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For some masters of the sport, horseback riding is more of an art than a science. For these few, riding is an act that can be pondered over and theorized about as they attempt to get to the bottom of the practice and discover its essence. Why do we ride? How should we sit atop our horse? What is the best way to communicate with our mount? Can we improve our horses physically and mentally through riding? For centuries, riders have tried to answer the abundant questions that plague practitioners of the sport. Some came to similar conclusions and built off of each other to create the theory called classical riding.
Today, classical riding has become a myth for some and a lofty goal always out of reach for others. With more pushes towards positive training and ethical riding, an interest in the classical principles that guided masters for centuries is reemerging. However, with classical trainers few and far between and numerous misconceptions about the practice circulating, many are left with more questions than answers about the age-old riding art form that is classical riding.
History of Classical Riding
Classical riding has roots that stretch back to the 14th century BC in Ancient Sumer. However, many consider the true origins of classic riding to be from Greece in the 4th century BC. Greek historian and soldier Xenophon's text On Horsemanship detailed gentle training methods and a guide on how to improve a horse's condition for battle. Even though his writing is over 2,000 years old, much of his words hold true today. Xenophon described ways of improving the horse that included transitions, circling, and hill work. Even though Greeks at the time did not ride with saddles, the basic position described in On Horsemanship holds true today.
The practices described in Xenophon's text slowly transformed into a dressage-like practice that worked to improve both horse and rider. However, it was not until the 18th century that dressage as it is known today began taking shape with Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere, a master horseman from the riding school of Versailles. He explained how to use exercises to straighten the horse and emphasized basic dressage foundations. At the time, many did not believe that horses could feel pain, however, de la Gueriniere trained with a kindness and compassion that was uncommon during the period.
During the 18th century and prior, many of the lateral movements we know today were used to expertly maneuver horses on the battlefield. Classical riding was taught and practiced across the globe by some of the world's best militaries. However, the 19th century brought about more accurate artillery and less need for cavalry at the front lines in battle. Riding became more leisurely, riding schools disbanded, and racing and fox-hunting became popular. Classical riding fell out of fashion as many riders began riding long thoroughbreds in half seat across open country.
However, a small subset of riders still held true to classical principles and continued to grow the practice. The modern-day brought about a number of master classical riders whose teachings are still cherished today. Alois Podhajsky, Nuno de Oliveira, and Phillipe Karl are all greats from the last century who have inspired a myriad of classical riders. Building on historic, classical principles these new-age horsemen brought a modern perspective, transforming classical riding from a battlefield necessity into a contemporary pastime. Touting masterful horsemanship, kind treatment, and the betterment of the horse's physic, their words still ring true today and continually inspire new batches of master horseback riders.
The Goals of Classical Riding
Back in Xenophon's time, classical riding principles were used to maneuver horses in battle. Pirouettes, leg yields, and caprioles were all used as evasive movements in combat. Haunches-in protected the horse's head during an approach while shoulder-in was used to retreat. Horses used in wars needed to be obedient, maneuverable, fit, and responsive. Classical riding and work in an enclosed space were used to train and condition the horse for battle.
Today, many people assume that historical classical riding evolved into modern competition dressage however the vast majority of dressage riders do not abide by classic principles. Today, forcefully pulling, spurring, and cranking are seen in the dressage arena which is contrary to the teaching of Xenophon, Podhajsky, and Karl. In the modern era, classical riding can be seen across all disciplines as riders use the principles to turn themselves and their horses into better partners. The main goals of classical riding have not truly changed in well over 2000 years: to teach the rider how to sit effectively on the horse, to create a partnership based on kindness and communication, and to better the horse physically for a long productive life.
Positioning the Rider
In 4th century Greece, most riders rode bareback and could not rely on saddle or stirrup to keep them in place. Additionally, they had to ride their horses for long periods of time, over varied terrain, and in battle. These riders needed to be able to sit on their horse in a way that allowed both them and their horse to work effectively for long periods of time. This was a skill many master horsemen continued to practice and master even centuries later. However, once riding became a leisure activity, the correct form of the classical seat was lost to more popular forms of riding.
Today, many riders are taking a renewed interest in learning how to better communicate with their horses. When riding under a classical trainer, riders learn how to position themselves in a way that makes riding easy and enjoyable for horse and human. The classical seat is an effective form of riding that puts the least amount of stress on the human body and gives the horse the easiest load to carry. Sitting classically puts a rider's body parts in the correct position for applying invisible aids and places them over the horse's center of gravity, relieving the horse's back of the burden of carrying a human. This allows both horse and rider to work at a high level for an extended period of time without stress on the joints and deterioration of the body.
Improving the Horse
Whether it's riding into a battle in ancient Greece or asking for a faster barrel round at the county fair, riders ask a lot of their horses physically. Today, we are seeing competition horses retiring earlier and earlier, burnt out both mentally and physically from the rigors of trying to keep up with their rider's aspirations. Many horses can be saved from an early retirement and enjoy a longer, healthier, and happier life with classical riding. Back in the day, horses had to be trained for battle so they could withstand the taxing physical requirements and listen instantly to their rider's aids. Master horsemen found that a progressive, systemic training plan that kept sound physical development at the forefront allowed horses to reach their potential and thrive for years.
At its core, classical riding strives to bring out the best in a horse by slowly training their mind and body. Horses naturally carry more weight on their delicate front legs. Once a 100+ pound human jumps on board, even more weight is distributed to the front, slowly breaking down the horse's tendons, joints, and back over time. Classical riding serves to systemically train the horse to carry itself in a way that preserves the fragile tendons and ligaments, protects joints, and strengthens muscles. Instead of gradually wearing out, horses trained classically for many years get more sound and physically adept. Instead of prioritizing performance in competitions, classical riding strives to create a horse that is strong and healthy even if that does not mean conforming to the requirements for competition.
Classical Riding Essentials
Once riders begin learning about classical riding, it is hard to stop. Classical riding strives to bring a kinder approach to training horses and put physical soundness above all else. Over time, riders can obtain the finest communication with their horses and ask them to perform astonishing physical feats off of the slightest aid. Training horses early, before they are physically developed, and asking them to take on the rigors of high-level competition is in direct opposition to ancient, classical principles. Whether you ride English or Western, ride dressage or only hit the trails, you can learn the basic guiding principles of classical riding and implement them in your own training.
The Classical Seat
The classical seat asks the rider to be quiet and still, cutting down on unnecessary "noise," allowing the horse to react to the slightest of aids. While many see dressage riders in a harsh double bridle, classical riding does not rely on force. After training, the horse should ride in a natural, vertical head carriage without being forced to stay there. True classical riding masters and their well-trained horses can perform even the most advanced maneuvers in just a neck rope. This refined communication takes years to master. Working to perfect the classical seat can help all riders be more effective and enjoyable for their mounts.
The classical seat asks riders to sit on the horse in a way that is balanced and effective. This involves having a solid head-hip-heel alignment where a straight line can be drawn from the ear, through the hip, and all the way to the back of the ankle. This alignment is the hallmark of classic riding as it allows the rider to be perfectly positioned over the horse's center of gravity, allowing them to work with minimal interference. The rider's hands should be soft and only used when asking the horse to perform a specific task. The legs should hang just off the horse's side and only be used on the horse when asking for movement. The rider should keep their head up and look in their direction of movement. Toes should be parallel to the horse's side, allowing for maximum contact of the thighs against the saddle, aiding in communication. Aids are applied precisely and both horse and rider work consistently towards seamless communication.
The Training Pyramid
Over time, a horse ridden classically transforms into the best version of itself to become stunning, strong, and obedient. How a horse can be transformed from a gangly youth in early training into a sound athlete able to perform the highest level maneuvers effortlessly is a mystery to many. The secret is painstakingly slow, progressive training that works to correct the horse's natural imbalances, teach them to enjoy their work, and create elegance and suspension in their gaits. How riders have been doing this for centuries rests in the training pyramid.
Like people, horses are naturally stronger on one side of their body. This leads to stiffness when riding and reluctance to bend in one direction. Horses also tend to put too much weight onto their front legs, stressing out the joints over time. The training pyramid can take years to work through but will slowly get a horse to use both sides of their body evenly and take more weight on their hind legs when riding. This helps create a well-rounded athlete with toned muscles and supported ligaments allowing them to comfortably work for decades. Horses trained classically tend not to break down or face degenerative changes the way modern competition horses do. The training pyramid starts at relaxation and goes up to collection and contains a number of systemic maneuvers to slowly improve the horse's physic.
Whether you ride English or Western, you can bring your horse up through the training pyramid and to the highest levels of their respective discipline. Even those not looking to perfect a sliding stop or piaffe can still use the lower levels of the pyramid to strengthen and train their horse to be their best. The training pyramid takes into account the mental and emotional health of the horse and ensures slow progress so they are always physically capable and able to understand what is expected of them.
Classical riding has been around for well over 2,000 years, yet it is just as applicable today. If you are interested in gaining a deeper connection with your horse, training with kindness and empathy, and bettering yourself as a rider while bringing out your horse's inner elegance, give classical riding a try.