05/10/2025
What Is Classical Horsemanship
Classical horsemanship is the oldest recorded system of horsemanship, the first written account being produced by a cavalry officer, Xenophon, around 400 years BC. The system has endured the passage of time simply because it is correct, it uses natural laws. Balance , symmetry, reflex and response amongst others.
Classical riding is harmony between horse and rider, a partnership based on understanding, communication and trust. Riders first learn the classical seat, a deep and well balanced seat, without grip, legs hang quietly, draped around the horse, the back supple the rider carries himself in correct vertical alignment, elbows bent carry soft receptive hands, from this seat the rider has a basis for communication. The seat is the central point for communication between horse and rider, and great results can be obtained when the rider learns correct use of the seat and back, legs and hands playing a very light supporting role, the rider learns to work his horse from back to front, from the riders centre, the hands receiving, never taking, the contact with the horses mouth being negligible. A good basis for communication and balance is formed.
Our horses now less burdened by the rider, are able to work more easily, and by suitable gymnastic work, slowly helping the horse to develop physically, improving his balance and suppleness, always allowing time for our horses to benefit from the work. And by employing methods that are calm, never forced, rational, with much reward for our horse as he shows even a slight sign of improvement and understanding we also take care of the horses mental balance, it is absolutely true to say that the classical system takes time, but this is always time well spent, classical principles totally reject short cuts, trick training and the use of gadgets, as all of these things to some degree or other have a negative effect upon or horse, either physically, psychologically, or both. What classical principles do tell us is that a calm rational approach, taking whatever time is necessary, working with nature, using the idea of cooperation and not coercion, and having respect for our horse will lead us to our goal.
This form of riding, thought by some to the domain of the dressage ring and high school rider, is equally applicable to all forms of riding, jumping, hacking, cross country, point to point, indeed, whatever form of riding you like to do it will always be better with a well balanced understanding horse and rider, a true partnership in which both partners can take pride and pleasure in their work.
Finally as space is so limited here I would like to say that the above is by no means intended to be an exhaustive explanation of classical horsemanship, it is intended as just the briefest of outlines to give a taste of some of the principals involved, equally I hope I have given enough information to whet your appetite sufficiently that you would like to learn more.
