Classical Horsemanship
Classical riding and the classical approach to horse training is based on a partnership between the rider and the horse. In good classical riding, a dance is formed between horse and rider, much like ballroom dancing.
Classical Riding and Horse Training
The principles and methods of modern classical horsemanship draw on a centuries-long lineage that begins with the ancient Greeks, further develops in Renaissance Italy and continues into the 16th-18th Centuries in France.
A Horse-Centered Approach to Riding and Training
French classical horsemanship is horse-centered.
The basic aids of the classical approach to riding are based on the biomechanics of the horse rather than on controlling the horse. These aids form a basis of communication in which horse and rider listen to each other’s bodies and movements to create a harmonious flow. Through this flow, the rider guides the horse through subtle swirls and sways and horse and rider become one.
A rider-centered approach, on the other hand, uses the rider’s firm external control—pulling, muscle tension, aggression–to contain and oppose the horse’s motion. The rider-centered style developed to train cavalry recruits for service in the army. Riders needed to be trained in a short time and horses were considered expendable, part of the equipment of war.
The military/rider-centered approach to riding and training continues in modern training and is commonly used for competition riding. Such a physical style of riding and training can damage the horse’s joints, stress the horse, and produce an unpleasant riding experience for both horse and rider.
Gentle, Accurate, Communication Between Horse and Rider
In French classical horsemanship, each training session improves the horse’s joints and pays attention to how it is using all parts of its body—it is like yoga for the horse. Working in this way makes the horse very calm and eager to learn. It also keeps the horse healthier and extends its riding lifetime.
The classically-trained rider guides the horse with gentle aids. The focus of riding is on detailed, accuracy, understanding and a healthy communication with the horse. Horse and rider both have a pleasurable riding experience and become companions in riding.
Comparison to Other Approaches
Western riding was brought to North America by the Spanish in the 16th Century. It shares many of the same methods as classical horsemanship, such as riding on a long rein, using a single hand on the reins and setting the horse up and getting out of the way.
Natural horsemanship developed from the classical French training methods used by the United States Army cavalry. Soldiers trained to ride in the cavalry brought the classical techniques back to train their ranch horses. The style of training called natural horsemanship eventually developed, with many similarities to classical horsemanship.
What Is Different with Classical Riding
The major difference between the classical horsemanship style and the natural horsemanship is that classical work is much more precise and the work is much gentler on the horse. In classical horsemanship, there are no harsh bits, no pulling on the horse’s face, no kicking the horse to make it go and no frightening the horse to get what you want.
In classical horsemanship, harmony is used to control the horse. Each individual horse’s physical strengths and weaknesses, as well as its natural talents, are taken into consideration in training. In classical work, the trainer might focus on a single vertebrae or a single limb that is stiff or weak.
Classical Riding in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado
Classical Horsemanship, located in Northwest Fort Collins, offers riding lessons and horse training in the French classical tradition. Megan Sorentino is the head instructor, Craig Stevens works as a horse consultant, and we have working students that all help us with our work. We are dedicated to creating a happy, curious riding horse who is a willing, engaged and responsive partner in the dance that is classical riding.
