1930
1950's
1960's
In the past we have discussed long lining, which I consider to be one of the most beautiful of the equestrian art's. Done correctly, "by the book" with the horse and trainer in synch as one, it is breathtaking. If you study old pictures very closely you can not changing style's in training. Note the top picture from the 1930's. The horse is lugged into the bit, not under himself and strung out in the back. He is almost pulling the trainer off his feet. In 1939 the great Col. Alois Podhajsky was appointed Director of the school. With his thoughts and advocacy of forwardness, collection, softness, elevation, and "airiness" note in the proceeding pictures from the 50's and 60's those exact sentiments being expressed by the horse's.
Col. Podhajsky’s words:
1. The face must never come behind the vertical, as in this case the horse would be over bent and not go sufficiently forward.
2. The poll, however, must be the highest point of the horse’s head regardless of his conformation.
3. This points to the necessity of sufficient freedom for the head in the extended paces.
4. It must be emphasized that the correct position of the head cannot be obtained by strong action of the reins, which would only shorten the neck.
5. The position of the head is the means, the paces the object, of dressage. The correct position of the head will be the result of contact and balance, both developed by riding briskly forward, and will make it easier for the horse to follow the commands of the rider given through the reins.
6. The rider should aid his horse to understand him; this means that the horse should never be afraid of the aids and that the rider has sufficient patience to be sure his horse understands what is demanded of him. (I would rather rider ask and not demand) The
rider must have an exact understanding of his aids and their effect, and must make use of them intelligently; he must not allow himself to be influenced by his feelings.
7. The ultimate objective of training must be to guide the horse with invisible aids.
8. In spite of this, few riders today are sufficiently expert in the art of classical riding to perform the movements with invisible aids. Rather, they may often be seen presenting their horses while working the hands and legs and swinging their bodies. (Words written in 1967 are still true today)
9. When the leg is correctly applied, the heels should be low, and the muscles of the calf tightened.
10. If the rider leans forward while his seat remains in the saddle he will drive the horse’s forelegs into the ground and prevent the hind legs from coming under the body.
11. Experience has taught that the rider should never push more with his legs than he can control with the reins, or hold with his hands more than he can absorb with his legs and seat. This gives the individual measure of the degree of the aids. Most riders will have an inclination to hold more with the reins than they can control with their legs; therefore, the rider must always work from rear to front to ensure that the horse does not take too firm a contact with the bit.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Vintage Spanish Riding School--Long Lining
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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2 comments:
The handler being directly behind and close to the rump is such a rediculous part of their long line maneuver. Never could figure out the reason for it. They just as well be on the horses back. For those not aware long line work is not easy in that the horse can get very smart defensively and twist around, run back and generally make a fool out of the best horsemen. I have always used work on the long line [ground] in every nhigh school training I have done. Also much of training needs to be done on a "straightaway" out of a ring. The ring training should be in both directions for everything to keep the horse from becomming "one sided" Horses, like people are either right handed or left handed and this also has to be handled during the training from the bit in the mouth to the favored lead. Again most important in final analysis with the finished training. And on and on and on.Sadly, no one has ever written a book that makes much sense. I felt Podjowskys book to be excellent and also Fillis and thats about it. I have tried to read others, but soon realize a lot of bullshit. johnny P.S. Diane seems to be our best here in America and Europe has great trainers and riders. I am just blown away by the Grand Orix dressage. Just fabulous. Leading up to it are alot of wannabes and bullshit artists. I understand that in Europe the great dressage trainers are few.; Very seldom are the riders the trainers. Just like the circus so-called trainers. We know who you are. Too bad alot of these trainers don not look at themselves in a mirror.johnny
Col. John Milton,
"The handler being directly behind and close to the rump is such a rediculous part of their long line maneuver. Never could figure out the reason for it. They just as well be on the horses back." That is the traditional purpose of long lining. Everything is taught on the ground before the horse is ever mounted, and the schooling from directly behind is the second to last step. The final step after a long journey of training is to ride the movements seen in the long line training. You are correct, long lining is not easy, and has to be taken in slow step's so the horse doesn't panic and "twist around and run back and generally make a fool out of the best horseman." I should think getting your nut's kicked out your ass would also be a concern, which is most likely why Madame Col. is such a master of the art. She doesn't have to worry or lose sleep over something like that happening and can instead concentrate on schooling.
I am glad you are well, friend and happy to know if I get worried, all I have to do is throw some horseshit around the lot, and there you are. :)
My best to you and Mary Ruth
Wade
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