Today I'd like to share a noteable milestone in the education of a 4-year-old PRE (Pura Raza Española) horse. In this lesson, he achieved his successful canter strike-offs on a circle and during a change-of-rein inside the circle—all on the very first attempt. While it may seem simple or even easy, these moments are the culmination of deliberate, logical training principles that have stood the test of time.
This horse is learning according to the classical and military education outlined by the great schools of Saumur, Warendorf, and Vienna. The ‘workbook’ of this training is Major Anders Lindgren’s exercise manual, which provides a clear, systematic progression of lessons diagramed in arena-exercises. Though the manual may seem super simple and straightforward, the exercises in it are wise and profound. They contain the building blocks and doctrine elements that even the Grand Prix horse must prove—even at the height of their career.
Why Progressive Training Matters
Before a horse can achieve such milestones, he must be thoughtfully prepared. This preparation begins with the acclimatization and conditioning of the ‘starting phase’, a.k.a. ‘the breaking-in period’, ensuring the horse’s mind and body are ready for the lessons ahead. After this starting phase, the education starts in earnest. (See Section 22, Saumur & Ft. Riley)
The first lessons and the start of the education is learning to follow the rider’s lines of sight and to follow the leading-opening rein -- plus a near immediate introduction to ‘the bearing rein’.
(See Section 17, Saumur & Ft. Riley).
In the video below, the young horse demonstrates his understanding of these early lessons by executing The Oval (p. 15 in Major Lindgren’s manual),
The Oval is a gymnasticizing figure that proves the horse is navigated from the rider's natural aids -- especially the instigating weight of the Seat. On the oval, the horse begins to ‘find his back’ and ‘find his footfalls’ according to his lines-of-travel.
Surprisingly, even experienced riders struggle to perform this exercise correctly, yet this youngster proved capable at this elementary level because of the progressive nature of his learning.
Next, after testing strike-offs on the circle, we built upon this foundation by introducing a change-of-rein strike-off inside the circle, a more advanced exercise found on p. 35 of Lindgren’s manual.
This new puzzle for the youngster conforms to the classical SRS teachings spelled out by Col. Podhajsky. These instructions are detailed between pages 108–130 of his book.
Effortless Success: The Hallmark of Logical Training
What makes this lesson extraordinary is the ease with which the youngster horse immediately understands and performs new tasks. He isn’t stressed or confused because the steps leading up to this moment were clear, orderly, and logical. Even though he has never been asked the question before, he understands what is being asked and has the physical ability to carry it out with full commitment and zero hesitation.
This is the beauty of classical training: when the work is methodical and sequential, even an innocent young horse can comprehend what flusters or flummoxes most humans learning to ride. For the horse, it feels natural—almost easy—because every step has been thoughtfully prepared. As Major Lindgren often said in his low, sweet voice, “Prepare and allow.” (He gave himself nearly 10 seconds to enunciate these three words.)
Takeaway for Riders
This lesson serves as a reminder that success in horse training is never about 'secrets' or 'tips' – and it can’t be learned in clinics or seminars. It’s about following a proven and routine progression that prepares and nurtures the horse’s physical and mental development. It is a system and a language. When we approach training with knowledge, clarity, and order – when we ‘hurry slowly' -- the results speak for themselves. Which way do you want to ride ?
Here is the 24 minute-video of this young horse’s lesson, premiering Friday, November 29. 2024, 7amEST:
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