SEPTEMBER 2005 • HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine

A Classical Connection

An Introduction

Click Here to Listen to this Article

“A Classical Connection” – Welcome and Hello!

A classical connection – an ongoing series of articles – exploring the classical connection and history behind our relationship, the sport and the movements of dressage. Exploring the history of the “art” of riding.

I have always been fascinated by the sublime communication possible with our horses and the extraordinary grace of horses, which has led me to explore our classical connection.

The joy of dressage is in the sense of continuity, a sense of community and being a part of the on-going thread of history. In no other sport, recreation or work of art is this as true as the living art we create through the mastery of dressage. Dressage should not just be about competition. Nor can it be. It exists only on the rich, diverse history of centuries of exploration and mastery of our unique relationship with our horses. There would be no shoulder-in, without Gueriniere, no haute ecole without the living history of the Spanish Riding School . 

From the very first moment we first climb on the back of our horse we join and become a part of this ongoing history. No matter the level of horse and/or rider, we join the ranks of Oliveira, Pluvinel, Xenephon, in an ongoing tradition of seeking the ultimate, the “perfect understanding between the horse and the rider…the horse is then a partner, rather than a slave.. To practice equestrian art is to establish a conversation on a higher level with the horse; a dialogue of courtesy and finesse…the spectator can then see the sublime beauty of this communion. He will be touched by the grace and the form, and captivated as if he were hearing the most grandiose music.” Nuno Oliveira in Reflections on Equestrian Art.

For those of us who are not masters, the classical connection can be our guide, our map as we daily strive to better ourselves. We can take comfort in the knowledge that the path that we follow today, has been laid down, tested through the ages by true masters for hundreds of years on hundreds of thousands, if not millions of horses. The foundation that we learn today will give us the skills tomorrow to attain true mastery of this living art.

The art of classical dressage, these foundations are there for everyone. True masters seem to have a “noblisse oblige” to pass on their knowledge, the gifts their masters and their horses have given to them. We are fortunate this is true. The words of the masters through the ages are there for you to grasp.

History is rich with their leavings, from Xenephon over 2000 years ago to Pluvinel, La Gueriniere, Baucher, Seunig and Oliveira. They all have something to teach us. They have put their mark on our efforts and on our riding and our sport, sometimes without us even realizing it.

As a living art, dressage has changed and evolved through the ages. Two hundred years ago there were no extensions. Flying changes at every stride were introduced at the circus. As with any living entity, dressage will continue to evolve and grow. It is up to each of us to participate in the formation that dressage will take in this, new millennium. We must all understand where the teachings that we have today come from, as only then, will we understand where and why we are doing what we are doing today. And be able with integrity, prepare where we will be tomorrow. Not only for ourselves, but for those that follow.

 As Nuno stated; “the practice of equitation is a valuable lesson, as it requires the exercise of all human virtues.”

To our virtuosity in developing our living art into this next century and into the new millineium.

 Send any questions, comments and even which masters of the past and present that has helped you on your equestrian quest.