Define classical

[siennamum]

So a couple of threads have got me thinking, which is always a dangerous thing!

I believe that classical is just another term for good or correct. So Carl Hester is pretty classical as is Reiner Klimke.

I was taught to ride classically by traditional instructors, my position was correct and I was encouraged to be quiet and accurate. When reading people like Sylvia Loch I haven't really read anything which differs from what I was taught traditionally.

I think there is some difference to a more Baroque style, is this what people think when they talk about classical, or is classical actually more baroque?

I am confused, and think there is a danger that yet again traditional is seen as bad (as has happened with NH) because people actually dont understand how to ride and train horses correctly until someone teaches them and then tells them they are now classical.
What do you understand by classical.

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

I understand 'Classical' as a true dressage position and way of thinking. You have to be in balance with yourself and your horse and have a thorough understanding of the impact the minutae of movements will have on yourself and your horse's way of going.

It's a 'grand prix' dressage seat in laymans terms!

 

[Cortez]

I think the term classical has been bandied about a lot, but has not been really given a defined meaning. I know what it means to ME, but that may not be what it means to someone else. I think many people use "classical" to mean "not rollkur/drawreins/doing-PSG-at-5-years-old". To me it means following the teachings of the Masters from the time of classical manége riding, which would be from the 16th - 18th centuries. There are still existing written works by Pluvinel, William Cavendish and De la Gueriniére, so it is possible to train from these (and the Spanish Riding School use de la Gueriniére's book as text). But if you take this as the absolute meaning of the term, then a lot of modern dressage training is not classical, for instance all extensions, and flying changes.

 

[Goldenstar]

Rider Wears a long coat and a hat with a feather and bangs on about how things used to be ( time scale unspecified) ..... Joking honest .

 

[Cortez]

Rider Wears a long coat and a hat with a feather and bangs on about how things used to be ( time scale unspecified) ..... Joking honest .

What, like this? Sorry no feather.............

 

[Goldenstar]

Ah yes exactly but you do need a feather !!!!

 

[Littlelegs]

Classical position I think of Carl hester. I do think too for me, its similar to a good bareback position, rather than being complicated by heather moffet saddles or being obliged to do a specific course or clinic like its a new concept. To an extent I think of classical training as similar to what cortez said, in laymans terms I suppose I'd say 'with the horse in self carriage' or at least with that as the priority.

 

[tallyho!]

What ol' "No Feather" up there said

 

[JFTDWS]

Seconding what "No Feather" said... And I did used to ride in a hat with a feather...

And this below from LL. HM isn't "classical" in my opinion - she's one of the prime examples of fads in equitation. I am sure her devotees will delight in correcting me on this point, but my opinion stands

its similar to a good bareback position, rather than being complicated by heather moffet saddles or being obliged to do a specific course or clinic like its a new concept.

A lot of modern dressage isn't truly classical as Cortez says - that doesn't make it bad in any way - merely different...