"Art of Movement, Science of Motion"
Presents:
"Airs Above The Ground"
For Centuries, the airs above the ground have delighted horses' lovers' for generations.
Contrary to legend, the airs above the ground were not initially "war maneuvers" used by knights to fly above an enemy's head or to kick the face of an adversary coming up from behind.
The airs above the ground were originally developed as gymnastic exercises designed to improve a rider's skill.
They were later stylized for public presentations.
Through history, wars, and economical difficulties, the Spanish Riding School carried on the tradition of presenting the airs above the ground in a style very similar to their original form.
More recently, under the leadership of Mr Alvaro Domecq Romero, the "Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre" in the south of Spain is sharing the tradition.
In the nineteenth century, the French's Manege de Versaille moved to Saumur under military control and became the "Cadre Noir de Saumur."
The "Cadre Noir de Saumur" perpetuates the practice of the airs above the ground, but presents them in a more martial style. For instance, at the Spanish Riding School, the "Courbette" is a series of three jumps executed on the hind legs, while it is presented at Saumur as a majestic rearing where the rider remains perpendicular to the horse.
At the Spanish Riding School, the "Capriole" is a move where the horse throws himself in the air from the "Levade." At Saumur, this becomes the "Cabriole," which is executed higher in the air and prepared through a very collected canter referred to as the "terre à terre."
Artistic and athletic achievements reach greatness when skill and talent are supported by scientific studies
The thought introduced here is to prepare the most traditional form of equestrian art, the airs above the ground, with respect to the most advanced knowledge of equine physiology.
The marriage between equestrian art and equine science has been previously suggested: "Respect for tradition should not exclude the love of progresses." (Colonel Danloux, 1936)
The project is exclusively original.
It will permit for the first time the enjoyment of seeing in the same ring, the airs above the ground as interpreted by both the "Spanish Riding School" and the "Cadre Noir de Saumur." A scent of novelty will be brought to the event through the practical application of advances in scientific knowledge.
In hand, and under the saddle, half of the horses will present one style. The second half will champion the other approach. The education of the horses will address the stresses induced by the effort on the athletes' physique and consequently, how the horses can be efficiently prepared.
Sublimating the horse's talent by applying modern scientific knowledge, the oldest form of equestrian art, the "airs above the ground," will become an ambassador of the most advanced form of equestrian education.
We Put the"Airs" in the Air!
The project might interest individuals who want to know about the whole education process.
The concept might be a spectacular opportunity for a corporation.
Would you like to further discuss our "airs above the ground" idea? Please contact us: jeanluc@sicenceofmotion.com Phone: 941-961-7101