Written by Sue Morris

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Everything in classical dressage is  derived from biomechanics and psychology which gives a logical cause  and effect relationship to it all. There is much more for the rider to deal with in their Training Scales perhaps because  "a horse knows how to be a horse but, you have to learn to become a rider". Some of it you might think you're ok with, but I bet some of it is totally unknown  to you, which is a shame (especially if you are a dressage rider),  but I don't condemn anyone for something they don't know. I'm not a  classical 'nut' who thinks there is a them and us divide between classical and competition dressage. I'm just trying  to make riding more pleasurable for you and your horse. The element that has changed is time. We live in a now society, that expects instant results, whereas the time it takes to train a horse to the  highest levels has remained unaltered. It is by nature a time - consuming process and something that just can not be hurried. Of course there can be exceptions, but that's what they are exceptions. Unfortunately the exception is starting to become the rule with horses being pushed too far too soon and I don't just mean in dressage. We bow to commercial pressure. Those  who come to me realise this need for time. Time needed for  themselves as much as their horses. Training horses  correctly is not about quick fixes i.e. the latest 'outline' gadget,  bit, noseband etc; it's finding the underlying root of the problem  and unfortunately it's often pilot error not a bad  horse. Someone once said: It takes ten  years learning how to sit on a horse without getting in his way. It takes another ten years learning how to influence the horse and then a further ten years learning how to influence him without getting in  his way! Many riders have already ridden  for years before coming to Classical Riding and some find it hard to  have to go back to the beginning and start again.  Indeed, some  try a couple of lessons and dont return. To want to ride well you have to take a good look at yourself and place the onus on yourself (not make the horse a scapegoat) to improve.  It can be hard work; physically and mentally. Ive cried with frustration at my inability/inadequacy at times - it wasnt the horses fault that he couldnt take right canter; my body wasnt allowing him to do anything but take left lead!  When you realise the truth of this, and other similar scenarios, riding becomes humbling and you see it in a new light. It certainly leads me to want to improve every day.   You have to want it and work for it, but it pays off in spades ;-)  When I say it takes hard work, that doesnt mean that it should be all sackcloth and ashes; riding should be fun too! There may well be aches and twinges as hitherto unheard of muscles come out of hibernation, but actual physical pain is a sign that you are doing something wrong. Where you start on the Scale depends on where youre at now.  Some riders are nearly there and only need to be shown the missing piece of the jigsaw for them to see the whole picture.  Many, many others are confused at  the Classical Scale because it seems like the exact opposite of what  theyve been taught to date. Getting riders to bring their upper  arm closer to their body and lengthen the reins is always a discussion-generator! Here then is the list of things  and the order I generally introduce them. Do you know where your  Starting Point is? Sitting in Neutral Spine with  Seat Bones evenly in contact with the saddle and with an upright  pelvis. Use of abdominal & lumbar  muscles to maintain position and influence horse. Snug upper leg position from rotating the leg at the hip. Open shoulders and Long front  line. Lower leg position through deep  knees. Upper arm position; hanging  vertically from the shoulder. Length of reins and how to hold  them. Lower arm position. Head; releasing  upwards / forwards. The Classical  Seat Alignment Muscle Use In  Riding Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily.   Johann Friedrich Von Schiller Copyright (c )Sue Morris 1998-2005