Gabriela Grillo played a key rôle in the development of the Kür, as a rider, but also as a theorist, as a trained musician who worked to combine the classical principles of dressage with music that was appropriate and sympathetic…
“With a knowledge of history and classical basics of dressage, one can hardly agree with those who condemn the Kür as show or circus, for not being classical, or for being a danger to dressage. One should only take these arguments as a warning that the World Cup and/or the Kür should not stray from the principles of classical riding.
But the roots of riding to music are way back in history – follow the link below to find out more...
“By its nature the Kür trains the riders to feel the horse’s rhythm and work with that rhythm – rather than imposing the rider’s rhythm on the horse. The rider also relaxes and rides more sensitively when riding to music – and the horses themselves do respond to the music.
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro on the way to a win at the London Games
“The accent is to ride the test in the classical way to music. One should never forget that the Kür works towards the symbol of the centaur – the symbol of ultimate harmony between horse and rider.”