Philosophy

Petra Blazkova follows classic dressage training with a special interest in horses 

• not the standard dressage conformation

• ex-racehorses

• rescue horses

• horses which were not ridden correctly and/or trained in a wrong way previously

• horses that need remedial training to recover from injury.

What does classical riding mean

“Classical dressage is the gymnastic training of the horse's body together with loving education. It is nothing else but the cultivation and improvement of the natural gaits, which are shown when living at liberty. The walk is a marching gait, the trot a swinging gait and the canter a springing gait.”

Dr. Josef Knipp ‘The Art of Classic Dressage Training”

Classical riding is a vital and modern training system which builds on the basic principles of the ‘Old Masters’. It’s a horsemanship, not just knowing how to ride, but all-round knowledge of the horse as a species- its psychology and physiology. 

Classical riding works without fear or force and it works with, never against, the horse. 

The responsibility lies with the rider to make things comfortable for the horse. That doesn’t mean you won’t meet resistance or evasion or that you can’t use discipline to counter them, but the results are achieved through cooperation not coercion.

There are many trainers and riders falsely promising shortcuts and easy routes. There are no quick fixes or magic pieces of equipment that make your work easier. What you do need is an open mind and the humbleness to be able to admit that even after (x) years of riding you don’t know anywhere near as much as you thought you did!!. 

Is classical dressage training just for dressage-oriented people?  No. Every horse and rider should have at least basic knowledge of this training. This method is built on a solid base and from there you can go in whichever direction you want. You wouldn’t start building your house from the top, would you?!  This training helps create a horse that is willing, strong, healthy and happy.