Natural Dressage
Hay, HorseLovers
My background combines dressage, Centered Riding, and Natural Horsemanship. I have ridden in tons of dressage lessons and clinics. My primary goal was to have happy, healthy horses.
After lots of lessons, I realized that I was too stiff to be the rider that my horses needed. Fortunately, I discovered Sally Swift. Centered Riding helped me become more relaxed, fluid, and in balance with my horses. My horses and I are eternally grateful for Sally Swift.
At Equitana, I saw the Parelli Savvy Team doing lots of interesting challenges with their horses. They and their horses looked like they were having a blast. So began learning the Parelli Natural Horsemanship philosophy and methods.
My horses have been lighter, rounder, softer, more responsive, and enthusiastic since becoming involved in Natural Horsemanship. The “go” horses have become quieter and more relaxed, while the “whoa” horses have become more forward. And we’re all having lots of FUN!
I did not throw out everything I learned in my dressage lessons and clinics. I’m just better able to implement it now.
If your passion is dressage and you want to combine it with Natural Horsemanship, I would recommend Mark Russell (author of Lessons in Lightness) or Karen Rolfe, a Grand Prix rider who combines her dressage expertise with Natural Horsemanship.
Mark trained extensively with Nuno Oliveira in Portugal. Oliveira believed that enjoyment and success in riding was predicated on first teaching the horse to relax. As the horse relaxes, positive energies are released and the alliance between horse and rider improves. These principles have guided Mark Russell in his pursuit of the artistry and lightness in riding. I would highly recommend Mark’s book, Lessons in Lightness.
Both Karen Rolfe and Mark Russell give clinics around the United States.
I have seen Clinton Anderson give several demonstrations. I have some concerns about some of his methods. One exercise he used extensively in the demos was to ride with the horse’s head & neck flexed to the side. I personally think that could be harmful to the horse physically. Clinton Anderson seems to really emphasize a submissive relationship with the horse. I personally prefer the dynamic partnership relationship (based on two-way communication) that Mark Russell, Pat & Linda Parelli, and Karen Rolfe demonstrate with their horses. I don’t hear these Natural Horseman discussing submission/dominance so much.
I do not believe every horse or rider needs Natural Horsemanship. I have seen many folks and their horses benefit. But truly it’s not for everyone. However, I’m delighted to have learned these methods. I have so many more solutions to problems, and I’m a much better rider.
PS about leading. I believe I should be able to easily lead my horse from the front, shoulder, or rump positions. That’s just basic communication.
