Classical Dressage

Ok, where do I start… Dressage…

Some say: “Dressage is Dressage, there is no difference between ‘modern’ and ‘Classical’”

And I say, “so it should be…” but it is a bit more complicated than that. ‘Dressage’ means ‘training’ and that would mean basically any kind of horse training. But of course this explanation is to easy, and I’m not going to let you off that easy

The term ‘Dressage’ is an old term and nowadays it mean a lot more than just ‘training’; it is an art and sometimes even almost a way of living. Nowadays the term ‘Dressage’ definitely goes for a certain sort of horse training. Now, I’m not going to explain exactly what Dressage is in this writing, for that you just have to follow my website, it will get clear that way. All I can say it is a way to exercise the horse to get it supple. Aim is to learn the horse to move ‘correct’ and carry the body better. Later in stage we use this to learn the horse to carry the rider better as well, in such a way the horse does not get damaged. During this ‘training’ a good communication between horse and rider is very important. This does not happen right away; the ‘training’ will also establish this more and more after a certain amount of time.

Back to the point then; Classical Dressage? Modern Dressage? Is there a difference and if yes what is it?

My opinion: yes there is a big difference and this is very unfortunate!

‘Modern’ Dressage uses methods of training that are not used in original Dressage. ‘Modern’ Dressage started using tools to get the horse to a certain point in training faster than originally intended. Why do people want to be at that point faster? I can give some reasons but that is just assuming. It probably has to do with money, competition urge, pride etc.

So since people started using methods that were not used in the original Dressage, there has come a split between this original Dressage and how ‘modern’ trainers train their horses. The people who refuse to practice those modern methods still use the Classical principles and they are rather not compared to people who use modern methods (and I can understand as I am one of them) So there you have it, the difference is born, Classical versus Modern…

Last but absolutely not least I want to explain shortly what is meant by Classical Dressage. This is a bit broader than Dressage originated in the Classical era. Dressage goes a lot farther back; one of the first written proofs was Xenophon, the Greek horse trainer. He trained horses for the war and his philosophy was very horse friendly.  A lot later the Dressage became popular in the Classical era where they looked up to the older masters. But despite of the name ‘Classical’ it is not just from this era that Dressage is from, there is a whole time period in between Xenophon and the Classical period and even a bit after. (In my Amazon book carrousel I recommend a couple of books that tell a lot on the history of Dressage). The dictionary says the following about the term ‘Classical’:

classical adjective (TRADITIONAL)

/ˈklæs.ɪ.kəl/

•traditional in style or form, or based on methods developed over a long period of time

I also want to share a quote that is taken from the riding manual of the German cavalry (1912):

“The goal and basic principles of dressage riding are to train the horse so it can perform to the highest level of its potential and to make it obedient. This goal can be achieved only when the horse is put into a ‘position’ or ‘frame’ that allows it to fully unfold its abilities, while preserving and furthering its natural talents. In such a correct position, the horse will be able to withstand the strains of service life for a long time”

This tells us that this way of riding is focused on the horse being allowed to blossom into a healthy athlete. This is impossible when forcing the horse in a mechanical position and/ or with forced methods.