The Classical Riding System is embodied in centres such as the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.  This school is revered by layman and expert alike.  For the spectator it is the most decorative display of horsemanship.  For the rider it is the ultimate school of training.  The Spanish School has continued to function according to the same principles, passed on by word of mouth, for more than 400 years.  It has become a custodian of history and "the" guardian of the art of classic riding.

The horses and riders are trained in three phases:  phase one in which young stallions are lunged for 8-12 weeks to establish mental relaxation and physical coordination.  This is followed by about 6 months of straightforward riding to strengthen the horse and make him ready to cooperate.  The second phase involves 1-2 years of gymnastic exercises with the intention of establishing impulsion, collection, and suppleness.  The final phase, in the 3rd or 4th year of training, is denoted by the commencement of the High School work.  The horses are taught all of the Olympic dressage movements, together with a feature of the Spanish School, the "schools above the ground".  In some of these movements, which originated in the Middle Ages as useful tactics in war, the horse spectacularly leaves the ground and springs into the air.

To visit the Spanish Riding School website, click on the Spanish School rider, above.