The masters of Classical Dressage are few and numerous, depending on who you talk with and their take on a master of horsemanship. But there is little denying that the majority of Dressage enthusiasts will claim their stake to one, François de la Gueriniere, as being the foundation of all they practice. Whether I make …

I propose that no horseman is perfect. Rather, the whole idea of exemplifying one individual over another is rather preposterous. Instead, are we at risk, with such a statement, of confusing a horseman’s skill at riding with his personality and social popularity? Popular horsemen have existed throughout the ages while still openly abusing their horses. …

For those in the know, Philippe Karl is one of the modern Masters of Classical Dressage. For those who do not know, he will just seem a foreign concept. Perhaps it is time you learned more about this modern Master of the Equestrian Arts…  Now you can read his article “Taking Over Equestrian Culture” online.

Perhaps fitting, yesterday was my birthday, and I was born in the year 1984… the same year that Reiner Klimke scored the Olympic Gold Medal aboard his Westfalian gelding, Ahlerich. Here is a tempting video, highlighting their victory lap at the Olympic Games. [youtube UbLXpW5-DG0] And, in case you weren’t privy to the show live …

Ever have the curiosity about someone who not only pursues academically, but artistically, that of Classical Dressage? The haute ecole, equestrian art, etc? Bettina Drummond, an American, student of Nuno Oliveira… Here it is for you, hope you can understand French. Cest la vie! [dailymotion x5gx0a_bettina-drummond_sport]

What can be said about one of the most prized elements of a well trained horse, that of a well-executed, light, balanced and beautifully collected piaffe? The stepping stone from basic gaits to airs above the ground, and while it is so sought after it also continues to be one movement that is considered difficult …

According to each rider, equitation or horsemanship has a different meaning. Some popular themes run along these lines: Encyclopedia Britannica – (horsemanship)Art of training, riding, and handling horses. Good horsemanship requires that a rider control the animal’s direction, gait, and speed with maximum effectiveness and minimum effort. Natural aids are a rider’s balance, hands, voice, …

In working with our horses, it seems a never-ending goal to ride a light horse and constantly be light with our application of the aids. Lightness, however, has taken on the role of a relative meaning. It has a different image in the mind of each user, it is seen as something solid, tangible, an …

What is ego, and where does it belong in the act of riding, training and otherwise interacting with horses? Ego; noun 1. Self-aggrandizement: an act undertaken to increase your own power and influence or to draw attention to your own importance. 2. An inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others. I would like …

Part II : Direct & Indirect Rein In the first part of this article, we covered the Rules of the Aids, along with introducing and describing the Half Halt and Reverse Half Halt. We now continue on, in a very logical way, to discuss the Direct and Indirect Rein. These two aids are the means …