so much...

There seems to be so very much to take in, and I am very aware that I am still paddling in the shallows of the knowledge I seek. Sounds a little trite, but it's all about the concepts, the whys not the hows, as I search out directions. The reality is that I don't have a classical dressage instructor at my doorstep - nor do I have the funds to just throw myself at coaching full on right now. I do, however, trust my own ability to absorb information, and have the patience to try new things without barrelling forwards so fast I miss the details. That doesn't make sense, but I know what I mean, and so far, no one reads this!! So, the internet is a TREASURE CHEST. I search and I read, and I slowly compile a list of people who I can refer to as I go down this path.

This week, I have been SUPER inspired by Manolo Mendez. I first of all found some very practical, informative articles on a site called Ozhorse, and further investigation led me to his own website. He is a beautiful, beautiful rider and I love his message. This is the first thing he has to say, and as every sentence resonates, I have to share it in full.

My style of training places emphasis on a soft, swinging back and making sure all the joints in the hindquarters are moving freely and evenly, making sure we have even diagonals in all paces. I will ask for this before I ask the horse to seek the bit. It is a conscious decision rather than an error of riding on my part. I am encouraging my horse to distribute the weight evenly, to become a partner. I encourage him to be free with his head and neck carriage level with the hip in those early stages of training so his muscles build from strength to strength. The horse learns to relax through the poll and jaw and can carry himself and me with ease.

This early work I use to develop straightness, balance, rhythm, flexion and regularity in all paces -- crucial basic foundations. I encourage the horse in-hand to make use of its entire body.
Before I ask a horse to work, I want to know its history. Has it had problems or an incident that would leave it mistrustful of people and resistant or defensive? If the horse does not like me at the start, I spend time to be a friend. Only when the horse trusts will it work in a positive way being relaxed in body and mind.

I only take the next step when the previous one is well established and the horse is physically and mentally comfortable with the work. Then and only then I ask for more. If the horse becomes confused, the rider must not add to the confusion, instead he takes a full step or half step back and allows the horse to re-establish confidence and balance before progressing to the next step.
I adhere to the principles of traditional dressage and Article 401, which preserves the horse's body instead of wearing it down, and gently nurtures mental growth, so that the physical and mental aspects work in unity.

Many horses today have become so far separated from their essence, or the harmony that comes from the mind and body working in synchronicity, that they suffer needlessly each day of their lives. I witness this damage as part of my work.

I wish to pass on the understanding of the importance of the partnership, the joy of the dance that can be experienced by horse and rider when body and mind are working in a shared partnership. I want people to understand that the horse is an athlete, a partner in dance and as such, should be treated with the greatest respect.
The purpose of such training should be to allow the horse to reach his full potential with his full and willing cooperation and without pushing him beyond his mental and physical abilities.
-Manolo Mendez


His full site can be reached at http://www.manolomendezdressage.com/#!__home

Reading his words today, and a conversation with a young friend of mine (who is hugely suspicious of 'classical' dressage, in fact, any 'quack' idea that deviates from Winning Ribbons - sounds awful, but she is a lovely girl, just young, and I am sure she will one day see the light!!!) led me to watching some You Tube videos. What an amazing resource! I watched, in delight, Klimke's gold medal ride at the Los Angeles Olympics. I enjoyed comparing the jaunty Ahlerich (sp?) with the extravagent, accurate dressage Uber Horses of today. I LOVED that his performance was so different from modern horses. He looks out through his bridle, his eyes are bright. His paces slightly vary at times - his balance and suppleness does not. He appears to be having fun, and I will never tire of his extended canter in that test!!! I compare him to superstars such as Tortilas - who, to my constant amazement, doesn't track up. This boggles me. All the international grand prix horses behind the vertical, poll NOT at the highest point - it is not only insane that this is happening, but insane that the people are are like WHAT THE FUCK are considering the minority.