Guest Author - Susan Hopf
There is an ongoing debate within the horse world revolving around the difference between classical riding and dressage. My quick answer to this debate is that classical riding is to ballet as dressage (as we now know it) is to football. Both are athletic endeavors but where the first (classical riding) is concerned with proper form and the biomechanics function of that form as well as aesthetic appeal, harmony and the study of all involved in such, the second (modern dressage) is concerned with the building of a super athlete in order to compete and win a sporting event. On the face of such extremes it would seem that you really do need the first in order to achieve the second. True classicism involves the study of theory, past and current masters of the form and endless hours spent perfecting one’s craft. This is missing in current dressage and has led to the widening divide between the two.
The word “dressage”, at its most basic, is French for training. However what one currently sees as dressage is a harsh, mechanical, distinctly lacking effort by both horse and rider to accomplish classical movements. These movements when well executed are light, harmonious and of benefit to the horses’ physical and mental well being. Lateral movements, such as shoulder-in and half-pass were initially designed as exercises to assist and enhance the horses’ body condition – better enabling the beast to carry a rider. The movements we see in competitive dressage are lacking true connection as most horses are rushed into these movements by trainers and riders with no clear understanding of their purpose. Often we see gadgets employed instead of knowledge and study – the results of which are very harmful to the horse.
Piaffe (a light and elevated trot in place) and passage (a light and elevated trot that travels more up than forward) are the gold rings of the dressage world. Rushing to catch either or both of these trophies we see horses with distorted gaits thumping around the arena, wrenching their tails and trashing their joints. The horses are doing their best – their riders are riding to fame and glory as those horses sacrifice their backs and hocks on the way to the winner’s circle.
Classical riding is making a very slow and steady come back. Rolkur has recently and rightfully been banned at all competitions by the European equestrian governing body (the FEI). Also called hyperflexion, this is a process of riding where the horse’s head and neck are cranked nose to chest and the horse is then driven forward into this abnormal position and unyielding rein contact. The uproar, regarding this painful and detrimental schooling technique, has awakened many from their star struck oblivion. Olympic riders have been taken down a few notches and those that truly care about their equine partners are reevaluating what has been, for far too long, considered the gold standard of riding.
As you walk out to retrieve your horse from the pasture each day consider this – are you going to dance with your horse today or are you ready to rumble? If dancing is more your style please seek out clinicians, instructors and trainers that will help you to school your horse in a manner that will benefit the big-eyed beast. Our horses happily take us wherever we want to go – and usually in any manner that we wish – because of this please bear in mind that if wishes were horses they would, without question, beg us to take notice of what sort of manner that may be.
