"classical" riding lessons?

Nicki85

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I've seen some adverts recently about classical riding lessons. Is this a different way of riding? I'm quite interested in trying a different method (if that's the correct word) so wondered if I should give it a go on my new share horsey.

The website for the instructor is here- http://www.classicalequitation.co.uk/index.html

Any info (good or bad) on this type of instruction would be appreciated.
 

Crazy Friesian

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Its all about use of core muscles... I initially found it very different and then it all made sense and was ultimately easier than how I was originally taught to ride.

I was lucky enough to train with someone who trained under Nuno Oliviera.

Mary Wanless did some work with him. Have a look out for some of her instructors.

Enjoy!!!
 

Slinkyunicorn

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Have a look on here

http://www.classicalriding.co.uk/index.php

Sylvia Loch's books are great as well - they cover the history of Classical Riding from the ancient Greeks to present day and also has written books explaining the techniques and aids. It is about the correct distribution of weight - both riders and horses - which leads to correct muscle usage and a free moving horse without the need of force or artifical aids.
 

chestnut cob

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I go to a classical instructor and she's sorting out all of my position issues that most instructors have tended to gloss over in the past. She explains what I'm doing wrong, how it affects the horse, then puts me in the correct position. I like the fact that it's all geared towards teaching you how to develop your horse's muscles correctly for the sake of his longevity rather than to "put him on the bit", and out of that the horse learns to carry himself. I'm learning to do less and less but get more of a response out of my horse - she's been teaching me how to use my seat correctly and effectively, how and when to use my legs, and stop holding the horse up with my hands.

If you want to do a bit of reading, try and get hold of some Phillipe Karl books. Heather Moffatt's website, Enlightened Equitation, is a good place to start as well. Put HM into youtube and there are some good videos of her teaching; if you can find an EET (Enlightened Equitation Teacher, which mine is), then that's the sort of thing you can expect.
 

Nicki85

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thanks for all the comments, sounds really promising and just the thing i need. I need some more tips on posture and the horse that I will be sharing is a bit stiff and crooked at times...

I'll chat to the owner and make sure she is happy
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It's quite expensive though... £35 an hour is that the norm? Lady is trained under the Nuno person mentioned as well..
 

Slinkyunicorn

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£35 sounds about right.
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Good luck and let us know how you get on! Its like everything - the first few times it is really difficult as there is so much to take in but it does get easier as does your riding! I know with my gelding it is like some one has turned the light on for us and I don't speak Russian to him anymore when he only understands English.......
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varkie

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Classical can be great. I aim to ride/learn/teach that way myself.

But.

Please do be careful. A portugese trainer doesn't make someone classical, seems like almost everyone claims to have trained under Nuno Oliviera these days!

In addition to that, not everyone who claims to be classical, actually is.

Sylvia Loch & Heather Moffett are certainly big names in Classical Dressage in the UK, and it is worth looking into what they're teaching - both have books, DVDs, websites, Youtube stuff available, etc. It's also just worth googling classical, and seeing what comes up - get a feel for what is out there, and what truly constitutes classical.
 

chestnut cob

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[ QUOTE ]

In addition to that, not everyone who claims to be classical, actually is.


[/ QUOTE ]

This is v true. There are some really terrible "classical" instructors out there. Go by recommendation. I would suggest looking at the list of EETs on Heather Moffatt's website and seeing if you can get to whoever is the most local. At least that way you'll know what sort of training basis they have.
 

Tinypony

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I've found a lot of variation in the "classical" approach being taught, so with any instructor I'd want to go and see them teach before riding with them. I've tried Ride With Your Mind (Mary Wanless) and found it rather different to what I am learning with my current trainer, I wasn't keen. I've had some lessons with Peter Maddison Greenwell on his schoolmaster horses, which were very interesting.
 

shadowboy

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this is the type of riding I teach! I teach round shropshire and also have leaflets etc about it- in fact I think there is a write up on me in the shropshire review in the winter edition. If you PM me what you want to know about this style of riding I can let you know any people who instruct in this style near you or what a classical dressage lesson would entail.
 

somethingorother

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Sorry to hijack, but if anyone has any recommendations for a classical instructor in lancashire i would love to hear them! Have been a big fan of Sylvia Loch, and read her books, i love them and find they really get me into the right relaxed and open frame of mind before riding (if this snow ever goes away so i can ride again!!)
 

chestnut cob

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[ QUOTE ]
Sorry to hijack, but if anyone has any recommendations for a classical instructor in lancashire i would love to hear them! Have been a big fan of Sylvia Loch, and read her books, i love them and find they really get me into the right relaxed and open frame of mind before riding (if this snow ever goes away so i can ride again!!)

[/ QUOTE ]

I go to Emma Bailey and I *think* she teaches in Lancashire. Her website is something like www.moveintothelight.co.uk (google it, it's the first link that comes up if you put in Emma Bailey move into light). I can thoroughly recommend her.
 
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