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This question was asked on the ClassicalDressage discussion list and I'd like to thank Dana Lepold for her permission to reprint her answer here.

I would be interested in hearing ' what to look for in a Classical Dressage Trainer '. Could you please suggest to beginners like myself, what it is that we should look for and perhaps ask of trainers when seeking one who will truly teach along classical lines....?

Things for you to ponder:

• What does "Classical Dressage" mean to you? What exactly are you looking for?

• What are "Classical Lines"? Do you know? If so, then you know what to look for, and know what to avoid. Most folks aren't sure, especially hearing so many confusing things from different sources. SO......

• EDUCATE YOURSELF. Read, read, read.  And not from a flavor-of-the-month Star Competitor. Not Dressage magazines. Read the Classics. Different authors, different times. But they all stress the same things, and tell you what to avoid. Make yourself familiar with them, even if you don't quite understand them yet.

• Watch the trainer teach. What do they focus on? This is a spot where you need to be careful... Even bad trainers know the buzzwords and pay lip service to "working back to front" and get the horse "using his hind end". But *watch*. Is there an emphasis on the riders seat? Position? Timing and co-ordination of the aids? These are essential!

• Avoid a trainer who has quick fixes, gadgets, or "an easier way".

• How do they ride? Can they practice what they preach?

• Look at the horses in training. Are they correctly muscled from correct, gymnastic training?

• Find an *educated* trainer. A devoted trainer/teacher knows the learning never ends. Where did they receive their instruction? For how long? Who do they ride with now? Do they encourage you to study?

• Read, read, read!

• Classical Dressage training always stresses the well being of the horse. It is logical and makes sense. You must be able to give yourself up to your teacher...and trust them. Can you do that? If you are always questioning the validity of what they are teaching, find another teacher. You will know when you find a good one, its like coming home!

Food for thought anyhow. And this list is just a start. It is difficult to find a good instructor, they are few and far between. But they are out there. I really cannot stress enough the importance of reading. It won't teach you how to ride, but you will learn the underlying principles of the art of Classical Riding. Then while you are riding, and learning, you keep reading, and rereading. Things make sense. Your understanding is better. And it keeps evolving.... Don't be afraid to ask a prospective trainer questions- a good instructor would encourage them.

I would like to think a true, classical instructor would know that yet-living masters are a dying breed. To protect and promote the Art of Classical Dressage they need hungry, devoted students. They should want to teach and share the knowledge....not just teach to pay the bills. They shouldn't require a fancy horse or a expensive facility--these are nice, but not a requirement to learn. An eager student should be their motivation!!

A final caveat to bear in mind that someone mentioned to me recently. BEWARE the following comment: "I know this is not quite classical, but...." and then follows some absolutely ridiculous theory of how doing something completely wrong "will work in this case"!

Copyright © Sue Morris 1998-2004