Das Gymnasium des Pferdes

"The Gymnasium of the Horse" is one of the great classics of equestrian literature, which has significantly shaped riding in Germany to this day. Gustav Steinbrecht is certainly regarded as the founder of modern German-style riding. It is Steinbrecht's outstanding achievement that he succeeded in merging the principles of classical equestrian art with the demands of the new military riding style of "Forward!" He accomplished this by integrating important "classical" exercises into the military riding method, allowing this "Forward!" to serve as the foundation for subsequent collection. According to his training maxims, cavalry riding was reorganized in his time, with its central regulations, the famous "Army Service Regulations," forming the basis of the FN guidelines. In this respect, his work remains relevant today and is one of the most important, universally applicable texts for the training of horses and riders.

In 1998, this foundational work was published for the first time with illustrations by Cadmos Verlag in a limited, elaborately bound linen edition. Over 160 illustrations made the sometimes difficult texts more understandable and accessible. Additionally, the extensive text was newly typeset to improve readability compared to other editions. Now, the publisher is releasing an affordable edition that differs only in the cover (matte laminated paperback) from the previous edition.

The author, Gustav Steinbrecht, did not live to see the publication of his life's work. He passed away in February 1885, before the book was released a few months later. In 1884, it was completed and finished by his student Paul Pinzner, as Steinbrecht himself was too weak to do so.