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Thomas Ritter on the Lipizzan Gelding, Siglavy Sophia Dahlia, in the Canter. |
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Dr. Thomas Ritter and the Lipizzan Stallion, Maestoso II Shama II, demonstrate a Piaffe at the Longrein. October 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
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Portrait of Philip III of Spain on Horseback |
Dr. Thomas Ritter and the Lipizzan Stallion, Maestoso II Shama II, demonstrate a Trot Halfpass at the Longrein. October 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
Emperor Charles VI by George Hamilton which hangs in the Winter Riding School Vienna, manège of the Spanish Riding School |
Dr. Thomas Ritter and the Lipizzan Stallion, Maestoso II Catrina. Piaffe in Hand. October 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
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William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle |
Dr. Thomas Ritter demonstrates the Piaffe in Hand with the Lipizzan Mare, Electa, during a November 2008 clinic in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle |
Dr. Thomas Ritter and the Lipizzan Stallion, Maestoso II Shama II, demonstrate a Trot Halfpass at the Longrein. October 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle |
Dr. Thomas Ritter and the Lipizzan Stallion, Maestoso II Catrina. Piaffe in Hand. October 2008. Photo by Shana Ritter. |
William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle |
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Queen Isabel of France by Velasquez |
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François Robichon de La Guérinière |
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March 04, 2010
Clinic Dates
Our updated clinic schedule for Thomas and Shana Ritter is now online. Due to our ever-increasing clinic schedule, there are limited 2010 dates still available. Contact Thomas for scheduling in Fall 2010.
See our complete upcoming clinic schedule at Calendar of Events. All locations allow and welcome auditors.
Philosophy
We have updated our Philosophy page. Read about our Approach to training the horse and rider in Dressage, and what it is that sets us apart from the rest.
Prices Reduced on Sales Horses
We have been breeding Lipizzans since 2000, but in order to focus more specifically on Training, we have shut down our Breeding Program. We have some amazing horses for sale, including several Super-talented young stallions, several riding mares, prospects, broodmares, and foals. This is a great time to buy a Lipizzan! Make an offer, terms considered, and package of multiple horses available at much-reduced prices. All offers considered! Check out our Sales List.
Or feel free to Email us or call us at (360) 631-1101 or (360) 631-1102 about any of the Sales Horses.
Newest Dressage Blog Entries
Dr. Thomas Ritter's newest entry is about the trend of riding with "bitless bridles". If you've missed any of the previous blog entries, listed here are a few of the most recent ones. A complete listing is available on our Dressage Blog Page. We'd love to hear questions, comments, and feedback on any of our blog entries, new or old. We're open to establishing a discussion here, or privately, about any of these topics and concepts, so please feel free to Email.
There is also a German version available at Dressurblog.
January 18, 2010:
Bitless Bridles
August 11, 2009:
Bitless Bridles
August 02, 2009:
Military Riding Institute Hannover 2.0
A Must Have Book!!!
The Art of Classical Horsemanship
by Egon von Neindorff
Just Released!!!
Egon von Neindorff dedicated his life to the knowledge and promotion of the classical art of riding. He never wanted to be a reformist but purely an interpreter. He truly understood the philosophy of classical riding and was therefore able to teach his numerous national and international students to develop their own style. The essence of classical dressage requires a deep affection for the horse as well as understanding, sensitivity, humility, and devotion. In this book, von Neindorff illustrates in more than 30 chapters his profound understanding of the natural training of horses. It encompasses a body of knowledge that was previously only taught at his riding establishment in Karlsruhe.
Order this Book today!
Dressage Today February 2009 Article
The February 2009 issue of Dressage Today is on the newstands and arriving in mailboxes as we speak. This is an issue you will not want to miss! Dr. Thomas Ritter is featured on the cover with the Lipizzan Stallion, Maestoso II Catrina, in the Levade for his feature article on a very important topic... BALANCE.
The August 2008 issue of Dressage Today Magazine featured an article by Dr. Thomas Ritter on "Suppling the Horse with Flexions." This was the Annual Baroque Horse Issue and the article featured photos of several Lipizzans demonstrating the flexions explained in the article.
The amazing and talented photographer, Mary Cornelius, took all of the photos for the article, which features three of our horses, the Lipizzan Stallion - Maestoso II Catrina in-hand with Dr. Thomas Ritter, the Oldenburg/Thoroughbred cross Gelding - Andre ridden by Dr. Thomas Ritter, and the Lusitano/Arabian cross Mare - Farrah ridden by Shana Ritter. What is not evident in the photos is how cold, damp, and dreary the day was when we did this photo shoot. I am completely amazed at how Mary was able to transform what was, by all respects, a miserable weather day, into a day which looks peaceful and serene. She makes it look like there is no place on earth one would rather be! And with just a few clicks, she was always able to capture exactly the right moment. Thank you, Mary, for your awesome work! To see more of Mary's work, visit her websites: www.marycornelius.com, her smugmug site at http://marycornelius.smugmug.com, and her blog at http://shuttermonkee.blogspot.com.
Dressage Today August 2008 Article
In August 2008, Dressage Today published the article by Dr. Thomas Ritter, "Supple the Horse with Flexions: Learn how to correctly use neck and poll flexions in your training program." With the assistance of Zinio Technology, this article can now be viewed online in its entirety, complete with explanatory photographs.
In this article, Dr. Thomas and Shana Ritter demonstrate the use of mounted and unmounted flexions, as well as the relationship of balance and carriage to the training process.
These flexions can be diagnostic, as well as therapeutic. Their use can help the trainer to determine exactly where stiffness and resistance in the horse is lurking, by breaking the process down into small, defined steps. The same flexion that helps to diagnose the problem can be employed to remedy the problem, as well.
The use of flexions in the training process is nothing new or mysterious. There is a long classical tradition of the use of flexions. François Baucher and the entire French tradition, of course, is famous for its use of flexions; but the German and Austrian Cavalry also used flexions daily in the course of training their horses. There are diagrams and instructions for flexions in E.F. Seidler and Peter Spohr's books, especially, but they are mentioned in many of the 19th century Classical Equestrian Literature. The Spanish Riding School had a strong tradition of the use of flexions and this knowledge was passed down from teacher to student in the oral teaching tradition.
Photos and Quotes of the Masters
Due to an overwhelming outpouring of requests by our readers, we are bringing back two very popular sections...
Photos of the Masters
is a historical archive of photos and artwork of some of the greatest Masters of Classical Dressage.
Quotes of the Masters
is a selection of quotes about training from some of the greatest Masters of Classical Dressage.
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