The art of
Riding
"As a selected Branderup Trainer, I live to develop my mind, my body and the mind and body of my horses, and am passionate about passing my knowledge and experience on to other horse lovers."
About the Art of Riding by Ylvie Fros
What I aim to achieve through the Art of Riding, is thinking riders and trainers that always keep the best interest of the horse in mind, considering behaviour, anatomy, biomechanics, and other factors related to the physical and mental welfare of the horse. Riders who are willing to look within themselves to become the best rider they can be and who enjoy riding as it is supposed to be: time spend well together with another living being in ultimate harmony.
The foundation of the Art of Riding is first of all Horsemanship. A sound relationship between human and horse based on trust, respect and friendship. You must first be the friend of your horse, before you can be his teacher! Part of this horsemanship is correct handling of the horse, including proper housing, hoof trimming, nutrition, social behaviour and all other factors related to a horse's welfare. There can be no development of body or mind, if the horse is in any way hindered physically or mentally.
When the basic needs of the horse are provided for, we can continue with Straightness Training: gymnastic exercises that allow the horse to become equally supple on both sides and equally strong in both hindlegs. No matter what goal you are after as a rider: every riding horse needs to be symmetrical. Whether you ride western or Icelandic horses, eventing or jumping, you have to be able to ride both on the left- and on the right hand. Therefore, the basic exercises of the Art of Riding are valuable for every rider, not just for those who strive towards classic dressage and the High School. These exercises are first done from the ground, before attempted riding. Consider it like going to the gym and lifting weights: start with the easier weights and then increase the weight as you improve. Why make it more difficult for the horse by adding your weight to an exercise if he can not yet do it while just carrying his own weight?
The foundation of the Art of Riding is first of all Horsemanship. A sound relationship between human and horse based on trust, respect and friendship. You must first be the friend of your horse, before you can be his teacher! Part of this horsemanship is correct handling of the horse, including proper housing, hoof trimming, nutrition, social behaviour and all other factors related to a horse's welfare. There can be no development of body or mind, if the horse is in any way hindered physically or mentally.
When the basic needs of the horse are provided for, we can continue with Straightness Training: gymnastic exercises that allow the horse to become equally supple on both sides and equally strong in both hindlegs. No matter what goal you are after as a rider: every riding horse needs to be symmetrical. Whether you ride western or Icelandic horses, eventing or jumping, you have to be able to ride both on the left- and on the right hand. Therefore, the basic exercises of the Art of Riding are valuable for every rider, not just for those who strive towards classic dressage and the High School. These exercises are first done from the ground, before attempted riding. Consider it like going to the gym and lifting weights: start with the easier weights and then increase the weight as you improve. Why make it more difficult for the horse by adding your weight to an exercise if he can not yet do it while just carrying his own weight?
Goal: Balance, Suppleness & Harmony in movement
When we add our weight by riding, we have to develop our Seat. You cannot sit straight on a crooked horse, nor can a horse move straight under a crooked rider. Therefore, it is not possible to ride and develop your horse without working on your own body: train on the independent seat, feeling, timing and coordination of your aids, follow and influence the movements of your horse! Centered Riding offers riders a way to increase body awareness, verticality, balance and stability in the saddle. Bodywork assists you in finding your own alignment and body awareness.
Once you have a riding horse that is trained symmetrically and a seat that you can use to communicate with your horse, it is time to select your destination: Those who are interested in dressage will be happy to continue with the advanced work in the Academic Art of Riding. We use dressage for the benefit of the horse instead of having a horse to do dressage! We also strive for art; two bodies and two minds that are working together in perfect harmony, to create a beautiful movement.
