>> I don't know of anyone doing classical training with Icelandics. > ... > Classical training is now being done in Iceland.
While I think I understand what you are saying, let me offer this: I know that they have recently started trying classical training, taking lessons with some CD trainers, bringing in classical dressage person to give a clinic, but I would not say that they are "doing" it, meaning that they are accomplished at it. I don't think that anyone who has just started learning classical dressage, has the ability to do it well, or go out and teach it. Therefore, I would say, in my opinion, that classical training is not done in Iceland, nor done by any of their certified / graduated / or professional trainers. I know that what they are doing would not be considered classical dressage by any of the classical dressage people. Basically it's still "icelandic-style" training and riding. I'm trying to think of a way to say it, or make a picture of it. I'll attach an image. Maybe someone can say it better. There's NH and CD (classical dressage). Both are big movements, big bubbles, in horse training and riding styles. Sometimes they borrow from each other and exchange methods, exercises, etc. Icelandic-style riding and training is a small entity off to the side or below NH and CD. They also try to borrow from NH and CD. However, NH and CD would not be exchanging with, or borrowing from, icelandic-style. How they use and put into effect what they borrow does not bring them out of their icelandic-style riding and training bubble. I think that it is because they are new to horsemanship and in the excitement of seeing something new, they take it and try to own it without understanding the concepts behind the methods. Therefore, they don't progress outside of their basic style. I recall a young girl telling me that her horse went western and english, so I asked her to show me. She put on a western saddle and a curb bit and rode around. Then she put on an english saddle and an english bridle with snaffle and noseband, and rode around. She said, "See, he goes english and western!" What she did not understand is that the tack did not make the discipline. There's a whole bunch of stuff under the tack, that determines english or western, how the horse moves, which aids / cues are used, how the horse responds to those aids / cues, etc. So, while the intention by some icelandic-style trainers is good, there is not yet substance, in my opinion, in the area of classical dressage for them to be wearing the CD badge. There are some very very basic things that prove this out. For instance, they may feel that the tolt is a collected movement, and it isn't. It is absolutely the opposite of collection! Lateral work is not advantageous in the easy gaits because of the principles of equine biomechanics, so a shoulder-in while in tolt, does not happen. Yet some of them are teaching it. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
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