About 20 years ago, Paul sat down with his then assistant Lorell Joliffe and recorded a series of 6 interviews called “An Overview of the Classical Principles Behind the Training of a Horse and Rider.” The tape recordings have become mostly obsolete, but we managed to find a complete set which we converted to digital files. Paul feels there are a few things he would like to change, but that sharing the interviews has value for their wide range of discussion. The series includes practical explanations of the techniques used in this process, and explores the psychological, philosophical and historical aspects that underlie the traditional, classical approach to a horse’s training. Stay tuned for all 6 episodes!

Part One

Breaking the Young Horse: In this interview, Paul discusses the breaking process of the young horse. It includes practical explanations of the initial saddling, bridling, longeing and first steps of riding. The conversation also explores the psychological, philosophical and historical aspects that underlie the traditional classical approach to starting a young horse’s training.

Part Two

The Rider’s Seat & Position: In this interview, Paul discusses the rider’s seat and position. It includes developing the rider’s correct posture on the lunge. Some of the topics explored in the conversation are the concepts of center of gravity and center of balance, use of the abdomen and back, with discussion about bracing the back, leg position, three point seat, etc. The position of the upper body including chest, arm and hand is covered along with arguments about relaxation vs. tone.

Part Three

Calm Forward Riding: In this installment, Paul discusses calm, forward riding. This discussion includes straightness, impulsion, thoroughness, and contact. Exercises such as leg yielding, circles, figures of eight, and transitions are covered. This interview also explores problems of onesidedness, stiffness, Baucherism, and their classical corrections. Cantering and deep work are also included in this third recording in the series.