The Difference Between Classical and Competitive Dressage

Once upon a time ago, the difference between Classical and Competitive Dressage seemed synonymous with the distance between the walls of the Grand Canyon (which happens to be up to 18 miles wide!). Whether it is merely my perception, or the reality, which has changed I have yet to determine. Nonetheless there is still a measure of awe inspired in people when they hear that “so and so” does Classical Dressage. It has a note of magic attached to it, even if it is a tradition based on a bunch of dead guys; or maybe it is because of those dead guys.

Classical Dressage has two veins attached to it. One vein leads to the die-hards – the equestrians who study and practice and study and practice and try to perfect based on the teachings of the various Classical Dressage Masters. Some you may be familiar with include François Baucher, Comte d’Aure, François Robichon de la Guérinière, and the recently deceased Nuno Oliveira. Many of these equestrians choose not to compete but instead rigorously pursue the principles of Classical Dressage for no other reason than to be the best they can with their horse.

The other vein is not frequently addressed – and that is the marketing vein. It is every Competitive Dressage rider who realizes they can snag more students or clients by invoking the magic of “Classical Dressage.” Perhaps they studied under a “so and so” who took a lesson or two from someone else who had at some point trained under a Classical Dressage purist. Somehow they will find a way to prove they have an inkling of education linked to a Classical Dressage Master’s teachings. The truth is that every Dressage rider – whether Classical or Competitive – has some connection to those old dead guys. This is where the lines cross a bit.

Classical Dressage principles are what Competitive Dressage is built upon, it is merely the nature of competition and money that has turned it sour and removed from the art it was once meant to be. The two are intrinsically connected, but the motivations will always be different. I like to compare it to buying an original piece of art vs. buying a mickey mouse poster.

Competitive Dressage riders may wish to invoke the power of “Classical Dressage” because the image of the competition rider today is not what it once was. Dressage riders no matter their background were once considered elite, perfectionists, the die-hards who practiced the most mundane of arena figures for years on end and somehow never grew tired of it. And then along came Anky. No, she was not the first, and now is not even the most prominent, rider to use Rollkur and hyperflexion – she was just the one who made it scandalously popular and publicly acknowledged / promoted / sold it. Competitive Dressage riders were taken down off their high horse and the sport is no longer regarded by all as a sport of the elite. Perhaps a sport for those with deep pockets or numerous sponsorships… but the image of the faultless rider is no longer status quo.

The difference between Classical Dressage and Competitive Dressage.

Does Competitive Dressage need an overhaul? It does according to Dominique Barbier -

From New Zealand Horse & Pony :

To French classical dressage master, Dominique Barbier, the problems faced by modern dressage run so deep they are virtually insurmountable, and he’s suggesting a radical overhaul of the sport.

- Jean Llewellyn, July 2009 ‘It’s Anti-Dressage’

It would take more effort than there presently is from individuals who practice the art of Classical Dressage to invest in competing. There are too few making that effort, but as someone who has competed before and since given it up I sympathize with a disinterest in that world. Making Classical Dressage more readily available for people to see does not mean one has to do it through the competition scene, and trying to do so may not actually be as beneficial as one would imagine. Most people involved in Competitive Dressage hold tightly to their methods and do not wish to see or try anything different, anything that could take longer to succeed or even mean compromising their success in the show ring. Judges are no longer rewarding the most correct Dressage Competitors (according to the FEI rules) as it turns out anyhow.

The Masters used to perform in the Circus if they wished to publicize their talents, perhaps it will be by seeking alternative outlets to bring Classical Dressage to more people that it will gain some measure of widespread popularity. Then again, like breeding dogs because it is a fad this could sour that avenue of Dressage as well.