Remember Classical
Submitted by: Caitlin Ryan Phone: 703-727-1766 Email Address: MyRazzie(at)aol.com
Date Added: 2/14/2007
In this age of riding I have noticed we have lost sight of many important aspects pertaining to the horse and his happiness. We rush our horses to soon in training, forcing them not asking them to perform "tricks" to please us. We have stopped thinking about how we can be partners with this graceful animal and have started to become their 'masters'.
Through out time horses have been graceful majestic creatures. Why do we want to take that away from them? Why are we using so many 'gadgets' to get the results quicker? Do we think this actually achieves the same pure results that the masters or riding have achieved in the more classical style? It does not and never could, we only hurt our horses more when we put on draw-reins, or side-reins. Or when we agitate our horses more and more to get that flair (un-natural as it is) in our fancy dressage tests. We are constantly hurting them by doing these things!
Take a step back from your riding. Whatever you may be doing; jumping, dressage, reining etc. Are you doing the best you can to stay out of your horses way? To help him achieve his natural greatness that you may possibly be squelching?
Maybe it is time we re-evaluate our riding. Did you get that amazing dressage score because your horse was so pissed that he had incredible flair? (that's bad judging and it happens a lot)
Did you get that high jump from poling your horse?
No matter what riding you do you need to go back to the classical training of our past legends like Nuno Olivera, Bert De Nemethy and the like. The masters who did it soley for the horse not their own fame and pleasure.
Remember your majestic partner, whether he is fat and 14 hands or sleek and graceful. They all have the right to show off their own special talents so let them!
Need help understanding? Want to get better?
One of the books I can best recommend is Sylvia Locks 'Riding in Lightness'
Do you need help and want to improve?
703 727 1766
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