Who is Hans Handler?

Many people have heard of a Colonel Alois Podhajsky far fewer have heard of Colonel Hans Handler.  Surprising in a way since Hans handler became the director of the Spanish Riding School in 1965 after Colonel Podhajsky's retirement.

Surprising also as Colonel Hans Handler has been called by some as the best rider that be Spanish Riding School has ever produced.

While one may debate or argue that one cannot doubt that he had true feeling for the horse.

"Why do men feel more affinity horse and with any other animal?  Is it his native beauty that is so striking, his strength, the harmony of his movements?  The answer must live much deeper.  Since time immemorial man has had the dog as a daily companion and protector, sharing his walks with him and “talking” to him.  But the dog remains a servant, a subordinate.  Not so the horse.  Men “speaks” to the horse as an equal, though in fact the horse is far superior in strength.  The horse can lend man wings, but he can also destroy him.  Man transcends himself on horseback and therein lies the essence of his love for the animal. 

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