Charles de Kunffy has died

This is from JJ Tate’s FB page:

Well tonight I really debated posting something, as we would like our privacy to mourn the loss of one the greatest horseman and philosophers to walk this earth, But I couldn’t go to bed without honoring this incredible man. The world has lost a true gentleman, a man who had a deep love for horses, and the most knowledgeable gift of teaching the people who love them as well. I don’t think I’ve ever know anyone who could actually claim “am I right, or am I always right?” On so many horses, and in so many lessons (on life lessons as well) he was always right. The dedication to what’s right, no matter what, will really stay with me for the rest of my life. He was always this beacon of hope, this ray of elegance, and a moral compass for me. In a world that can be fickle and lacking content, Charles de Kunffy always grounded me into what is right, not only in horse training, but in life itself. More than just my teacher, he was my mentor, and my family. I hope to do his legacy justice by sharing his teachings in my Academy that we started in his honor. I think I quote him at least once a day. He has always been the wind beneath my wings, and the person I wanted to make the most proud. I kinda thought he would live forever, but he will in my heart, my soul, my conduct, my teachings, my elegant riding position, his quotes I promise to keep sharing, and in my love for my horses. I was honored and blessed to have him in my life. It’s up to us to carry on the beautiful art of classical dressage. Rest in peace to one of the greats. More tribute to come. This was just what was in my head tonight. 💕

He was a gentleman, a delightful, kind person, and a master of horsemanship.

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Wonderful tribute.

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Very sad news. I also feel for JJ who very clearly loved him and valued him greatly as a mentor.

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He did always seem timeless. I have known him since the 70’s, and everything JJ stated is true for me as well. I enjoyed him immensely.

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I am so sorry. He was my dressage hero. My sympathies to JJ and his family and others who loved him.

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I have shared his book The Ethics and Passion of Dressage with so many people. He really understood something about horsemanship that has been lost to the winds of time. I ride with someone who trained with him as a young person and de Kunffy filters through all I think about as a horsewoman. His death is a loss and may his memory be for a blessing to all.

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Aw, he was my introduction to dressage. I used to sit in the bath and read his books.

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He came, many years ago, to Albany, Oregon for a clinic. We were a mixed group. I had a thoroughbred, my friend an Appaloosa and a bunch of portly women on Arabs. He was wonderful, so willing to teach us with his little Hungarian accent that we could hardly understand. He kept saying to the Arab ladies, “tuck your baaalooons in”. I finally realized he wanted them to tuck their bottoms into the saddle and follow the motion. So funny!

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I will never forget his simple but effective phrase, “earn the vertical” nor his kindness and obvious deep regard and respect for horses. What a gift, and now what a loss, to dressage.

He wanted students to ride well not for moving up the levels or winning prizes, but because it was best for our horses.

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People who never rode with him or audited his clinics don’t realize how very funny he was. His humor was never mean or deprecating.

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Truly one of the best, if not the best, clinics I ever audited. So clear, correct, willing, kind, and funny. I saw every horse and rider improve and go better by the end than they did at the beginning, and took copious notes. I came across them recently and read them and there were so many great gems in there. I always wished I’d had the opportunity to ride with him as well. He’ll be missed.

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What a great reminder.

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I just read this and was SO moved by everything he said.
https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/charles-de-kunffy-saved-by-horses/

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Great article. Thanks for posting.

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Charles was my trainer’s coach and mentor who formed his foundation of dressage.

My trainer passed in Jan 2022, and I am taking this harder because it’s taking me back.

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Wonderful thought.

He wanted students to ride well not for moving up the levels or winning prizes, but because it was best for our horses.

His book “The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse” is a bible.

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That’s the one with all the exercises, right? Wonderful book.

He had a great mind.

@merrygoround Thanks for that book idea. There are several used copies on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=athletic+development+of+the+dressage+horse&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313

I’ve got one coming.

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