Thursday January 15, 2004

2004 NADTC Symposium at Dressage Center International with Ingrid Klimke and Dr. Volker Moritz

The Training Scale with Dr. Moritz

The subject of the first day was the basic training of the horse through 3rd level. The day began with a short lecture by Dr. Moritz on the training scale. "The horse must be obedient, but man must understand the needs of the horse." Dr. Moritz began his talk with this quote from Xenophon. By maintaining to the training scale, the rider can create a willing, obedient horse without the use of force. He emphasized that the training scale should always be in the forefront of the minds of riders, trainers and judges.

Dr. Moritz then presented a video made by the German Federation on the basic training of the dressage horse. The video showed beautiful examples of correct riding and training according to the training scale. Ms. Klimke was asked about the difference between eventing dressage and "normal" dressage. She said there is no difference. She believes that event riders, dressage riders and jumper riders should all use the same basic training to create rhythmic, supple, balanced horses prepared to go on in whatever discipline the rider chooses.