October 3, 2008

France's Cadre Noir riding school and prolific dressage trainer Hubertus Schmidt are among the highlights of the Global Dressage Forum in the Netherlands later this month.

Many top trainers, riders, scientists, officials and serious dressage enthusiasts from all over the world comverge on the Dutch town of Hooge Mierde on October 27-28. It is the eighth time the forum has been held, and as well as Schmidt this year several clinics, demonstrations and working groups will be presented by the Cadre Noir, Andrew Thomas, Rico Schuijers, Mariette Withages, Dieter Schule, Hilary Clayton, and a group of Dutch riders, trainers and breeders.

Much time has been set aside for discussions on developments in the sport, and a panel of top trainers, riders, judges and journalists will evaluate every clinic. Lively debate is guaranteed by having panel sessions and a question corner where participants can give their opinions and ask questions.

Schmidt, who will give a riding and teaching demonstration, last presented at the Global Dressage Forum two years ago. He is one of the most prolific dressage trainers in the world and has trained more than 30 horses to Grand Prix level.

Another feature of the forum will be the presentation of the classical art of the haute école and the principles of European horsemanship by France's Cadre Noir de Saumur (French National Riding School).

New this year are the working groups including the physical training of the rider by Andrew Thomas; new developments in mental training by Rico Schuijers; information about judging by Mariette Withages and Dieter Schule; new physical development program for horses by Professor Hilary Clayton; and a working group about recent problems, solutions and experiences with judging in other sports by Hans van Zetten, an international expert in judging systems. These items will be presented during two shifts in smaller groups.

The Cadre Noir teaches the classical art of the haute école as it emerged in the 16th century in Italy before influencing the principles of European horsemanship. But the school at Saumur, which keeps alive the rules that have defined equestrian art, is also in a pure military tradition. Today it still passes on the precepts inherited from the greatest names of cavalry, such as General L'Hotte, Saumur's most famous riding instructor, author of the famous precept on which modern horsemanship is based: "Calm, forward, straight and light". The Cadre Noir will give a presentation with an introduction of the tradition and specificities of the equitation in Saumur, followed by a practical a demonstration with horses to show the technical practices on the 'airs above the ground'(Sauts d'école: courbette, croupade and capriole).