“We want to understand the nature of the horse, respect his personality and not suppress it throughout his training. Then we are on the right way” Dr Reiner Klimke to his daughter Ingrid (13)
In Chapter 1 I explained that this book is for those who want to improve their riding. If I had used the term dressage in chapter 1 instead of riding I expect that many of you would switch off. “Dressage is only for experienced riders”. “It’s for competition”. “It’s not for me”. But whether we like it or not all riders are involved in dressage.
How so? Dressage is a French word with a simple meaning. It means training. As we learnt in chapter 1 all riders are horse trainers. Whenever we spend time with or on a horse we are influencing him and therefore training him.
What is the objective of dressage – of training the horse? I think that this is a very important question for us all to ask ourselves. Take a moment and think what this means for you. Why do you seek to improve yourself and your horse?
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) states “The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.”(1)
Patrick Print (FBHS, Chairman BHS) expressed his thoughts for me very succinctly. “For enjoyment. To have a happy horse and rider”.
Inger Bryant (List 1 Dressage Judge) went further in explaining how this could be achieved. “First I aim to have the horse understand what we want and second to develop his physical ability.”
A top competition rider’s response was quoted in an article published on the internet. “First of all we seek to control the horse”.
Do you agree? Do you seek to control your horse?