About Dressage World and About a Vision.
"I have a vision… A wish for all animals, horses especially to be treated with respect, dignity and the loyal friendship and unconditional love they show US." Pip Easton's vision.
Dressage World is manifesting out of one's desire to improve. Improve the world of Dressage for the welfare of the horse and to promote the good and simple training methods of Philippe Karl, who is probably the most intelligent, compassionate teacher in the modern Dressage scene today.
Dressage takes patience, knowledge and feel. "Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius, and a lot of courage, to move in the opposite direction." Albert Einstein. But a lot of modern Dressage out in the competition arenas these days looks tense and forced. Where is the harmony? Where is the softness and relaxation? After all, isn't relaxation number ONE on the German Training Scale? Bring back the Classical Art of Dressage and speak up about the forced over bending, the strong over use of draw reins, the cranked tight nosebands and the over use of legs and spurs kicking every stride!
If we are to be true to riding Dressage, we might consider sitting quietly and elegantly, letting the horse do the work in cruise control. Real Dressage is beautiful to watch, with the rider acting invisibly, the horse expressing naturally, rhythmically and with a sense of ease. True collection shows self carriage, lightness and total harmony, so for those achieving this, good for you! For those who are struggling, take a look into the amazing world of Philippe Karl and his Philosophy of Ease.
One knows when one has found their 'Master'. As they say, "when the student is ready, the master appears."
I thank Philippe Karl for being so dedicated, passionate, committed, humble, polite and powerful in eloquently imparting his classical knowledge for the world to remember the horse, in his natural beauty, elegance, light footedness and grace. For the horses ~ our greatest teachers.
Pip Easton.
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