HorseManship

Like many young girls I was called to horses from a very young age, and it became a lifelong passion that I never outgrew. Horses have seen me through the best and worst parts of my life. To me they represent healing, strength, and freedom, among other things. They inspire me and are the guiding force behind this platform.

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Classical and Academic Dressage
Classical or Academic Dressage are labels that are thrown around quite frequently in the dressage community, but what do they actually mean? The history of dressage dates back to 400 BC with the treaties of Xenophon. Since then dressage has undergone many transformations, some good, some bad. Classical or Academic dressage refers to the style of training practiced by the “old masters”, generally around the 1700’s. If you are interested in this topic please explore my tag “Horsemanship”.

History

The history of classical dressage is long and fascinating. There are many different types of classical dressage, and I encourage you to do some research and find the niche that appeals to you.

Teachers

One of the beautiful things about classical dressage is the tradition of apprenticeship. Many modern students of classical dressage have worked closely with other trainers to educate themselves and their horses. They are lifelong students.

Not just Dressage

The world of Classical Dressage is vast, and can easily be incorporated into all areas of life. It is a community, a way of being with our animals, and a mindset.

Beautiful Examples of Classical Dressage

Linda Kay Hollingsworth Jones was the first American to be certified in the Légèreté method, shown here practicing flexions in hand.

Phillip Karl, the founder of the Ecole de Légèreté one of the modern schools for learning Classical Dressage.

Antonie de Pluvinel, one of the first French masters, shown in traditional garb

Nuno Oliveira, considered the last grand master. A Portuguese horse trainer and écuyer

An illustration of François de la Guérinière, considered the founding father of Classical Dressage

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Force Free/ Liberty Horsemanship

Thanks to exposure on the Internet many young horseman and women are searching for an entirely force free, ethical means of horsemanship. It is my hope to someday combine these two methods of horsemanship, as I see them as being extremely complimentary to one another. If this is something you are interested in I highly recommend you check out the following trainers. This is a growing field with much to be learned, and even more to discover.

My personal mentor, David Lichamn. The Master of Liberty Horsemanship, he has taught me so much

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