|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Thomas Ritter schools the Oldenburg Gelding, Andre, in the Canter. November 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
|
Dr. Thomas Ritter and the Lipizzan Stallion, Maestoso II Catrina. October 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
Dr. Thomas Ritter schools the Trakehner Gelding, Kohlie, in the Piaffe in Hand. October 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
Dr. Thomas Ritter and the Lipizzan Stallion, Pluto Ambrosia III, in the Trot at the Longrein. October 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
Shana Ritter follows a trail through the dunes on the Lusitano/Arabian Mare, Farrah. October 2008. Photo by Thomas Ritter. |
The Lipizzan Stallion, Pluto Sorria, in the Canter. November 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
|
Dressage Training
Holistic training which honors the horse's Mind, Body, and Spirit.
Classical Dressage Training preserves the horse's soundness and happiness, all the while developing the horse systematically according to time-honored and tested principles based on biomechanics and psychology of the horse.
Thomas and Shana Ritter approach training the horse from the horse's point of view with a focus on horse-friendly training. A Dressage Horse should be a pleasure to ride, nice to work with, and HAPPY. Focus on Lightness through Balance, Suppleness, and Responsiveness. All horses are trained to respond to light aids and a correct seat. All horses are treated with intelligence and are trained thoughtfully.
TRAINING: Fully-customized training program based on the needs of the individual horse. Could consist of longeing, work-in-hand, long-reining, etc. We welcome young horses to be started under saddle.
Training Fees:
Full Training - $1000.00/month
Half Training - $600.00/month
Discounts available for multiple horses
Boarding is available. See details below.
STARTING UNDER SADDLE
The Classical Approach to starting the horse under saddle preserves the horse's trust and respect of their human partner because, rather than "breaking" the horse's spirit, it instead "incorporates" the horse's spirit so that the horse becomes and active, willing partner in the training process. It is not a "30-day Wonder" philosophy. Instead, classically starting the horse takes 2-4 months of careful, conscientious introduction ensuring that each step is confirmed before moving on to the next step so that there are no suprises, misunderstandings, or resentments further down the road.
The horse will be taught to longe, wear each item of tack and then accept the rider's weight. Ridden at the longeline, the horse is gradually and systematically introduced to the application of the aids, so that by the time the horse is ridden off the longeline for the first time, the horse already understands to go forward and maintain a round circle on a relatively consistent contact within a consistent tempo and rhythm, how to bend and turn, to change direction and change bend, transitions between the gaits and to stop, and has an introduction to yielding to the leg and rein.
Once ridden off the longeline, the horse is taught to go "full school" around the arena, and then basic patterns are introduced that stimulate the horse to be better understand the rider's aids and to begin to gymnasticize the horse's body, such as simple loops, changing rein out of the circle (large figure-eight), basic serpentines, and transitions at strategic points of the arena to introduce the horse to concepts that he will need further down the road. The thrusting ability of the horse is developed, which is needed to later build a stronger connection within the horse so that important suppling work can be accomplished. Soon thereafter, the horse is introduced to simple yielding to the leg, done as "enlarging" the circle, in changes of bend, and then off the wall.
Horses that are naturally balanced in the canter are encouraged to canter if they are comfortable in it. But for horses who are not as lucky to have such natural balance in the canter, it is better to first develop the horse's strength and balance so that canter work is not worrisome for the horse.
In the end, the objective is to create a horse that is happy in his work, fun and easy to work with, safe to ride, and understands the basics that he will need further down the road, whether his career is as a dressage horse, a jumper or eventer, or anything else.
TRAINING THROUGH THE LEVELS
Thomas and Shana have vast experience at bringing horses along from the blank slate of a green horse to an accomplished, successful FEI or Haute Ecole Exhibition Horse. By training thoughtfully and conscientiously, the horse is never rushed in his training. Pushing a horse unnecessarily beyond his comfort level, as commonly done and seen these days, is unhealthy for the horse and never advantageous in the longrun. The time taken to ensure the basics and develop the horse so that his body is prepared for the work he is expected to perform pays off in the longrun with a sounder, healthier, and happier horse. Such a horse understands his work and gives everything he has to it because he feels he is safe and his generosity won't be exploited. By utilizing breadth of experience and training intelligently, time is never wasted and dead ends are avoided. Only someone who has experience bringing a variety of horses of different types and breeds through the levels has the knowledge data base to avoid pitfalls along the journey.
Thomas and Shana know how to spot the individual talents and strengths of a horse, and allow them to blossom. Sometimes it is important to acknowledge a horse's special talents, but let them sit undeveloped until the horse has developed the mental and physical strength to embark upon such work. Other times it is important to cultivate these talents early on so that the horse develops confidence in himself as a special being. This can then carry over into the horse's other work and transform the way he approaches his work.
In the end, the objective is to create a horse that is happy in his work, fun and easy to work with, preserves (and in some cases restores) his soundness, is beautiful and confident, and enjoyable to ride. Such a horse should be a pleasure to ride and a pleasure to watch because he has achieved lightness through balance, suppleness, and responsiveness to the aids.
COMPETITION
Thomas and Shana have a history of taking on Modern Dressage. In addition to publishing a variety of articles and letters opposing the use of Rollkur methods of training in dressage, they have taken a stand publicly by competing their classically trained horses in Dressage competitions. They have repeatedly proven that classically trained horses CAN be successful in the showring by winning numerous awards and championships on a variety of breeds including various Warmbloods, Lipizzans, and Andalusians.
Thomas and Shana believe it is vital not to compromise the horse's health, happiness, soundness, and wellbeing in the interests of ribbons, award money, and championship awards. They also adamantly believe that Classical Dressage must fight for its survival in these times and its place in the future of Dressage, and that this cannot be done if Classical Dressage tucks its tail between its legs and hides away in closed arenas.
Their commitment to the principles of Classical Training shows through in every facet of their training, from how the horses are treated in the stable, to their adherence to humane methods of training which honor the horse's spirit and indiduality. They believe strongly that GOOD training should never exploit the talents or generosity of the horse, and instead should enhance it.
EXHIBITIONS
Thomas and Shana have strongly honored the classical tradition of exhibiting their horses to the public in the form of Exhibitions and Performances. Thomas and Shana have performed exhibitions at a variety of public venues including Dressage shows, GMO and Riding Club conventions/symposiums, Extravaganza events, and Equine Expositions.
In 2006, 2007, and 2008, they also organized a complete inclusive Two-Hour Performance, featuring mostly Lipizzans, set to music for the public which included:
Mares with Foals
Young Horses Under Saddle
Driving
Work-in-Hand and Airs above the Ground
The Long-Rein Performance
All Steps and Movements
Pas-de-Deux
Pas-de-Trois
Quadrille
Solo Kur
WORK-IN-HAND
Thomas and Shana understand and can incorporate several different methods of work-in-hand (including French, Spanish Riding School, Portuguese, and Pillars techniques) towards the horse's training in order to efficiently, quickly, and safely address specific issues and develop the horse optimally. Work-in-Hand helps the trainer to explain new concepts to the horse without the burden of the weight of the rider interfering and can help introduce the horse to concepts such as balance, engagement, suppleness, responsiveness to the aids, and collection. These concepts can be intoduced to the horse more smoothly and without conflict and misunderstandings through Work-in-Hand.
The Work-in-Hand is an unparalleled training tool to teach the horse the Piaffe, Passage, and the Airs above the Ground. Although these are advanced movements, the beginning groundwork for all of this advanced work is laid early in the horse's training. Even the young horse is introduced to the basic concepts of Work-in-Hand before being backed such as going forward from the whip, responding to half-halts on the cavesson and later the bit, moving over from the whip, and bending and suppling use of flexions. This continuum is further developed throughout the horse's training so that piaffe, passage, and sometimes even the Airs above the Ground are just a natural byproduct of such development within the horse.
LONG-REINING
A presentation of a trained horse at the Long-Rein is one of the most beautiful, touching displays of the partnership between trainer and horse. Thomas Ritter is one of the foremost experts in the world of the training and exhibition of the horse at the long-rein. But it isn't only a means of exhibition, it is also a highly effective and beneficial training tool to develop the horse's balance, suppleness, and collection. It has the added benefit that all of this is done without the weight of the rider ("Weightless Riding"), so therefore can effectively reduce some stress to the horse.
However, it is not without grave risk, therefore horses prone to kicking, dishonesty, or reluctance to going forward are not wise candidates for this method.
Additionally, unlike "Ground Driving" which is an effective method for introducing the concept of contact and steering to Driving prospects and green horses, Long-Reining is a highly advanced form of work. Generally, it is wise not to begin long-reining with a horse until they are at least Second Level under saddle, and often times even later in their training. While there are advantages to training a horse through the use of Long-Reining, it is not a panacea, and there are many issues which are better addressed under saddle.
Double-Longeing is often mislabeled as Long-Reining, and although related on some levels, they are vastly different training techniques. The Ritters do, at times, incorporate double-longeing into a horse's training program, as an alternative form of longeing. Double-longeing can be employed with a much less advanced horse than is appropriate for Long-Reining, and can effectively address issues of contact and suppleness in a horse's training.
TRAIL RIDING
A well-trained horse, dressage or otherwise, should be able to be ridden out on the trail, on the beach, etc. Therefore, as part of the horse's complete training, as well as for the pyschological and phsyical benefits to the horse, Thomas and Shana periodically take the horses for rides out on the trail, to the beach, in the mountains, and even horse camping. Such riding intensifies the relationship of trust and respect between horse and rider, and creates a safe, saner, well-grounded and mentally-stable dressage horse.
BOARDING
Boarding is available
12x12 stall for $310.00/month.
12x24 stall for $340.00/month.
Amply bedded in pine shavings. Cleaned 6 days a week (not on Sundays). Owners are welcome to clean their own stalls on Sundays, or a 2nd time on other days and re-bed stall in shavings as needed. No restrictions on use of bedding or cleaning privileges.
Hay is fed twice daily. Choice of Eastern Oregon Grass or Alfalfa Hay.
14% Protein Grain is fed twice daily.
Pre-prepared supplements fed twice daily.
Automatic Waterers in every stall.
Turnout available six days a week. (Owner can turnout horses themselves on Sundays).
Stallion-safe turnout in large individual paddocks
Mares and geldings can be turned out in Large Pastures, Individually in Paddocks, or in Pairs in Paddocks.
Indoor 20x40m (aprox.) Arena with sawdust/shavings footing
Large Outdoor with Sand Footing
Large Outdoor Roundpen with Sand Footing
Use of jumps and cavaletti
Large field to ride in
Trail Riding is within minutes. Elijah Bristow Park's extensive trail system is within 10 minutes of the barn. Mt. Pisgah's trail system is also within minutes to the barn.
Hot/Cold Water Washrack
Indoor, Heated Mens & Womens Restrooms
Large Heated Lounge Area with Refrigerator and Microwave
Schooling shows and events held throughout the year
Checks accepted. Cash is Preferred. Sorry, no credit cards.
|
