Classical dressage
Classical Dressage
By Maribeth Dunlap
October 2007
What is Classical Dressage?
Let’s start with a couple of Webster’s definitions:
• Classic (klas’ik), adj. 1. of the highest quality or rank; that is a model of its kind (a classic example of modern architecture). 2. of the art, literature, and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. 3. having a formal style that is simple and restrained (the classic balance of a Haydn symphony). 4. famous because it is typical and has become a tradition (Turkey is the classic dish for Thanksgiving dinner.) - n. 1. a book, painting, symphony, etc. of the highest excellence. 2. a person who creates such works. 3. a famous event that is held regularly (The World Series is a baseball’s “fall classic”.) - the classics, the literature of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
• Classical (klas’i k’l). adj. 1. classic (in meanings 1,2,3 above). 2. describing a kind of music that is not simple in form and that requires much study and training to write and perform (Symphonies, concertos, sonatas, chamber music, etc. are called classical music.)
Classical is something that has stood the test of time, it is enduring and long lasting, it is ancient and old, it is something precious and worthwhile, and it is something that retains its value regardless of its age. Dressage is a French word for training. So perhaps it is better to refer to Classical Dressage as Classical Training or Classical Riding.
A few good examples of Classical Dressage would be The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, The Cadre Noir at Saumur, Riding seen on the Iberian Peninsula with Andalusians and Lusitanos, Portuguese Master Nuno Oliveira and Philippe Karl of the Cadre Noir. When you reflect upon these institutions and individual riders what comes to mind is riding correctly, good solid horsemanship including the psychology and physiology associated with the equine species.
Classical Dressage is even more than this though. It is riding without force and without fear. It is training without excessive use of gadgets, without taking shortcuts and trying quick fixes. It is about allowing the horse to take the time it needs and about always remembering one of the great classical tenants, “I have time”. Classical Training stresses the well being of the horse with another great classical tenant, “first do no harm”. Classical Training is logical and makes sense. It is about unity and harmony and having compassion and empathy for the horse. Classical Training aims to continually improve the lines of communication with the horse, to work with the horse and become its partner.
Classical Dressage improves the horse mentally and physically. It makes the horse more strong and supple and better able to carry the rider. Based on a foundation of gymnastic exercises, it makes the horse more sound, more healthy, thus, helping him to live a longer, more useful life. It also makes the horse more proud and more beautiful.
Classical Dressage is also a way of life and a way of thinking. It changes the thinking of the rider and he begins to let go of any ego. Classical Dressage is based on a true deep love and appreciation for the horse. It encourages one to continually work towards improving oneself and truly taking a good look at the way you view your riding. It cultivates humility and perseverance and makes us better human beings.
Classical Dressage has been in existence for over 500 years and has developed a comprehensive training system that provides solutions for every training issue one might encounter. It provides a framework to take a young horse and develop him all the way to High School, if that is the goal. Classical Dressage develops the natural gaits and improves the horse’s over-all balance.
For the rider, Classical Dressage develops the seat and position of the rider. The Classical Seat is one that is balanced, deep and feeling. Classical Dressage riders develop light, responsive horses because they ride from their “core” or their “center”. The horse is ridden from the seat, legs and into the hands.
Can Classical be Competitive?
It should be, just as Competitive should be Classical.
Here is an excellent on-line video interview with JJ Tate about Classical verses Competition Dressage. The video is less than 4 minutes long:
Compare the Classical rider with the Competitive rider:
The Classical rider is one whose aim is to be technically correct and is willing to take the time to achieve this goal; the Competitive rider is one whose aim is to compete and win to achieve a competition goal.
Classical Dressage is often referred to as “art” and Competitive Dressage is often referred to as “sport”. One can argue the reasons behind this, but I feel that it has to do with business. Most who are active in the competitive world are also trying to make a living. It takes time to train a horse classically and it is not cost-effective. A truly Classical Trainer is one who won’t make any compromises. They may settle for lower scores in order to maintain the relaxation in the horse rather than pushing the horse in order to get more extravagant gaits and may win the class but may also end up with tension and resistance. We watch those who win and try to recreate and copy their training strategies and to many, because these people win, it must be correct.
I think it is important for Classical Trainers to compete and to teach by example. It is important to put our training out in the limelight while not compromising our Classical Principles. Change is a slow process and it won’t happen by standing on the sidelines and pointing fingers. It will only happen if Classical Trainers are willing to get out there and show that Classical can be Competitive and Competitive should be Classical.
How do you study Classical Dressage?
Classical Dressage is a tradition that has been passed down from one generation to the next. It really can only be learned from a Classical Instructor who has studied with a Classical Instructor, and so on. It can be difficult to find a reputable Classical Instructor. There are some who call themselves Classical, but in reality they are just plain bad trainers who failed in competition. There are some who label themselves Natural Horsemanship and believe that also to be Classical, but they are wrong: Classical is Classical and Natural Horsemanship is just what it is; Natural Horsemanship. They are not the same.
Here are some ideas that may help:
• One of the best things is to become educated. Read the Classics, not the magazines with the latest fads. Become familiar with the names and ideas of the Old Masters and the Current Day Masters and read and study their books.
• When you find an instructor, watch him teach and train. What do they focus on? Do they use excessive gadgets and quick fixes?
• How do they ride? Do they practice what they preach?
• Look at their horses. Are they correctly muscled with smooth toplines from correct gymnastic training? Are they happy in their training or do they run to the back of their stalls, pin their ears and swish their tails?
• How did they learn? Are they continuing to learn? Who did they study with?
Classical Dressage is a life-long journey. One can never know all there is to know about it and the more you know, the more you realize the more there is to learn. Classical Dressage provides all the tools necessary to fully train a horse. And, in my opinion, there is no need to look elsewhere.
Photo: Maribeth riding Milano
This article was written by Maribeth in October 2007 – All Rights Reserved Used With Permission.
