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Horse-Powers - Classical Dressage - Training Principles - Stephanie Kappes - TSEC - Horse4Sport - Articles |
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Horse-Powers of Stephanie Kappes USDF Certified Instructor Advanced Certified ARIA Instructor, Dressage and Eventing As you'll see from my background I have the theory foundation and experience in Classical Dressage and Natural Training methods. And have provided you for many years with the background of my understanding and the principles I follow, here on this website. (Classical Dressage and Training Principles) If you've followed those programs with me over the years, you'll be glad to know nothing is changing. So why am I referring to my program as Horse-Powers? First, I think it best describes how we use the powers of our minds, bodies and spirits, to free the magnificent power of the horse. Even with today's technology, power is still rated based on the horse's power; do you have the most horsepower you can have in your engine? And that's only the power of their bodies. The power of their minds and spirits are just as magnificent and impressive to release. Secondly, the terms Classical Dressage and Natural Horsemanship are being used so loosely today, that a program doesn't have to follow the time tested principles, to still refer to the terms. Competition has created a different type of Dressage, one that is more focused on the form, or look of the horse, than on the substance of the training that develops the horse. Art gives way to sport. Not to say all competitors look at Dressage in this light, but enough do that it creates different training methods, under the term of Dressage. Mass marketing and pyramid business models have created all sorts of distortions to what was known as Natural Horsemanship. The methods have become processed based instead of principles based, and trainers are teaching trainers who are teaching trainers - processes. Not only does the old game of telephone occur, where by the time something gets around the room the meaning gets loss. But, without a principle based approach, the processes become recipes that only work if you have all the same ingredients. And with all the different combinations of horses and riders, the ingredients are rarely the same. This isn't to say all programs are this way, but the term "Natural" is losing specific meaning. Its amazing, but more so sad, to watch training programs that actually prevent horses from ever reaching their true powers being called Classical or Natural. Misguided dressage tends to restrict the horses' movement, use artificial means to "control" the horse and force it into a shape, all of which prevents the horse from ever developing its true power. Misguided Naturalists, tend to let the horse do what it wants, never pushing it to develop beyond what it would do naturally. Naturally, the horse doesn't carry weight, let alone run, turn, and jump with weight. So this style prevents the horse from building the strength and developing the mind to free the power that it takes to play our games. And lastly, Classical Dressage brings with it the perception that it only relates to Dressage or english riding and Natural Horsemanship tends to be a western stereotype. The power of the principles help every discipline, from serious competitors, to pleasure riders. Horse-Powers is here to help you and your horse develop, regardless of your interests, ambitions and goals. Over the years I have discovered and developed my own horse-powers with the help of numerous mentors. With those powers I have been able to develop all kinds of horses and mentor hundreds of people in the discovery and development of their own horse powers. The balance of their minds, bodies, and spirits to free the true powers of the magnificent horse. Come discover your Horse-Powers! P.S.- The principles I refer to in my Classical Dressage section are still what I follow and train in. Horse-Powers is to help distinguish my program from the distortions and misperceptions that I describe above. Please refer to the Classical Dressage section for more detailed information relating to my philosophies. I have some available times for clinics at your place, email me for details. Earn USDF University Dressage Credits! Horse-Powers Classical Dressage Principles TSEC Horse4Sport Missoula Classical Dressage Missoula Natural Horsemanship Missoula eventing Montana Dressage Montana eventing montana natural horsemanship Missoula training missoula lesson programs montana training montana lesson programs |