I can only speak about the philosophy from an outsiders point of view, since I do not believe I was there long enough to be counted (unfortunately) as one of his students. I did not learn enough .....there was not enough time. It takes years to truly understand and come to grips with the philosophy (not to mention a good command of the German language), but I did learn enough to know that this method is the ONLY TRUE way, and it is imperative that I try to find a way to :

1. Not lose what I DID learn, and

2. to find someone who does know "the way" and try to learn as much of it as I can in the time I have left here on earth.

A couple of key elements of the philosophy as I understood it are:

1. Never, ever diminish the nature and personality of the horse. He is God's creature and we must try to work within HIS nature, not change him to fit ours. It is our responsibility to be clear to the horse what we desire him to do, but never go against his nature. This is easier said than done, but if you remember this and keep to this, the horse will be happy in his work, and work happily for you.

2. The horse is NEVER wrong. It is up to the RIDER to make changes to accommodate the nature of the horse. It is up to the RIDER to find the harmony. It is up to the RIDER to develop the independence of their seat and aids, and help the horse to find his balance and strength and beauty under the rider. The horse is NEVER wrong.