CLASSICAL VERSUS COMPETITIVE
There once was a boy, or girl for that matter, who said, “I can do it faster!” The crowd watched as the accomplishment was done in what appeared to be record breaking time. The thunderous applause and cheers of joy resounded all around and thus a hero was born. But no one stopped to check and see if it was done correctly. It was simply done good enough for time being, with no thought to the future and longevity. It became disposable.
The definition of something classical is either referring back to the ancient Greeks and Romans as in art, culture and traditions, but it also refers to exemplary work of high quality set against standards that have taken years to produce. It is simple, elegant and traditional. It is based on concepts and theories that are considered to be important and serious.
Of course, we all know that traditions change over time and thankfully, otherwise we would be running around carrying clubs and hunting with spears. This progress can be seen with the evolution of science and technology. However, like evolution, progress is not perfect, but it also not finished yet. New concepts and theories will come and go. Some ideas will diminish just as the dinosaurs became extinct. And new ones will grow replacing the old ones with better and more novel ones.
This is where classical can easily stem from its roots and take on new forms to evolve into disciplines. There is nothing wrong with this evolution as long as the mass majority continues to question its validity. As horse-people we need to keep the horse’s welfare our first priority and our riding second. This means that we constantly need to ask ourselves if we are working with a happy and healthy horse who will be able to perform long into his elderly years. Or are we riding a horse into exhaustion and fatigue, tiring out his mind and his body long before his expiration date. These questions will keep the equestrian sport humane.
One this same theory, we have organizations which help monitor and enforce these practices. But what happens if these organizations go rogue and stop interfering with malicious practices? What happens if riders are encouraged to keep riding new concept theories without being questioned? What happens if science can prove that these theories are falsely straying from the classical connection?
The answer is bleak.
Many arguments have blistered over the classical training of horses in the competition world. People are bombarded with debates and varying ideas of what is right and what is wrong. But, it is a business and the horse is a mere pawn in the business world. People lose sight of the horse’s welfare and believe in whatever they need to believe in so that they can sleep at night. Sadly, it is the horses who pay the price for peoples success. Quick fixes are appearing with relative little study and ethics. These magic training methods are putting very young horses in very high levels. No one is questioning if this is right?
Hopefully, the future will brighten and the riders will seek out classical rules to decide upon training methods. We need to look to the masters for inspiration and follow with science and technology to check every theory to its fullest degree. Thermal imaging can detect hot spots in the horse denoting pain and inflammation. This can be used to detect any kind of discrepancy from saddle fit, to rollkur, to bits, to rider equitation and so on.
Riders need to keep in mind that just because someone is doing something one way, does make it right. This is how traditions have changed over time. Someone is always questioning them.
So, when it comes to dressage, who do we look towards for a start? We look to the masters, such as Nuno Oliveira, Alois Podhajsky, Gustuv Steinbrecht, Albert de Carpentry, William Cavendish, Philippe Karl, Charles de Kunffy and many others.
As Steinbrecht quotes, “If the art were not so difficult we would have plenty of good riders and excellently ridden horses, but as it is the art requires, in addition to everything else, character traits that are not combined in everyone: inexhaustible patience, firm perseverance under stress, courage combined with quiet alertness. If the seed is present only a true, deep love for the horse can develop these character traits to the height that alone will lead to the goal." This is important to keep in mind when training. One needs to pick their mentor carefully, and always question everything. Greater understanding and scientific technology will show the evidence; we just need to be willing to see it. The key is to slow down, use patience and perseverance. Be diligent in your riding and make sure it is correct. Understand what correct means and apply much research into the debate. Part of your personal growth and spiritual existence is based upon learning. Academics should be the resounding bells for all to hear, but unfortunately many want magic spells instead. There is no quick fix and when one understand the correct horsemanship, it is easy to tell if a concept or theory is placing the horse above all else or if the horse is forced to work in pain and suffering.
As well, just because you ride, does not mean you should compete, and just because you compete does not mean you need to win, and just because you win does not mean you did it right. Whatever your goal, make sure that the horse is healthy, happy, working in harmony and is pain-free. There should be no excuses or other options of thinking. This is the way to enlightened riding!
The definition of something classical is either referring back to the ancient Greeks and Romans as in art, culture and traditions, but it also refers to exemplary work of high quality set against standards that have taken years to produce. It is simple, elegant and traditional. It is based on concepts and theories that are considered to be important and serious.
Of course, we all know that traditions change over time and thankfully, otherwise we would be running around carrying clubs and hunting with spears. This progress can be seen with the evolution of science and technology. However, like evolution, progress is not perfect, but it also not finished yet. New concepts and theories will come and go. Some ideas will diminish just as the dinosaurs became extinct. And new ones will grow replacing the old ones with better and more novel ones.
This is where classical can easily stem from its roots and take on new forms to evolve into disciplines. There is nothing wrong with this evolution as long as the mass majority continues to question its validity. As horse-people we need to keep the horse’s welfare our first priority and our riding second. This means that we constantly need to ask ourselves if we are working with a happy and healthy horse who will be able to perform long into his elderly years. Or are we riding a horse into exhaustion and fatigue, tiring out his mind and his body long before his expiration date. These questions will keep the equestrian sport humane.
One this same theory, we have organizations which help monitor and enforce these practices. But what happens if these organizations go rogue and stop interfering with malicious practices? What happens if riders are encouraged to keep riding new concept theories without being questioned? What happens if science can prove that these theories are falsely straying from the classical connection?
The answer is bleak.
Many arguments have blistered over the classical training of horses in the competition world. People are bombarded with debates and varying ideas of what is right and what is wrong. But, it is a business and the horse is a mere pawn in the business world. People lose sight of the horse’s welfare and believe in whatever they need to believe in so that they can sleep at night. Sadly, it is the horses who pay the price for peoples success. Quick fixes are appearing with relative little study and ethics. These magic training methods are putting very young horses in very high levels. No one is questioning if this is right?
Hopefully, the future will brighten and the riders will seek out classical rules to decide upon training methods. We need to look to the masters for inspiration and follow with science and technology to check every theory to its fullest degree. Thermal imaging can detect hot spots in the horse denoting pain and inflammation. This can be used to detect any kind of discrepancy from saddle fit, to rollkur, to bits, to rider equitation and so on.
Riders need to keep in mind that just because someone is doing something one way, does make it right. This is how traditions have changed over time. Someone is always questioning them.
So, when it comes to dressage, who do we look towards for a start? We look to the masters, such as Nuno Oliveira, Alois Podhajsky, Gustuv Steinbrecht, Albert de Carpentry, William Cavendish, Philippe Karl, Charles de Kunffy and many others.
As Steinbrecht quotes, “If the art were not so difficult we would have plenty of good riders and excellently ridden horses, but as it is the art requires, in addition to everything else, character traits that are not combined in everyone: inexhaustible patience, firm perseverance under stress, courage combined with quiet alertness. If the seed is present only a true, deep love for the horse can develop these character traits to the height that alone will lead to the goal." This is important to keep in mind when training. One needs to pick their mentor carefully, and always question everything. Greater understanding and scientific technology will show the evidence; we just need to be willing to see it. The key is to slow down, use patience and perseverance. Be diligent in your riding and make sure it is correct. Understand what correct means and apply much research into the debate. Part of your personal growth and spiritual existence is based upon learning. Academics should be the resounding bells for all to hear, but unfortunately many want magic spells instead. There is no quick fix and when one understand the correct horsemanship, it is easy to tell if a concept or theory is placing the horse above all else or if the horse is forced to work in pain and suffering.
As well, just because you ride, does not mean you should compete, and just because you compete does not mean you need to win, and just because you win does not mean you did it right. Whatever your goal, make sure that the horse is healthy, happy, working in harmony and is pain-free. There should be no excuses or other options of thinking. This is the way to enlightened riding!
