French and German
training methods WHY there
is a difference.
There are probably very few
Americans who have parents or grandparents that where raised in the pre
WWII era that came from the "old country" of Europe.
This makes it difficult for them to understand the culture differences
between not only Europe and the U.S., but between the countries within
Europe itself.
I'm going to break down the
French and German political views and also the culture personalities that was
influenced by the political views. Most all of modern Europe is of
one political background to which they collaborate as the European
Union. So there is not the difference of views as it once
was. Not saying this is a good thing either.
German
Culture - Personalities
They are a bit retentive
(and sometimes very). They like things to be in a specific
place and want it to stay in that place. If
something is put out of place they dwell on it and get
frustrated that it makes them look bad and disorganized.
For things to be how they want it they direct everyone
that is in their space to be
in this don’t disturb anything understanding (prim and proper to the
max) and when they want you to do something they will push you into to
doing it (controlling).
In horse training it is the same way they want the horse to
be in a specific place/stance. They don’t trust the horse to do
something on it’s own. So to make sure the horse doesn’t go out of
boundaries the rider will keep the horse in this "place" by
forming themselves through the horse via sustained rein and leg contact.
They like to have a set routine in there everyday lives. Perhaps why
they made the training triangle?
Also in their culture they like to
please everyone - thus try to do everything for everyone and it gets
very annoying. You loose your freewill in both instances
And with the
horse they try to "help" the horse do the movements. Rider
carrying the horse. Like the horse saying "ok you tell me what to
do each step so I don’t get into trouble and I don’t have to think
what to do next".
French
Culture - Personalities
Life is so much more relaxed.
Tidy and but not retentive. Don’t make such a big deal out of something
that hasn’t happened
The French like to please also,
but are cordial and don’t go beyond the other person’s limits.
With
horse training the riders let the horse find out what they can and can’t
do and let the horse figure things out for themselves. The horse carries
the rider. Hey I’ll do this and when you want something all it will
take is a one second press of a muscle and I’ll do it until you tell
me other wise.
German
Political Views
Social Democrat /
Socialist
The Germans have been
under Social control for most of it’s history. Nationalist 1848 ,
Social Demo party founded in German in 1863, and further in 1875(Karl
Marx followers), and some constitutional laws from 1919 to 1930.
Strong socialism in other countries such as Austria, Denmark, Finland,
and Netherlands and currently the socialist are in control of the German
Government.
Socialist do not allow anyone to own anything and have the
Government support the people. The people thus expect someone to take
care of them and tell them that they can not do any thing with out the
government approval and all live in cities so they can be observed
closely . Thus no freedom of thinking or doing.
One’s beliefs or
thoughts reflect how a horse is trained especially if it is a State
establishment. The trainers may have been supported in the State
facilities with the leaning to the socialistic ideals. The State wants exactness in horse and rider and for the riders to follow the ideals of
the political parties beliefs. Thus I will do for you what I want done,
you do not need to put any thought into what comes. And can’t do any
creative movements other than the established movements.
Then there was
the Totalitarian/Fascist years of Hitler.
French
Political Views
Republican
The only other country that had a
constitution like the U.S.’s in 1789(written by Layette who also
helped with US Constitution).
1800 to 1830 under much war
and kings,1830 more freer constitution made again, second empire
1838-1882 free constitution ( with a Revolution in-between those dates).
People tried to fight to be free. They wanted to be free thinkers and
doers as stated in the constitutions. So when people want to be free and
away of control they don’t want to be constricted or supported and
told what to do by the government.
If one likes their space they will
reflect that on their horses they train also. Teach when needed and
thorough and then let the horse be to stand/move on it’s own without
anyone interfering
Summing Up the 2
Systems or Schools
German
supported/controlled
by the rider on what to do with dual rein and leg aid and have automatic
framing in the end.
The riders are strong - got to
hold that horses head
where they want it all the time. take up bench pressing.
French
Start
every movement from the ground not on the back.
Rider teaches horse
early that it takes a one second slight body aid to do something
Horse
carries/ arranges own frame without rider interference of rein(but not
abandoning totally) and no continual body aids from the start
Least interference for a horse to
do anything
Riders
are rubber or fluid and don’t rely on strength to ride.
Rein means
"break" and leg means gas pedal. And not to "burn
rubber" by putting on the gas and the brake at the same time. It’s
like running a Caterpillar dozer. Or having a plastic sack full of
water. I you press in one place the water has to move to another area.
If it can’t move to another area pressure is built up and pop the sack
bursts and the water goes everywhere. And I don't want to pop my horse
I'd like to set
something on the level before someone goes off the deep end crying
"prejudice" . I know of both countries personalities as
my mother is from Germany. My Grandfather (opa) was very German
and my grandmother (oma) being of French origin. So I didn't just visit or travel or read in a book how the German and French
people are, but rather I was raised with the Old country strictness on
one side with my mother. And my father being of free doing. Thus I can
appreciate how horses would feel with each of the 2 types of
"classical" training
beliefs. And not opting the persistent "control" of the German
System.
