Classical Dressage

[vikkiandmonica]

Possibly a fairly stupid question, but could someone possibly explain the difference between classical dressage and more recent dressage? I've read a website basically saying that the rider mainly uses their seat, but surely most dressage uses the seat too? If anyone could please explain to me what the difference is, it would be very much appreciated!

Oh, and slightly off topic, whenever I ride Wings bareback I can sit to his trot fine and really fine myself moving with him, not bouncing or anything, really flowing with him, however once a saddle is involved, I find it much harder to feel how he is moving and get the same deep seat so I am more unsteady on top of him? Can anyone suggest how to improve my seat in sitting trot with a saddle?

Thanks

 

[eggs]

I find sitting trot much easier without stirrups!

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Take away your stirrups as already said and if possible have a lesson on the lunge so you can concentrate on yourself rather then anything else.

If you want to learn more about Classical Dressage have a look at Sylvia Lochs site - there are loads of others as well.

 

[vikkiandmonica]

Ok thanks, will have a look.

As for removing stirrups, even without them I still find it much harder than without a saddle, and I can sit to my other 2 horses without a saddle as easily as I can with, just Wings I really can't?

 

[intouch]

How comfortable is your saddle? Sounds like you can move your hips OK without a saddle, it's just a question of letting your pelvis flex with the horse's movement. If the saddle is putting you in the wrong position, it makes it more difficult. You could try sitting for just a few strides at a time, building it up as you get more comfortable.
Classical riding is perhaps less spectacular than competition dressage, as it's more good training of horse and rider, rather than trying to impress a judge.

 

[Mearas]

Classical Dressage is the study of the Great Dressage Masters from Xenophon before Christ, through Pluvinell, De la Gueirinere, Beucher etc. to the modern day when Nuno Oliveira is considered by many to be a great trainer.


[/FONT][I]The definition of classical equestrianism: It is the ability, by means of good exercices, logically structured and based on the natural laws of balance and harmony, to train the horse so that it subordinates itself to the rider´s will contentedly and with self-confidence, without any detriment whatsoever to its own natural sequence of movement.
("In Deference", p.11).

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