Classical Dressage Academy NZ
Natural Therapies

The Training Program

From Groundwork to Grand Prix
Comprehensive Schooling Individually Tailored for  Horse and Rider

The harmonious relationship between man and horse takes the educational centre of this training. It forms the basis for the coexistence with horses and for the edu­cation, starting with the first basic training by ground and fancy-free work, via lunge and double-lunge work, the work in hand and the training at long reins up to the perfected dressage education.

Basic training by ground and fancy-free work

The main target of the first training session is the commu­nication between man and horse. Free creative ground work, guiding work and free lunging form the basis of communication and support the creation of dominance and reliance. Our body language and our body signals the horse is familiar with from its natural behaviour are instantly understood. In this way, the horse is learning how to react to the slightest signals and is prepared for the continuative lessons to an optimum degree.

Work at the lunge and double-lunge

Work at the lunge seizes the elements of the free ground work whereas emphasis is given to the adherence to cer­tain body signals and motion patterns. The horse has been familiarized with these signals from the ground work which facilitates the start of the lunge work. Timing, verve, unclasped behaviour and balance are acquired in this training session. Moreover, horses, having a back problem, are relieved from their pain by special loosening-up exercises and can, thus, cope with the requirements of the more de­manding gymnastic education such as work in hand and at the double-lunge.

Work in Hand and on Long Reins

Manual work exceeds the basic education of the horse and forms a supplement to the training under the horse­man. Lessons requiring increased pliability and suppleness of the horse (shoulder-in, traverse, traversale) as well as circensic lessons (compliment, laying-down, sitting, spanish pace, levade, etc.) are practised at hand, in the first instance. Even horses having problems or older horses which can no longer be ridden, can be corrected by manual work and trained in circus lessons. In many cases, these horses prove to be especially attentive and cooperative.

Classical dressage

Basing on the principles of the classical horsemanship, dressage training largely con­centrates on handy easiness and trustful ob­edience to train the horses – reacting to the simplest backing – from the basic pace via side strakes to lessons of the highest educa­tional degree (piaffe, passage, etc). Besides thorough practical training, the theoretical background of the classical horsemanship as well as the lessons structure are taught. Training in classical dressage can be taught up to Grand Prix Level.