Dressage in the Fourth Dimension

Dressage in the Fourth Dimension
By Sherry Ackerman
Foreword by Linda Kohanov

A unique meditation on the spiritual aspects of dressage
and horseback riding, drawing on eclectic sources in the
fields of philosophy, geometry, and spirituality.

“An incredible act of courage and vision.”
— Linda Kohanov, author of The Tao of Equus

Dressage is often seen as the most formal and controlled of the equine sports, following an ancient, standardized training progression. For philosophy professor and dressage instructor Dr. Sherry Ackerman dressage is a transformational art, an avenue for reflection, exploration, and self-knowledge through which a rider can experience liberation from the narrowly individual, egoistic self.

This second, revised edition of Dressage in the Fourth Dimension is a pioneer work in awakening “dressage consciousness.” It requires readers to deconstruct every assumption that they have ever held about riding — to ask “why?” and to become okay with not knowing.

Drawing on such diverse sources as geometry, ancient Western and Eastern philosophies, and spirituality, Dr. Ackerman seeks to heal humanity’s alienation from nature through riding and dressage. She points readers toward the liberation from societal conditioning, from externally legislated morality and normative thinking, and, ultimately, from one’s own ego. For Ackerman, identifying ambiguities between thinking and enculturation opens avenues for growth and transformation. Her concept of the Fourth Dimension requires the reader to leave the analytic, objective mind behind and enter the mystery of inspiration.

A short, unique, and enigmatic work that has enjoyed a word-of-mouth reputation among horse people for years, yet has also been unavailable, Dressage in the Fourth Dimension will challenge riders’ assumptions about their horses and themselves.

Sherry L. Ackerman, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at College of the Siskiyous and an internationally acclaimed dressage clinician. Dr. Ackerman is one of the American dressage industry’s leading proponents of dressage as a philosophical/spiritual/artistic practice. She lives at the foot of Mount Shasta, attempting, in the silence of the woods, to practice what her book teaches. Her website is www.sherryackerman.com.

Contact: Monique Muhlenkamp
New World Library
800-972-6657 ext. 15
Monique@newworldlibrary.com