Bernie
Meet
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Bernie
Martian Dressage
One of the Lost Schools of Dressage
In response to debate about the French vs German dressage, just
a note or two about one of the "lost schools" of dressage : Martian Dressage.
Classical Martian dressage is based upon LaGrangian principles, rather than the
Newtonian-Cartesian ones of the French and German approaches. I would be remiss in failing
to mention the neo-Martian view of transitions as quantum changes, and the horse and rider
simultaneously as both object and wave.
Rather than the simplistic use of straight lines and the occasional circle, Martian
dressage studies the use of arcs : hyperbolic, parabolic, elliptical and spiral.
A controversial topic within the Martian approach is the
restriction to flat arenas, some feeling that a 3-D approach adds much to the training
program, for instance, the mound at X.
Arenas for lower levels are based upon simple polygons : triangles, squares, pentagons.
For the higher levels, elliptical and tri-elliptical (a long ellipse with a shorter one at
each end, like the cross-section of a dumbbell).
A primary guiding precept is the emphasis on rhythm, training
the horse on a measure of time rather than space, with an objective of slowing the gaits.
Towards this end, much time is spent first on the ground and then under saddle, listening
to hoofbeats. Related to this is the tuning in to the horse's breathing rhythm, a
fundamental beat of life. Half halts then become the rider's breathing changes (held) to
affect the horse's breathing.
Another principle is that of stillness, with the idea of gathering the stillness and
arranging it, as much of music is the stillness between the notes. Based upon this principle, the horse is taught to stand properly so that
movement and transition into movement is based upon a correct foundation. The rider's
posture is developed, both on the ground and astride.
Together with other principles and precepts, leading to the pinnacle : the freestyle
performed in an elliptical arena, under the light of a full moon.
Klaatu Verada Nicto !
Bernie
CDI (certified dressage instigator)
P. S. I dashed it off on the subway, during one
of our French vs German vs ... debates
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