What is Classical Dressage?

Classical dressage is the centuries-old art of training horses both for the battlefield and for the artistic expression in the royal and imperial courts. This art was developed by observing horses in nature and using their natural movements to develop the horse’s strength and flexibility holistically so that the horse moves in optimal balance and is easy to ride. Tested by time, these methods have been shown over the centuries to be effective in training the horse to be the best that it can be.

Benefits of Classical Dressage

  • Horses and riders enjoy a longer career with less need for medical intervention due to muscle imbalance and related wear and tear

  • Horses become more confident and trusting of their rider and therefore less reactive or spooky

  • Riders are able to ride more with tact and refinement and with less raw strength

  • Horse and rider are less bored or ring-sour in their training

  • Classical principles are useful in rehabilitating horse and rider from injury

The Weyrother System

Classical dressage, like many other arts, has several subdivides in separate schools of thought, including the French, the German, and the Iberian traditions. At Tempus Renatus School of Classical Horsemanship, we follow the tradition of the Weyrother System, which is a very old school of thought originating at the Spanish Riding School and descending from the Austrian art of riding. Named for Max Ritter von Weyrother, 18th century Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School, this system is unique to itself but has elements from the other schools of thought. The Weyrother System is characterized by systematic use of patterns and subtle aids to develop balance, suppleness, and strength in horse and rider as well as developing their collective intellect. The result is a balanced, relaxed, happy, strong, and willing equine partner that relishes in the work and feels comfortable in its own body.

Our Personal Approach

We use the Weyrother System as a foundation to our training approach while using science through animal behavior and biomechanics to guide our training approach, marrying classical wisdom with modern understanding. However, true to the late Karl Mikolka’s wisdom, we recognize that, “The horse writes the book,” and we use elements from the French, Iberian, and German traditions as applicable, acknowledging the differences but using their wisdom. We also don’t stay limited to the confines of the modern definition of “dressage,” and we use Rossfechten (mounted fencing) and Working Equitation to round out the historical definition of “dressage” and provide variety for horses and riders.

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