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Dressage in the Fourth Dimension | 
 enlarge | Author: Sherry Ackerman
Creator: Linda Kohanov
Publisher: New World Library
Category: Book
List Price: $17.95
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Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 55686
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 2nd
Pages: 112
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.8
ISBN: 1577316231
Dewey Decimal Number: 798.23
EAN: 9781577316237
ASIN: 1577316231
Publication Date: November 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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Product Description
Dressage is often seen as the most formal and controlled of the equine sports, following an ancient, standardized training progression. For philosopher and dressage instructor Dr. Sherry Ackerman, dressage is much more. It — along with riding in general — can be a transformational art and an avenue for reflection, exploration, and self-knowledge through which a rider can experience liberation from the individual, egoistic self.
This second, revised edition of Dressage in the Fourth Dimension is a pioneer work in awakening “dressage consciousness.” Drawing on such diverse sources as sacred geometry, ancient Western and Eastern philosophies, and esoteric spirituality, Ackerman seeks to heal humanity’s alienation from nature through riding. She points us toward the liberation from societal conditioning and normative thinking, and, ultimately, from our own egos. Her concept of the fourth dimension requires us to leave the analytic, objective mind behind and enter into the mystery of inspiration.
A short, unique, thought-provoking work that has enjoyed a word-of-mouth reputation among horse people for years, Dressage in the Fourth Dimension will challenge riders’ assumptions about their horses and themselves.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
the path of mystical ascent for riders January 4, 2009
Candice Quinn (Southern Pines, North Carolina)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
No one who has anxiously awaited the re-issue of Sherry Ackerman's "Dressage in the Fourth Dimension" has been disappointed. To be able to add this small gem, now with the extra premium of Linda Kohanov's "Foreward", to one's library is a privilege as well as being provided with a constant source of profound insights. This volume, then and now, is at once a welcome addition to the body of exploratory interpretations of dressage artistry; and a unique and singular vision of contemplative philosophic reflections set within a poetic discourse. The philosophic tenets presented, however, are not abstractions or disinterested conceptualizations. In an act of great courage Ackerman shares with the reader a strongly subjective exegesis which carries and conveys her own deeply felt, experientially validated, convictions. In her articulation not of the 'techne' of dressage, but of its 'ousia,' its substantive essence, Ackerman invites what will be for many a radical revisioning of standard approaches to dressage orthodoxy. The author's mastery of particular philosophic traditions and her willingness to breach the conventions of discipline-specific boundaries lends the work breadth and profound originality. The book's conceptual approach embodies authorial integrity as well. As an advocate of the ultimate unity and universality of knowledge Ackerman's work expresses an affinity of the feel and appreciation of the artistry of dressage with the sense of harmonic, cyclical (ascent-descent-ascent) unity sought by many of the greatest philosophic/spiritual traditions. The suggestion that the aesthetic dimension of dressage, entered into with a true heart, an 'eros,' contains within it the potential for an ascent to a higher level of consciousness invites the rider to journey beyond a narrow focus on technological methods to a place where individual members of vastly different species may meet and dance together in perfect harmony. "Fourth Dimension" is a wholly engaging work because the author is so wholly engaged in her subject; and it is an inspirational work because the author remains inspired by the creative energy of parts seeking to be whole, and of spirit seeking to manifest as beauty. My first reading of this work, many years ago now, informed, enlightened and liberated my own approach to riding and granted me permission to express a felt intuitive awareness of the transformative potential of riding well, that is, in a spirit of love and appreciation. Year after year I had received technical instruction in the craft of dressage but I knew there was more. Ackerman's integrative approach and symbolic idiom allowed me to enter fully into my own convictions concerning the true nature of the horse-rider alliance and provided a high voltage articulation for my own deeply felt impressions. I recommend this book to any rider who, perhaps secretly, harbors uncertain or enigmatic notions touching on the essentials of riding dressage; or who desires to ride from within the unfolding process; or who yearns to unite their own appreciation of harmony and symmetry with their horse's joy of rhythm in movement - read and be inspired.
It meant more this time December 16, 2008
Michael (Novelty OH USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a copy of a posting to a discussion group that I wish to serve as a review of this work:
Greetings group,
Recently I finished reading the second edition of Dressage in the Fourth Dimension. I had read the first edition in 97 or 98. At that time I had a schooled thoroughbred who knew more than I did. I was trying to rise above disabling chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) and bi-polarism to learn to ride better at a higher level. My goals were somewhat matter of fact, and I didn't have the mental energy to think about much else. The first edition felt over and around my head.
In late 98, I was diagnosed with colon cancer, and went through the colon cutup that is normal for that situation. At the same time I could tell that my marriage was crumbling. While getting fat in depression I did one more clinic with Maj Tavora, in which the horse developed a limiting problem in his pelvis, while I was forced to realise that I had to quit riding and submit to a ventural (sp?)hernia operation. Two months after the operation, my wife left. During this period my daughter led me to several books about spirituality and philosophy, and I began to read in that area. I don't think I remember anything that I read, but I was sensitised and sought help in new areas and began to think differently. I'm sorry that I can't write more clearly about that part of my experience, but illness and trauma seem to have wiped whatever intellectual ability I ever had, if any.
Having, among other things, given up my horse because I knew that I had neither the money nor the strength to be able to care for him, I went to Montreal, to recover in the care of a cousin, for about a year, with short trips back here every three months, during which I sat on a horse a whole three or maybe only two times, before the owner pulled the ride. In 2001, after finding a new place to live, getting my citizenship, and moving again, to a horse farm this time, thank God, I went back to Montreal for a few months, and got back into riding shape while taking lessons from Jean-Louis Lombart. Returning to Ohio, I felt that I could not afford to pay for riding, and began to scrounge rides, and time went on like that, riding with JLL in Montreal part of the year, and looking for rides in Geauga County Ohio while auditing Tavora clinics when I could.
I had already come to consider the arena "church", and found that the world went away while I was riding, and Gil Merrick had given me The Zen of Archery; I already had a concept of "the way". And I must have gotten something out of Sherry's book. When I first started riding seriously (I was 40), I wanted to know the horses and wished that I could understand them, especially when there was a problem.
Now in my new circumstances, I was going to be riding many different horses, many of them with little or no training, from many different uses, or jobs if you will. I HAD to get to know them as fast as possible; I had to know how to listen to them and talk to them. Most of these horses would have little or no dressage. I resolved to try to accept them as they were, and to teach them what I could to make them more balanced, supple, and comfortable.
The work would be very basic. The days of looking forward to learning canter pirouette, half-passes and so forth were mostly over. (I did come to do some good stuff at JLL's school), and with each horse that I would have the privilege to ride, I would be starting over again. I needed to get good at starting again. I figured I had a chance to do that, I had been starting again my whole life. So here I am, some horses I ride for several months, some I ride for five minutes after longeing for weeks, rides get pulled after I get bucked off, talented horses get sold out from under me to become lawn ornaments, but for every horse I get on, I try to start over better than I did the last time.
The second edition spoke to me very directly. I found that when I was reading, I was experiencing a typical ride. My feelings, thoughts, and images were in tune with the book. There is still stuff that is difficult for my head to get around, but the book gave me a sense of spiritual and emotional support. I can't feed my horses hand-cut meadow grass; extruded horse cookies will have to do, but I always have them in my pocket, and I try to treat every horse as a distinct spiritual, as well as animal, being. Some of these spirits are less benign than others, but they are still worth a try, and I am trying to meet their fearful aggression with kind firmness
Now, I'm sorry folks that I can't be a book critic, and can't do a better job of telling you why the book works, and I really can't tell you why I'm crying, but I can tell that I'm grateful for the book.
Thank you Sherry for a work well done.
Michael Fletcher
PS
I refer you to the essay on the meaning of the French word dressage at the beginning of Henry Wynmalen's Dressage, a Study of the Finer Points of Riding. Also to Dom Diogo de Braganca's discussion of a true ecuyer in L'Equitation de Tradition francaise, which I am translating. The first complements Sherry's work while the second supports what I feel about taking horses as they are with their blemishes, rather than looking for a genius breeding example.
Great book! December 4, 2008
Jordan Hanson (Mt. Shasta, CA USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
If you want to understand dressage at its deepest level and pull it together to create a pure bond with your horse, this is the book for you. While reading this book, I was able to visualize moving in harmony with my horse; not inhibiting his movement, but flowing together. My goals have always been to increase my knowledge and connection with my horse, but never at his expense. "Dressage in the Fourth Dimension," shares the beauty that can be attained when you understand that the process is more important than the goal. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to other young riders as well.
 ride to insight November 28, 2008
Horse N About (usa)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This lovely book has a simplicity and a charm just in holding it. Wrapped within its petite covers, however, is a huge insight into the spirit of any true horse person. I had to read the book slowly and carefully...as every chapter needed to be savored and digested before i read on.
I found the chapters clear but not simple...each one allows for personal growth and insight. This is NOT a "how-to-ride book", but, for me, more a "how to spiritually connect with the horse" as a partner, and as means to meet the challenge of recognizing and overcoming my own moral weaknesses and so help the horse blossom. Sherry Ackerman's words have become a means of finding gratitude in each ride.
This would not be a book, i feel, for just an average rider or horse enthusiast. It would be perfect for the horse person on that elusive journey to find more than a show ribbon and a purpose beyond a ride for everyday exercise or training. It has allowed me insight into the minds of the greatest masters past and present who talk of riding as an art to be cultivated, and the horse as an animal of unique greatness to nurtured, respected and allowed to become even more beautiful with a well trained rider aboard.
The book requires patience and thoughtful reflection, but is a gentle and satisfying read.
So why the 4 stars? I intend to re-read the book. Since i am not a scholar or philosopher, but a seeker, i need to leave room for the pieces i did not fully comprehend on the first read. They will deserve a star, too.
The ineffable joining of man and horse as one November 18, 2008
Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I've had friends who are involved in dressage though I do not ride. Having had ridden for pleasure a couple of times, I can say that there IS a funny feeling being on the back of a living being such as a horse and it's evident you have to communicate in a whole new way. This is not a passive ride in a car--you and the horse must become one in some way.
Dressage can be, according to Ackermann, a means to experiencing that one-ness and as such, the art becomes less mechanics (do this, move that) and more a dynamic between you and the horse. Her explanations are fascinating; from how the interaction of the bit and the geniohyoid muscle in the horse's mouth inhibit or promote the flow of energy to the entire horse (and she discusses the arching or flattening of the back in various styles of dressage and how they may inhibit the flow of energy) to a very amazing description of changing energy from male to female. In this case, a male rider had trouble learning how to "downshift" his horse out of trot into a slower gait. The author instructed him to visualize himself as a female sylph riding on her unicorn. Suddenly, the rider was able to effortlessly accomplish his task--channeling into a different energy and mode of communicating wordless with his mount.
If you are a rider and "stuck" on a certain level or wanting more out of your riding, this book will provoke thought and probably even puzzle you until one day, it will all make sense. A mystical and very interesting book.
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