Dorado, the Kiger Mustang

 Classicus has added a new and rare breed to the Classicus horses, the Kiger Mustang.  The Kigers were not discovered until the early 1970′s in the remote areas of Oregon, one heard being in the Kiger mountains of Oregon. These horses have been found to descend from the horses brought to the New World by the Spanish Conquistadors in the late 1500′s- 1600′s.  Through DNA testing they have been proven to have the Spanish gene markers and show the primitive dun factor colorings. Dun factor markings include a dorsal stripe, zebra stripes on the legs, and bi-colored manes and tails. They are known for their intelligence, soundness, calmness, and endurance. These horses are registered with the Kiger Mesteno Association.

Francois Baucher performing

Francois Baucher, the French riding master who lived from 1796 -1873  was called the Leonardo da Vinci of horsemanship.  He was an inventor, a scientist, and an artist in the field of horsemanship.  He invented the dismounted method of suppling the horse in several days making the most dangerous horse obedient and safe to ride.  He invented the one tempo flying changes.  His ability to control the movements of the horse was unequaled. For example he could make the horse trot and canter backwards.  However, his most stunning performances of haute ecole were not to be seen in the courts or royal riding academies of Europe but were performed in the circus.  People clamored to see him perform and his skill in horsemanship became the talk of the town. Though, because he was of the middle class and did not attend any riding academies, his brilliance was questionable and often considered to be mere tricks.  The big controversy surrounds the fact that he went against the principles laid down by Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere which had been followed by the nobility and the military.

Despite the controversy, Baucher gave the key to the equestrian world regarding the science of the equestrian art and is the basis for true classical horsemanship. That is, the horse must be able to adjust his balance, to the point where he can bring his center of gravity directly, vertically below and as close as possible to his center of motion. When this can be achieved with minimum tension, it is then essential that the rider’s center of gravity is situated over the horse’s center of gravity and motion.

 He demonstrated and taught throughout his life, that claimed mysterious quality of lightness, tack, and obedience defined and much discussed throughout the world of equestrianism, but seldom if ever seen.  The last great exponent and most sincere disciple was Nuno Olivera.

*** The preceding information about Francois Baucher was taken from the book by Hilda Nelson, Francois Baucher, The Man And His Method.

Nobilissimo, a Napoletano stallion

 I recently met an Italian woman who came to my barn looking for classical dressage instruction.  We chatted about Lusitanos as she owns one and talked about other classical type horses.  In our conversation she described a horse that sounded like the type of horse that I have some prints depicting.  After showing her my prints, she said the horse was a Neapolitan horse which I had not heard of.  She explained that the breed was nearly extinct however in Italy they are trying to recreate this breed.  In fact her trainer in Italy has been training one of the few of these horses in existence.  Apparently this horse is a descendant of the Neapolitan horse.  Today it is a recognized breed in Italy though the name has been changed slightly to the “Napoletano” horse.  

The Neapoliton horse originated in the 15th century near Naples.  The Lipizanner was developed from this breed.  Today there are only 20 mares and 4 stallions descended from the bloodline of the Neapoliton horse.

Cover of the book

On May 15th a party to clelebrate the book written by Linda Bertschinger entitled “Alchamy, Transform Your Horse in Lightness” was a grand success. Forty plus people attended and 42 books were ordered.  The books will arrive sometime in June.  A book signing party will be scheduled for anyone wishing to have a book personalized by Linda.  At the party, there were three copies to be shown off.  The book was well received.  Not only is it very aesthetic  but instructional as well.  It is  9″ x 12″ with beautiful photos in the style of a coffee table book but with instructional photos and text as well. The book will be available on the website later this month. You can use the link below to pre-order the book, available in late June.

Linda holding her book "Alchemy, Transform Your Horse in Lightness.""

Back cover of "Alchemy" with the book synopsis

Chapter page on "Lightness" from the book featuring the Classicus Quarter Horse, King.

an interior page featuring Demure, a Classicus warmblood

Lucy Maurer schooling shoulder-in on King, the Classicus Quarter Horse.

Despite the freezing temperatures, the participants of the January workshop had a festive experience.  They loved the horses, learned a lot, and were wined and dined in the typical Classicus style. There were four people who traveled from Maryland and Lucy Maurer from Gloucester, Virginia, who said, “The clinic embodied the essence of living our lives with horses, loads of learning and loads of fun!”   A total of five people made for a very personal learning experience. Everyone learned how to do many of Francois Baucher’s flexions for the first time.  The method of lunging was a new experience for many and the four track shoulder-in was new for most of them as well.  By the second day everyone was schooling the four track shoulder-in on the Classicus horses.   

The morning began with a lecture  or video showing.  We had hoped it would warm up by late morning to go out and ride.  It was a bit cold but the indoor arena certainly protected us from the wind. After the morning group session, we came back inside for lunch and enthusiastic conversation.  Then another afternoon riding session. For dinner we all decided to pitch in and cook  each evening except for one.  The first evening we went to the Woodstock Cafe for dinner and enjoyed not only their hearty food but also their excellent wine selection.   

A good time was had by all. Another Workshop is planned for May 20, 21, and 22.   

Ann Borlo schooling shoulder-in on King, the Classicus Quarter Horse..

The workshop at Classicus Farm was the perfect combination of great instruction and fun.  Linda is an amazing horsewoman with great sensitivity to the well-being of the horse and great patience with the student.   We learned how to lunge and supple the horse and why it’s important.  We also worked on basic dressage movements and how to perform them softly.  Linda welcomed us to her farm and made us all feel at home.  Every single one of us is looking forward to having another opportunity to work with Linda and her wonderful horses.  -   Ann Borlo

Tony Borlo schooling shoulder-in on Noah, a Classicus Hanoverian.

Sue Andersen schooling a shoulder-in on Eros, a Classicus Hanoverian.

Margaret Colaianni schooling piaffe on Noah, a Classicus Hanoverian.

Linda’s workshop was a true equestrian experience!  To prepare us for the day ahead, she began each morning with a discussion of a specific classical riding technique such as “shoulder in”.  To engrain the concept, she then showed us a short video where we could grasp the visual of the specific dressage skill. Then it was out to the arena to put the skill into action.  In summary, Linda helped us understand why and how the skill originated, what it should look like when done properly and then had us work on each component of the skill.  Because of Linda’s approach, we all came away with a much better understanding of some of the foundations of classical dressage.     -Margaret Colaianni  

The group

 

I wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with hope and promise.

Linda with Nuno, her youngest cat.

Linda and Rachel with Nuno and Canoe

Gandolf with Santa’s hat

Eros

John and Zoe

Chance has been in work for a month now which means that he has had a total of twelve training sessions. At the beginning he was very uptight and unsure about moving forward in a relaxed manner. He has never learned to accept the bit thus having no relaxation of his jaw or poll. He also has a slightly low back for a young horse. He has no topline muscling probably because he has never been trained to go in a round relaxed position.  However he is a very strong horse with good hindquarters.  He also seems to have no gait uneveness or any glaring physical problem.  

For the first month he has been doing groundwork only.  At the start he was very resistant to contact on the side rein and a little resentful of having to move laterally.  Now he is able to trot in a round position chewing the bit once in a while.  He chews mostly at the walk on the lunge as this is when he is most relaxed.  However in the trot he is beginning to show signs of chewing in relaxation. His trot is much more fluid than at the start as he wanted to stop or go faster, very unstable. He is doing work-in-hand much easier now as well.  He can do work-in-hand on the square in both directions. He is also much softer on the bit.  

During the month of December I plan to ride him and hopefully do some shoulder-in at the walk in lightness of course.  

Chance lunging in his first month of training.

Chance doing work-in-hand

While Johanna was a working student at the farm two years ago, she learned shoulder-in, haunches-in, and pirouette.  During this recent visit, she brushed up on those skills and worked on something new, the piaffe.  

Johanna schooling piaffe on Noah.

 

Johanna schooling shoulder-in on King, a quarter horse gelding.

 

Johanna riding Eros, a Hanoverian gelding.