Karen wrote:
I also agree with Kim! Lusitano or Andalusian...I see MANY that are ridden and trained in "modern" dressage and they an look every bit as flat and lifeless as any other breed trained in that way. So much of it has to do with training, not breeding. I know, of course, that what you say is true about the Iberian breeds (this includes some mustangs) that are "born collected" though. The differences in natural ability and desire to be collected, between my Quarter Horse and my (mere) half Andalusian is vast.
I am glad you're here, in that you can always let us know how things are/were done with Tiga...because we are constantly looking at the "traditional" and adapting what we can to AND - bitless and reward-based. The knowledge is certainly not wasted, is it! I think you have much to share!
And I have to say again that Tiga is beautiful, but Cristo, even in the photo at six months old...took my breath away. He is stunning.
Just an observation on "collection," a word or two from observation.
When we, as in Dressage, say "collected," we mean with raised action, a drawn together frame. When those in western riding say collection they mean low short steps at whatever gait...though in loping, canter, they can get some true collection going.
All "collection" is in most western riding, even competition, is a reduction in impulsion.
Though I have to admit, a quiet ride in the countryside on a nicely set up Quarter Horse doing a soft slow trot is quite pleasurable.
I do believe that they believe that collected as they label it is in fact "collected."
Isn't it sad too that those wonderful natural abilities that have been bred into Iberian horses over time so carefully are thrown away in modern Dressage.
I look at the interest in dressage competition, bitless, etc. in the AND 'tradition' and can't help but wonder that if it takes hold (as it seems to be doing in the very early stages) a new standard with arrise.
I think time is wasted attempting (though I admire and encourage those that try) to rehabilitate modern dressage and get them to accept some of the AND principles.
l believe that AND could focus on Classical Dressage as the goal with new ways of asking for performance and frame.
That it can be done is inarguably true, as we show with our AND member videos now on nearly a daily basis.
I count on our moderators, and each other, to hold us to a clear model, while accepting that we also experiment, so that we have this wonderful place to explore and promote a return to, and continued development of, Classical Dressage.
And I trust those of us that came from NHE, as they have mentioned, continue to appreciate what what good and reject, as they apparently have, what unscrupulous content of some posters there should be rejected.
The pride with modesty, and the joy in the doing, that I see here strongly supports my feeling that this is the frontier, AND, that will continue to move forward out of the older traditions.
Such good company for horses and those that love them, truly.
Donald Redux '65