vonNDCT2

Continued from page 1

Even prior to his competitive success, though, von Neindorff became determined to help preserve the principles of classical dressage because he feared that the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) tests had been revised to emphasize "nonclassical" dressage. He founded the Reitinstitut in 1947 and in 1949 moved the school to its current location, a historic cavalry building on Nancystrasse in Karlsruhe, just 2.5 miles from Karlsruhe Schloss, the castle at the city's center. The rent on the facility was modest, and city and state governments supported the art of classical riding, making the move feasible.

The rich-sandstone-hued arena at the Reitinstitut is a designated historical landmark because of its elegan yet strong arched roof support of wood latticework. Light filters through many cathedral-style windows and illuminates the buttery - yellow walls. Horses enter the arena at E -- after their riders request permission to enter from von Neindorff, who sits at C on a raised, red - carpeted platform that spans the length of the short side. Spectators, too, sit atop the platform to watch the Reitinsitut's annual shows, which von Neindorff began holding in 1954. The beflagged, brass - topped pillars, set a horse's length from A, complete the classical atmosphere.

Connected to the short indoor arena (it's 40 meters in length, as opposed to the 60 meters of a regulation - sized dressage arena) in an "L" shape are the Reitinstitut's stone stables. Most of the horses live in roomy box stalls. A second (round) indoor arena, an outside dressage and jumping ring, and a parking area take up the rest of the wrought - iron - enclosed grounds. The parking lot, the path beside the arena, and the cooling - out area by the stables all are paved with cobblestones, adding to the Reitinstitut's old - world charm.

This idyllic setting is not without its drawbacks, however. The special roof is in need of an estimated $600,000 in repairs. The German state, which is experiencing financial difficulties and reducing its support of the arts, may be forced to sell the Reitinstitut facility and other state-owned buildings. If the property is sold, a new owner might be forced to raise the rent, making it difficult for von Neindorff to remain there. Fortunately, offers of alternative facilities have poured in. Von Neindorff himself says he is confident that the Reitinstitut will continue as it has for half a century, no matter what the future brings.

Meanwhile, it's business as usual at the Reitinstitut, the only public riding school in the world with 60 classically trained dressage schoolmasters. On this day, all levels of riders come to take lessons, from the group of helmet - clad children in the outdoor arena to the apprentice trainer schooling piaffe in a private session. Many of the students, naturally, are locals from Karlsrue (about an hour west of Stuttgart and 90 minutes south of Frankfurt); but some have traveled from as far as Bangkok, Thailand, or Tulsa, Oklahoma (this writer).

The day begins at 9:00 a.m., and the hour - long lessons continue until twelve hours later. During the three - hour lunch break, the stable doors and gates are closed to visitors.

When a student arrives, von Neindorff selects his or her mount. The student grooms and tacks the horse, then joins the class of as few as three or as many as ten -- perhaps with a longe lesson being conducted in the center of the arena as well. The classes are conducted in German, but students can arrange to work with an English - speaking staff instructor with advance notice. During the warm - up, von Neindorff announces the theme of the lesson -- walk - canter transitions or bending, for instance. As classical music plays in the background, he uses a microphone to direct the traffic pattern. (I, for one, will never forget the sound of his command "Schrrrrrrrrritt" --- "walk" -- whose rolled "r" seemed to take me down the entire long side of the arena.)

vcharly.jpg (23745 bytes)

Classical breed, classical setting:
Writer Kyra Beth Houston poses with the
Lipizzaner Charly in front of the pillars.

Von Neindorff allows his four-legged professors to serve as the primary instructors, making suggestions only if students can't seem to figure out the correct aids. He emphasizes transitions between and within gaits, with exercises such as collecting on the short sides and lengthening down the long sides. He reminds students to check their position in the mirror -- and always, always, --- to "laud das pferd" (praise the horse).

"I plant a seedling with each student -- perhaps a tiny seedling, but it will grow," says von Neindorff. "I regard it as a gift that I can serve classical horsemanship in my work."

Page 2

continued

go back to page 1

go to page 3

Dressage un Ltd. | Join / Renew Dressage un Ltd.