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Posted by HrseRdr185 on August 18, 2002 at 14:28:10:

I'm making my debut on the new Pet Care Forum message boards, and it's been MANY months since I last posted on the dressage board. Since then, I have discovered classical riding: in a sense, holistic riding. Classical is simply that which is correct for both horse and rider - correct by Nature's standards. The horse is ridden back-to-front; never overbent or in any way made to move in an unnatural, distorted posture; and both mind and spirit, as well as the whole body, are encompassed. Some people become confused because they see riders who claim to be classical, riding around with their horses tense, unhappy, and often "broken" in the neck, but a child slamming his hands down on a piano and saying he's playing Beethoven, clearly is not. I could give you a more detailed explanation of classical riding if you request it, but it is far easier for me, and even more beneficial for you, if you pick up these two books by Sylvia Loch: "The Classical Rider: Being at One with Your Horse", and "Dressage in Lightness: Speaking the Horse's Language".

If you don't know me, I'll tell you a little bit about myself. Most of what I've learned is a result of riding a highly sensitive, somewhat difficult Thoroughbred, but I did not own him, and sadly, our wonderful partnership was broken apart. I currently ride a chestnut Quarter Horse (probably Appendix) mare who is a little up in her years and doesn't like to work too hard, but is very good-natured and sometimes surprises me with very nice work for her level. I've only ridden her twice so far, and the first ride was marred by a very bad saddle that did not allow correct posture. So, considering we've only had one good ride so far, I think we're coming along well.

I look forward to many future dressage discussions, and also to seeing you all in the Saturday Night Barn Party. Happy riding!

--HrseRdr185

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