Quality equitation depends on minute attention to the horse's status; it demands an informed, well balanced realistic rider. To do justice to the schooling of the rider and the training of the horse, SomE syllabus chapters ten and eleven introduce the first steps of the rider's and the horse's education independantly. In reality, however, they can't but play together. The horse's performance, for better or for worse, reflects the rider's status. The horse's whereabouts assist the rider in the effort to learn the craft or confronts him. This is not to say, the horse is better off without a rider. To the contrary. Neither is the budding rider best off with well schooled horses.
The separation of movement and speed, typical of the French classical school, introduces a safety factor, which recommends it for any modern schooling. In addition it is easier to think in the walk. Horse and rider tend to make fewer mistakes. Learning is systematic and well reflected. This fact not-with-standing, the forward locomotion typical of German equitation helps horses to gain strength and grow. Not all riders will have the guts to ride an unruly horse forward. Not all, on the other hand, will have the patience to work through the details of a start-up in the walk alone.
There is, in other words, no standing rule to training in equitation today. One fact, however, is true beyond doubt. The horse has no delete button. Every action and/or reaction builds, figuratively speaking, on a software, which monitors the horse's mind and body. Consequences of false training approaches, mishaps and fear leave an indelible reality, which may be difficult to deal with. The memory of peace and friendship, on the other hand, opens the door for more.
This said, equitation knows one faithful indicator: the horse's emotional response. To ignore it boarders bestiality. Respecting it, on the other hand, fosters positive values, such as are common to humanity. This taken, not all is said. What about the resisting horse? It will benefit from the rider's insistence on flexibility. The unruly horse will profit from a rider who, without backing off, continues with calm authority and fitting information.
The conclusion? Aside from kindness, tact and experience, conclusive know-how directs the modern rider.
