Dressage Principles Masterclass Series
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☞ This is an entirely self-study course. You can do it at your own pace, begin any time. Does not include Q&As or any support/feedback.
In order to be able to train a horse successfully, the rider has to acquire and cultivate basic skills in - sport, science, and art. This is a lifelong process which never ends. Even the greatest master always has room for personal improvement.
The underlying red thread that weaves all three of these areas together are called the...
Within the framework of the Classical Dressage ethics, we have found 12 basic training principles which have proven to be valuable in our own practical riding. These principles are not the typical German FN basic principles. They go far beyond that to bring dynamic life to the way we can approach the training with our horses. These principles are not mutually exclusive, but they all play an important role in the training of horses. While you do not have to follow every principle at every moment in order to train your horse, these are guidelines that you will find useful in your journey with your horse. It is not necessary to apply these in any particular order. Each one stands on its own, but we encourage you to study and explore them in this order with us. Then, once you have explored all twelve principles, it will be up to you to choose the appropriate one for each individual situation.
1. The Alphabet Principle
2. The Root Principle
3. The Water Principle
4. The Principle of the Economy of Motion
5. The Aikido Principle
6. The Pottery Principle
7. The Medicine Principle
8. The Basketball Principle
9. The Ping-pong Principle
10. The Corner Principle
11. The Principle of the Narrow Track
12. The Pendulum Principle
“This is an experiential approach to relating to the biomechanical principles of Dressage. Rather than studying them as dry, theoretical concepts, you will learn how to bring them to life by exploring them in practice through riding exercises and experiments that invite you to look and experience on a deeper level.”
Included are:
- 12 Masterclasses
- Each Masterclass will be accompanied by a lesson, exercise, or experiment you can do to experience and apply the principle to your own riding.
- Easy access to the content offline via Podcast player
- Lifetime access to the course materials.
“This is the best on line learning site I have found and love the Ritters deep dive into biomechanics of dressage. Little by little pieces are starting to fall into place. Thank you to the whole team for all that you do , sharing your knowledge, and being grounded in classical dressage.” - Cindy
“I really can’t get enough of the Ritter approach… at this point it is the BEST coaching & goal/objective setting program. After 4yrs, it is now how I think and feel and ride my horses. So - why not! I’ve done a number of Beta classes and love the concept of being immersed in it forever.”
Tracy Farrell
“I feel exactly like you do - I am quite frustrated that I have to relearn all this as an older adult - I have actively sought knowledge over my riding career and it was actually my inability to do a clean/ consistent flying change left to right that was the catalyst for me. I kept saying I was doing something fundamentally wrong but no-one could tell me what that was, a lot of yelling and me just feeling like a terrible rider. What I have learned so far has been amazing, it’s a work in progress but I now feel possibilities not barriers. I also feel like every ride is a gift where I learn something new and find a new gem of wisdom in the practical, not just the theory. I love this community as it’s like I have found my people and I am not alone in my thoughts or journey.”
- Tracey Johnston
“The Ritter courses have given me my confidence back. A year ago, I was almost ready to give up and just be an owner and find someone who could ride my horse. We were stuck in a cycle of 1 step forwards 2 steps back in our training. I felt over-horsed and completely inadequate. A year later I feel so much more empowered and my relationship with my horse is so much better. I enjoy riding again and I know that he and I are on the right path, and I’ve found the right community of people to help us succeed. 😊” - Katharine Trevelyan
“I've been doing Ritter courses for a few years now. Through their instruction and examples, I've transformed from a skilled but driven, frustrated, rider into one who is calm, happy, and analytical in my training. Despite having had decades of excellent instruction, it took the Ritters to teach me to be calmer, more analytical, and therefore much more effective in my riding. Everyone is happier AND we make better progress. My horses and I all thank Thomas Ritter and Shana Ritter.”
Anne Zahradnik
“This is the first time I’ve started to understand this crazy confusing sport! Turns out it’s not so complicated after all.” 😂 - Julia Ackland
“The art of learning the craft is the goal and I am seeing that the lightness and balance my horse has developed so far its just amazing “ - Aidan Campion
“I have done most Ritter courses and love the teaching style. Thomas and Shana are amazing at getting into the reason of everything, the Why. ” - Morgan Laura Osborne
“You won’t be sorry if you enroll. The Ritters’ courses are so detailed and they allow you to ask the questions you were afraid to ask. You can send videos of your problem areas and get personal instruction. You will find so much support and a community of fellow riders to develop lasting friendships all over the world. It’s really a no brainer to at least try the course because if you don’t feel it is right for you, they give you your money back and without any hesitancy or shame. The Ritters are genuine and are really interested in you succeeding. I have taken several of their courses and am an alumni for this one. I have definitely seen progress in both me and my horse. I love that they put attention on the horses faults in addition to the rider. Most of the time I always felt like I was to blame and the horse was an angel saint. Not anymore. They give you tools to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it and give you lots of options. I still struggle with some concepts so don’t despair if you feel overwhelmed. It keeps getting better. So take the course, there is nothing to lose but much to gain.” - Marci Handley, Creekside Farm
