Equestrian art is the perfect understanding between the rider and his horse. This harmony allows the horse to work without any contraction in his joints or in his muscles, permitting him to carry out all movements with mental and physical enjoyment as well as with suppleness and rhythm. The horse is then a partner, rather than a slave who is enforced to obey a rigid master by constraint…
To practise equestrian art is to establish a conversation on a high level with the horse; a dialogue of courtesy and finesse. The rider obtains the collaboration of the horse by the slightest hint of a demand, and the spectator can then see the sublime beauty of this communion. He will be touched by the grace and the form, and captivated as if he were hearing the most grandiose music.
Nuno Oliveira Reflections on Equestrian Art (J.A. Allen 1988)
A truly international organization to promote the philosophy of the classical training methods.
Classical Equitation is not a style or separate discipline (ie like western, show jumping, eventing, dressage.) it is a philosophy. It is a superior way of training your horse so that you can then take it out to do whatever you wish ranging from a pleasurable hack in the woods, to a World Cup show jumping round, to a Grand Prix dressage test, to a display of Haute Ecole. Every horse becomes more assured and secure in his behaviour, both ridden and on the ground, if he is trained according to logical, progressive principles which encourage the horse to be light to the hand and leg from the beginning. The rider needs to constantly return to the foundations of training, not look for the "quick fix."
Classical riding isn't a "dressage thing" it's an ethical thing. I don't think it is about top hats and tails, nor should it be limited to tests in a dressage arena. This is riding that is right for every situation, every type of saddle and every horse.
Classical Horsemastership International (CHI), promotes this holistic approach to training horses, by utilizing the wisdom of the ancient training methods, particularly those from Portugal, Spain, and France, encouraging rider motivation and development and exploring management techniques that are not contradictory to nature, to ensure the comfort and health of the horse.
CHI is establishing a link between riders all over the world and is providing a forum to discuss views, methods, and training.
CHI is for all riders aiming to have their horses strong, balanced, supple, forward, straight, obedient, and light as a result of relaxed, harmonious training.
Copyright © 2009 Classical Horsemastership International and Marji Armstrong. All Rights Reserved.
Nuno Oliveira (photo : J. Fadié)
Marji Armstrong on Dulcero with Nuno Oliveira
CLASSICAL HORSEMASTERSHIP INTERNATIONAL
