It's important to balance your senses – to watch a lot of good classical dressage examples to replace all the bad ones that are inevitably seen on the internet.
Of course, coming by exceptional classical dressage examples can be tough. This week I'm sharing some videos of Bent Branderup.
Notice the calmness of his horse? Even as he asks for high levels of collection, everything is in stride. They are communicating with each other and there's never a moment of dictation.
There's also a sense of play about his work with this horse. Nothing forced, no set pattern, just dancing about the arena in hand. Also take note of Branderup's change of direction in front of his horse, while he continues to piaffe, all relaxed. This is a true testament to the nature of their relationship.
Also make note of the mouth. Instead of a thick froth of foam from being over bent and wearing an over-tightened caveson, his horses are allowed to open their mouth as needed. There's mobility in the jaw and no over-salivation.
Interesting to note, which we don't often get to see clearly, is the movement of Branderup's hands. We can see it because he goes from touching the horse's mouth to giving slack in the reins. This might seem busy to us when we're accustomed to watching competitive dressage – where the tension is always present – but this method allows him to make very distinct gestures to the horse and then get out of his mouth.
Now go play!
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What lovely videos! My three-year-old remarked “He is so so gentle with the horsey.”