CLASSICAL DRESSAGE AS A PATH: A Philosophical Introduction
- Isaac Ares
- Philosophy & Ethics of Dressage
by Isaac Ares Classical dressage trainer, specialist in biomechanics and equine communication
IT'S NOT ABOUT CONTROL. IT'S ABAUT UNDERSTANDING.
Classical dressage was never born to dominate horses, nor to draw pretty shapes in the arena, nor to fulfill arbitrary rules. It was born from a deeper need: to find harmony between two species that move, feel, and learn in fundamentally different ways.
In its origins, dressage was a martial art, a practice of survival and precision. But over time, it evolved into something nobler: a form of subtle communication, a school of bodily wisdom, a path of mutual respect.
An art that comes from intelligence, not force
Riding well does not mean squeezing harder, holding tighter, or demanding faster.
Riding well means listening, adapting, and proposing without imposing. It means developing a language that is not spoken with words, but with weight, rhythm, breath, and energy.
The horse does not think like us. It does not reason in abstract terms, nor does it understand “discipline” the way humans do. But it perceives our intentions, our coherence, and the quality of our actions with astonishing accuracy.
And that is the true foundation of dressage: an education of the body that creates interspecies dialogue.
Technique as a consequence, not as a starting point
In this manual, we don’t begin with aids, fixed positions, or rigid recipes.
We begin with the purpose of each exercise: Why are we doing it? What does it contribute to the horse’s body and mind? How does the horse interpret it? How does it transform him?
Every transition, every circle, every half halt has a reason. This isn’t about drawing patternsit’s about functional gymnastic work, shared attention, and growing balance.
This approach demands rigor, but also sensitivity. It requires study, observation, mistakes, and honest reflection. Because here, we don’t teach tricks. We teach you to think like responsible trainers.
Science, Art, and Ethics: The Three Pillars
1. Science: Because we understand the horse as a living, complex, sensitive organism. We ground our work in biomechanics, neurophysiology, ethology, and evidence-based knowledge.
2. Art: Because no two horse and rider pairs are the same. Intuition, creativity, and deep listening are essential. Dressage isn’t a closed system, it’s a living choreography between two bodies.
3. Ethics: Because respect is not optional, it’s the core. Training without pain, without confusion, without fear. That’s not a luxury, it’s a moral obligation.
What are we here to build?
Not just riders who “can ride,” but people who understand, who feel, who create meaningful relationships with their horses.
We want to train professionals who think, not those who copy. Who question, not those who repeat. Who know anatomy, and also know the soul. Who know when to move forward… and when to pause.
This is the proposal
This manual is not fast. It is not easy. And it offers no shortcuts.
But if you walk this path with me, you will discover something deeper than technique: You will discover a new way of being with horses.
A way that does not rely on control, but on trust. A way that does not force form, but supports function. A way that does not seek dominance, but fosters dialogue.
Welcome to classical dressage.
The real kind. The one that begins with commitment and ends in dance.
Isaac Ares
Legal Disclaimer:
This document expresses an independent professional analysis based on research and biomechanical observation. It aims to promote functional, ethical, and welfare-oriented equestrian practice. It does not refer to any specific rider, horse, event, or governing body.