Ingrid Klimke’s approach to horse training, detailed in her book “Training Horses The Ingrid Klimke Way,” emphasizes a versatile basic education for all horses, regardless of their future specialization in dressage, show jumping, or eventing. This philosophy centers on developing a well-rounded, physically and mentally sound equine athlete through varied exercises and a deep understanding of the horse’s individual needs and personality.
The importance of a versatile basic training cannot be overstated. Specializing too early can be detrimental, leading to imbalanced musculature and potential physical harm to a young horse still developing. Klimke advocates for a training plan that includes riding in open fields, working with cavalletti, and gymnastic jumping. This diverse approach ensures that the demands on muscles, tendons, and joints are distributed evenly, promoting balanced development and preventing overuse injuries. Working in varied environments also helps horses develop sure-footedness, balance, and confidence when exposed to different terrains and stimuli, fostering a relaxed and courageous demeanor.
Klimke believes that all young horses should benefit from this fundamental education before progressing to a specific discipline. Even with specialization, the variety of gymnastic activities should continue. This broad foundation allows young horses to accumulate positive experiences, helping trainers identify their talents and preferences, thereby facilitating targeted skill development and a sense of accomplishment.
Central to Klimke’s method is adherence to the Training Scale, which outlines the progressive development of rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. These concepts are interconnected and must be developed sequentially and solidified before moving to the next stage. Neglecting foundational elements, as Paul Stecken advised, can lead to significant problems later in a horse’s training, particularly when movements requiring collection are introduced. This is why Klimke prefers to start training her horses from the beginning, ensuring a solid foundation.
The Rider’s Role in Versatile Training
The rider’s own training must also incorporate variety, mirroring the horse’s education. Historically, dressage tests included small jumps to assess obedience and the horse-and-rider’s ability to negotiate minor obstacles. While this practice has declined, Klimke argues that dressage riders miss out on crucial physical development by not engaging in such exercises. Jumping, even small obstacles or cavalletti without pressure, is vital for developing a rider’s balance, body awareness, and an independent seat—essential components of effective riding.
Riding out in open fields or on a track also contributes to a rider’s body awareness and ability to maintain a balanced and relaxed seat. Different stirrup lengths used for various disciplines further enhance a rider’s physical experience and ability to adapt their body to different demands.
Cultivating Knowledge and a Strong Partnership
Understanding the “why” and “how” behind each exercise is paramount for effective training. Klimke emphasizes the need for theoretical knowledge, acquired through instructors, books, lectures, DVDs, or clinics. A basic understanding of equine anatomy is also crucial for promoting long-term soundness. She encourages riders to continuously educate themselves, ask questions, and observe experienced riders. Independent thinking and constant attentiveness are key.
Klimke shares her father’s teaching method, which involved guiding riders toward independence by encouraging them to observe, concentrate on the horse, and think for themselves. Corrections were given only when necessary, and praise followed successful execution. This approach fostered self-reliance and a deep understanding of the horse’s responses.
Building a strong relationship with a horse requires deep listening and achieving a shared wavelength. A positive inner attitude from the rider directly influences the horse. Recognizing and appreciating each horse’s unique personality—its strengths and weaknesses—is fundamental. While some habits can be modified through training, a horse’s essential character cannot be fundamentally changed.
Empowering the Horse’s Personality
Klimke advocates for empowering a horse’s personality rather than suppressing it. This involves noticing, understanding, and cherishing the horse’s individuality. For a shy horse, patience and understanding are crucial; the rider must discover what brings the horse pleasure and allows it to relax. For a confident horse, the challenge lies in maintaining motivation while establishing basic obedience. Klimke’s mare, Escada, exemplifies this challenge, possessing ambition and confidence but tending toward independence in dressage. Patience, consistent aids, and regular practice at competitions helped Escada learn to wait for cues.
The art of training lies in balancing the cultivation of a horse’s autonomy and willingness to perform with the necessity of the rider maintaining control and focus. Riders must direct their thoughts and aids to the current movement while anticipating subsequent ones. Correcting a horse that thinks independently should be done with calmness and consistency, not punishment. Ultimately, training should always conclude with a positive experience, reinforcing the partnership between horse and rider.
For further insights into Ingrid Klimke’s training methods and philosophy, readers are encouraged to explore more about her work.
