It is one of the most important feats of riding dressage: To bring a horse, an animal always ready to flee, into an inner state where he can develop his full potential and yet does not lose his head.
― Isabell Werth: Four Legs Move My Soul
Today I present you with another new book for our Book Club. This week I am sharing Four Legs Move My Soul: The Authorized Biography of Dressage Olympian Isabell Werth by Isabell Werth and Evi Simeoni.
You can get your copy directly here at Trafalgar Square books!
Four Legs Move My Soul is a hybrid biography/autobiography detail the life of decorated dressage Olympic medalist Isabell Werth. It has 336 pages divided into 12 unique chapters. The chapters are aptly named for an important part in Isabell’s life, some of her noteworthy horses, her mentor “The Doctor”, Madeleine, and some controversy that Isabell has been associated with over the years like Rollkur and Doping. It was originally published in German in 2018, and in English in 2019.
If you’re into dressage chances are you know her name. Today she stands at 3rd in the world with 642 FEI starts and 292 wins. She has been to seven of the last nine Olympic Games. In all sever she took home a gold in the team event. Of the individual events she won one gold and six silvers.
When I drove onto the property and saw him standing in the field together with other retirees, Antony and Fabienne, I was happy. I laughed and said to myself: Just look, twenty gold medals, running around a pasture!
― Isabell Werth: Four Legs Move My Soul
I have never seen a book presented in this way. In the beginning I found it uncomfortable but I see it now as unique and interesting. I much prefer this over a straight biography, I enjoy seeing the subject’s (Isabell’s) perspective from their own words.
My favorite chapters were centered around her top horses: Gigolo, Satchmo, Bella Rose, Weihegold. I love getting to know the horse just as much as the person. They were each unique.
Being at the top Isabell has also come under harsh public exposure. It is natural for those at the top to be under heavy scrutiny. I came into reading this book a neutral party. I know some of the good and some of the bad but never formed any firm opinions. I simply don’t know enough to have one.
I have to admit I am confused most by the chapter about Totilas. Most certainly he was a stunning creature and his story should be told…as sad as it was. I understand that he often took the spotlight during the same competitions as Isabell. What I don’t understand is why his story was included in Isabell’s. She hadn’t ridden him, owned him, or had much else to do with him. Maybe as a dressage newbie I am missing something but it felt confusing and out of place.
Gigolo moved through the difficult test with his injury, and people with a sharp eye saw that he was lame. Out of habit, the judges still saw him in fifth place, even though they should have rung the bell to end such a performance early.
― Isabell Werth: Four Legs Move My Soul
The writing during the biographical portions felt bigger than life and excessive on praise. Perhaps this is due to the language differences from the original text. It had the feeling of a superhero’s story.
I really appreciate that the book addressed the bad press Isabell has received over the years. The Rollkur chapter read a little stiff…as though you need to know the situation outside of the book for the chapter to read better. I know some but I am still a peewee Intro/Training rider that has a lot to learn; I simply don’t know what I don’t know. I don’t know if all the burden was carried to the fullest degree but I appreciate that it was acknowledged.
If I have the feeling that I treated my horse unfairly, or if something isn’t going smoothly, then I can’t sleep the following night. I can’t let it go, and I try to find a better way. I continuously question myself.
― Isabell Werth: Four Legs Move My Soul
Final Word:
This book is excellent for dressage fans. There are some stories inside that would be better understood if the reader understands the sport and context.
I’m personally not the biggest fan of the embellishments Evi made in the biography portions, but I really enjoy Isabell’s story as a whole. The book itself is well written. It isn’t in my top ten but worthwhile all the same; I love getting to know our top athletes in sport.
“Every competitive outing is a borderline experience, where the genius of the horse threatens to turn into insanity at any moment. There, on the brink, is where the competitor who is Isabell Werth feels most comfortable.”
― Isabell Werth: Four Legs Move My Soul
I also want to add that I buy most of my horse books from Trafalgar Square Books. I’m excited to say that I am an affiliate with the publisher, and so proud to be. Trafalgar Square embodies the spirit of horse people…. they ARE horse people. The operation is based in an old barn in Vermont and run by only a few people…people you can talk to and meet in person at events. It’s not a big corporate conglomerate, and for that I am grateful. This happens to be one of such books. You can find your copy through my affiliate link here, it’ll let TSB know I sent you!
Four Legs Move My Soul The Authorized Biography of Dressage Olympian Isabell Werth
Published by Trafalgar Square books, North Pomfret, VT
If you have any questions, comments, or would like further information, please contact:
contact@trafalgarbooks.com / (802) 356 6706
The Green Horseman 
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