NHT Magazine Summer 2019

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FEATURE Riding For Everyone! The term ‘classical’ riding is often much misunderstood. Firstly, many people think of it as elitist or consisting of advanced or difficult dressage. The word classical actually means that it has its origins in past centuries and has passed the test of time. Although there are slight differences of opinion in the classical world, its principles have, and always will, remain the same to any true classicist. This is because it is based on the laws of nature, such as gravity, and the natural biomechanics of the horse. Although horses are bred differently for different purposes, their basic make-up and way of movement has remained the same for thousands of years. The word dressage means to ‘dress’ or prepare the horse for whatever work it is intended, and all dressage has its origins in classical horsemanship. Therefore, all horses, from big Warmbloods down to Shetland ponies should be prepared for their work by basic dressage. Whatever you intend to do with your horse he will benefit from basic classical dressage, and classical merely means ‘correct’ in this sense. FEI Rules Are Based On Classical Principles Also, those who have been brought on too quickly, at an early age, or pulled in from the front end into rollkur or hyperflexion very often suffer physical break down at an early age. For All Disciplines Whatever your chosen discipline, a basic grounding in classical dressage will greatly benefit your horse. Added to this he will be a much more pleasant ride, being lighter in the forehand, easier to turn, more agile and a safer ride. Riding with an independent classical seat is very much safer and better balanced than using say a ‘chair’ seat, as frequently seen. A chair seat is when the rider’s seat is at the back of the saddle, putting too much weight on the weakest part of the horse’s back and making the rider most unstable and likely to go ‘out the side door’ at the slightest spook. A Chair Seat Courtesy of Black Tent Photograph The FEI Rule Book is based firmly upon the principles set down by Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere, one of the most revered Classical Masters. If all these rules were adhered to, then all competitive dressage would be classical. Unfortunately, many judges have deviated from their own rule book and reward some bad practices, but thankfully not all; there are still some good judges who stick to classical principles. The Purpose Of Dressage Dressage is designed to physically and mentally prepare the horse to carry the rider with the optimum amount of ease, in the best-balanced way. All the exercises are designed to build up strength and flexibility in the back, joints and tendons; especially strengthening the hind legs, so that the horse can take more weight on the hindquarters, relieving the front legs of the extra pressure which they necessarily are burdened with, once a rider is aboard. All these exercises need to be done carefully, and strength built up slowly, so that the horse comes to a naturally more ‘round’ frame, which emanates from strength in the hindquarters. Hence the phrase ‘the horse should be ridden from back to front’ – never pulled into an outline from the front. Horses naturally carry more weight on the forehand, but when the weight of the rider is added this causes undue strain on the forelegs and is one of the main causes of arthritic, tendon, etc. breakdown as the horse ages. A horse carefully prepared in the classical way has a much healthier and longer life expectancy than his counterparts who have been allowed to slop along on the forehand for most of their lives. The classical seat is not just for dressage. It can easily be adapted for jumping and cross country by shortening the stirrups a little, making it easier for the rider to follow the centre of gravity forward by folding from the hips, and lifting the seat slightly off the saddle. All the other laws of gravity remain the same. The weight aids for turning and re-aligning the horse before a jump render the horse much better balanced and more manoeuvrable, rather than relying on hauling on the reins as is so often seen. If you are a happy hacker, you will find classical training a real boon to your enjoyment. Your horse will be lighter, easier to turn, you will feel much more in control without any harsh aids. Your horse will be better at negotiating turns and uneven ground, and is likely to stay sound and live much longer if he is capable of taking some of the weight onto the haunches. Your seat will be much deeper and both you and your horse will be safer. The Classical Seat Weight Aids From The Beginning It is a source of sadness to me that the simple weight aids are not very often taught to new riders at riding schools these days. They are not difficult for the rider and are a natural thing for the horse to respond to, and very much more comfortable. For instance, to turn left the rider should put a little weight on the left stirrup, turn the head and shoulders to the left, giving just a gentle feel on the left rein, supported by the outside (right) leg taken very slightly back and the right rein being held in position to support the horse’s right shoulder. In this way the horse can make a very Photo Credit: by Black Tent Photography' 29 NorthantsHorseTrader <strong>Magazine</strong> Feature enquiries: features@nhtmagazine.co.uk
alanced left turn, following the weight and position of the rider, without falling onto the left shoulder and being pulled in the mouth with an over-exaggerated left head and neck flexion. The rider’s weight transference should be fairly miniscule. This will be felt by the horse and it is a natural reaction for the horse to follow this weight transference. They don’t have to be taught; it is done automatically. If you were carrying a horizontal pole above your head, the easiest way to carry it would be in the middle with equal weight either side. If one side starts to feel heavier, your reaction will be to move in that direction, so you stay under the centre of gravity. The Ethos Of Classical Horsemanship There is more to classical horsemanship than just a kinder, natural way of riding. It encompasses an ethos of kindness and love of the horse in all aspects of care. Everything is based on mutual respect, with a view to the best long-term interests of the horse. Anything other than this is not true classicism, but merely a travesty of the word. The Levade The pinnacle of collection (weight transference to the hindquarters). You don't have to aspire to this kind of high school dressage to ride classically. Photo courtesy of The Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Enjoyed this article? Read more from Anne n ‘Tracking-Up’ magazine ‘A MAGAZINE WITH A DIFFERENCE’ is how one reader described In our current issue: Tailoring the Training Programme to Suit the Type of Horse, Anne Wilson; Over to You, The Tracking-up Team; The Benefits of Transitions Part 1, Anne Wilson; Home Alone Part 2: What to Do About it?, LesleySkipper; Mindfulness: Riding in Your Head: An extract from Sylvia Loch’s latest book, The Rider’s Balance by Sylvia Loch; The Magic Spot, Lesley Skipper; An Epistle to Riders: Part 3, Paul L. Dawson; The Gymnastic Benefts of Cavaletti Training: Part 3: The Canter, Claire Whitfeld; plus the latest in saddle research, equine science made simple, book reviews and Reader Offers. Tracking-up is a voluntary, non-profit, quarterly magazine. Printed copies are £5.75 per issue or £19.90 for a 4-issue subscription. Digital copies are £4.00 per issue or £14.00 for a 4- issue subscription. Clearly print your name and address (and email for digital) plus ‘TU43-NT’ on the back of your cheque payable to ‘Tracking-up’ and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds, MK44 2EQ www.tracking-upmagazine.co.uk EQUINE LIVESTOCK POULTRY FEEDS, BEDDING AND MANY OTHER PRODUCTS The Original Interlocking Stable Mat At BAGFORCE we have a team of experienced poultry and animal keepers covering everything from pets to smallholding animals and exhibition poultry. This means that we have refined our stock of feeds to those that we believe offer the very best quality for every budget WE ALSO SUPPLY: SANDS GRAVELS HARDCORE TOPSOIL Local Delivery Available Most Feed Brands Available To Order WE ARE OPEN 7:30am – 5:00pm MONDAY - FRIDAY Telephone: 01280 703248 Mobile: 07720 537166 ADDRESS: FIELD FARM, CHARLTON ROAD, BRACKLEY, NN13 5GH (SAME YARD AS HYDRAMEX) WWW.BAGFORCE.CO.UK Safe, comfortable hygienic & durable Call 01536 513456 for a quote today Competitive rates for local delivery www.equimat.co.uk NorthantsHorseTrader <strong>Magazine</strong> 30
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NHT Magazine Summer 2019

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