Always interesting to me, is the riding that comes out of the Cadre Noir, and this is no exception.
The segments that show riding really highlight the kind of power and explosiveness that becomes available when collection is achieved.
I remember very early on in my dressage schooling, an instructor telling me that most riders who say they want to achieve collection with their horses do not really understand what comes with collection. As though the riders are imagining their horses become more docile and easier to sit the movements. In reality collection can give you energy you don't know how to channel without the proper training.
And of course any video of the Cadre Noir, by pure association, reminds me of my fondness of Philippe Karl‘s work.
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I once watched a rider on an Appendix QH, who was apparently showing PSG, shuffle around the arena in a clinic. The clinician worked hard to get her to let go of her death grip on the double bridle, and get the horse moving more through the back. He finally succeeded in getting the horse swinging more through the back, and it began to look lovely. At the end, he asked the rider, “Now there, didn’t that feel much better?” Her answer was “No!” When she finally felt the power that comes with collection (and this was not high collection), there was not convincing her that it felt better than the old shuffly flat trot. Sad for her and especially for the horse … it may not make them more “docile”, but done right it makes them far more responsive … and feels truly amazing!
Lia, so right here. Thanks for sharing your memory!