Spanish riding

What is Spanish riding

Spanish riding is a form of classical dressage that focuses on:

relaxation and flexibility of the horse

natural balance

subtle aids

high school riding (haute école)

The goal is not speed or power, but elegance, ease and mutual understanding.

What is Spanish riding for

Healthy and long-term training of the horse

Improving balance and load-bearing capacity of the hind legs

Developing flexibility and agility

Building a strong rider-horse relationship

Preparing for high school riding

Basic principles of Spanish riding

Slow and systematic training

Relaxation before the collection

Light contact

Working from the back to the front

Psychological well-being of the horse

The horse must work willingly and without pressure.

How Spanish riding is performed

The rider sits deep, upright and balanced

The aids are gentle and minimal

A great emphasis is placed on working from the ground

Riding is done in:

walk

trot

gallop

Gradually moving to high exercises

Types of Spanish riding3
1. Classic Spanish riding

The purest form.

Characteristics:

traditional principles

work on balance

high school of riding

Advantages:

Healthy development of the horse

Beautiful, natural movement

Minimal wear

Disadvantages:

Very time-consuming

Requires an experienced trainer

2. Academic riding

A modern interpretation of the classics.

Advantages:

Emphasis on biomechanics

Suitable also for recreational riders

Disadvantages:

Less uniform methodology

3. High School of Riding (Haute école)

The pinnacle of Spanish riding.

Exercises:

piafa

passage

pirouettes

levada

capriola

Advantages:

The pinnacle of equestrian art

Maximum horse balance

Disadvantages:

Only for highly trained horses

Extremely demanding

Suitable horses for Spanish riding

Most common:

PRE (Andalusian horse)

Lusitano

Lipican

Frederiksborg

Why?

short back

strong hindquarters

natural talent for gathering

calm and docile nature

👉 However, with proper training, other breeds can also be used.

Spanish riding equipment

Spanish or Portuguese saddle

Simple bridle (often without a crossbar)

Fine bit

Sometimes working without a bit

Long stirrups

Benefits of Spanish riding

Long-term health of the horse

Improved balance and carrying capacity

Elegant and natural movement

Strong relationship between horse and rider

High level of communication

Disadvantages and limitations

Very slow training process

High demands on rider knowledge

Less trainers available

Not suitable for impatient riders

How to choose Spanish riding

Consider:

Do you want a healthy and long-term rideable horse

Do you have the patience for slow progress

Trainer availability

Type of horse and its temperament

Spanish riding is ideal for riders who:

✔ Seek harmony

✔ Want to work gently
✔ prefer quality over speed

Most common mistakes

Too fast progress

Pressing on the horse

Skipping the basics

Forced head position

Ignoring the horse's psyche

Spanish riding is an art, philosophy and a journey, not just a riding technique. Its goal is a healthy, strong and satisfied horse that works with joy and ease. For the rider, it represents a deep understanding of movement, patience and self-development.