As the name implies, classical dressage is a very old art form. However, many debate about how it developed since its origins in Ancient Greece, and as we look at more texts with a fresh perspective, our understanding changes. As with much history, it's not quite as clear-cut as we'd think. Origins The earliest surviving [...]
Dressage and Gaited Horses In the horse world, there are many divides that separate the disciplines. English and Western riding, dressage and hunter-jumper, driving and riding, etc. But one of the biggest divides is between gaited horses and "regular" horses. Most people who ride "normal" horses look at gaited horses as [...]
"Rise and fall with the leg on the wall." Many riders who went through Pony Club learned this ditty for remembering their posting diagonals. But why does it matter which posting diagonal we use? There are plenty of riders who have no idea which diagonal they are on, and their horses seem happy. So what [...]
For many people, their riding and groundwork are almost two separate disciplines. Most people associate groundwork with natural horsemanship, which brings to mind images of rope halters and specialty whips. While those can be useful tools for certain people, classical dressage also has its own method of groundwork: the work in-hand. While most people associate [...]
The cavesson is an important tool for longeing and for the work in-hand. It offers clearer communication with the horse while sparing the mouth. However, many struggle with finding the right cavesson and adjusting it to the horse. So, to kick off a video series on the work in-hand, we're starting with a video on [...]
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 [...]
Most of us who've had a longe lesson did so when we were children. After all, it's a wonderful way of developing the rider's feel and balance without putting a lot of responsibility on the rider at the beginning. But for many, that's the extent of their experience with longe lessons. Once they are confident, [...]
The last century has been a time of change for the horse's role with humanity. They went from being the backbone of society to being an object of hobby, sport, and even status. That's not to say horses don't still serve a purpose. Quite the opposite! During these times, they give us their healing presence [...]
Circles, circles, circles... Dressage seems to be completely obsessed with the circle. Yet that is the figure that frustrates more riders than perhaps any other. Why is the circle so important? The main thing it does is develop the bend of the horse, stretching the tight side and strengthening the weak side. The inside hind [...]
As promised, a short history of the arena letters. After the beginning of the 18th century in the games called "The Skirmish Turns," published in the book by Bruno Joseph de Morla in 1738, we find evidence of the use of letters, in this case in a bullfighting ring, to be able to coordinate exercises [...]
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