as they were in Seeger's time, making this book a must-read for any serious student of horsemanship.

In conclusion, "System of Horsemanship" is not just a book; it's a treasure trove of wisdom passed down through generations of horsemen. Whether you are a seasoned rider or a novice enthusiast, this book is sure to enrich your understanding of the art and science of classical dressage. Highly recommended.

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

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 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.