What is the difference between dressage theory and practice? Theory is understanding the possibilities of working with a horse and practice is the attempt to engage in the experience of it. Experience is the journey itself. What occurs in all dressage instruction is based in theory, but practice is always the attempt to have a complete experience. Experience is in the now and never quite complete nor does it fit in a box. If it seems to fit then a question is missing. When a master works with a horse there is always a gap between theory and practice. If there is no gap, one can be sure that the experience missed the question. This gap at times is small and at times may be vast but what is most interesting is that every horse and rider produces an unique practice and so while experience counts, there is always an active exchange between what is theoretical and what is the actual practice. Practice is an attempt to integrate theory with the experience. The movement of theory and practice is what leads one to deeper and deeper levels and advances the training. This is delightful because the work is always fresh but it can be frustrating because the lower the level of the student the more the student needs to feel the solidity of rules in training. Sufficient experience, in a trainer, allows the gap and explores it. Curiosity is that effort which seeks to advance the communication. It is always principles which are the most worthy of our attention and not the rules. Learn to find and love the gap. How is this taught? How is it learned? Gentleness, always gentleness; kindness always kindness; lightness always lightness. Good dressage is not like the arrival of a train at the station. It is always the celebration of the journey. Learn to pack your suitcase (learn the principles); travel light and smart.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 20:52:18 +0000
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