(Society for the care and preservation of the art of classical riding)

History
The “Gstadter Hof,” home of the Schmitzer’s riding school, has a long history. In former times, the farm was close the banks of the river “Iller.” It was taken apart and then reconstructed at its current location around 1904. Until 1970 the facility was run as farm. In 1990 the facility was renovated by Martina and Ralf Schmitzer and turned into a modern riding school. The first lessons commenced in 1992. Two ponies (Max and Moritz) and two horses (Follow Me and Garonne) provided the schooling resource. All lessons took place in the big outdoor arena. In August 1992, the first society, the “Reitsportgemeinschaft- Gstadt e.V.” was founded with 20 members. Over time, the society, also called RSG-Gstadt, grew to a size of 150 members. In 1995, the indoor arena was built with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. The bright indoor arena has a size of 10,000 sq ft. During the ensuing years, a round pen and hot walker were added. In 2004 the indoor arena was expanded. Initially there was a group of riders that were showing actively and shows were held on the grounds.

Our beliefs
Martina and Ralf Schmitzer have observed the show scene over many years. They came to the conclusion that many physical as well as psychological problems of the horse are caused by the rider, by inadequate or ill-fitting equipment and by the pressures of showing. Looking for solutions to these problems caused a re-thinking of common practices in the horse business and resulted in a different training philosophy. Boldly, the Schmitzers decided to no longer participate in shows. They now teach and train based on the classical principles and see great success with this method. Unfortunately, these principles are rarely taught these days. In classical riding, the well-being of the horse is first and foremost. Harmony, patience and empathy are the main ingredients to properly train horses. The biomechanics of the horse are paramount and all training happens without force and coercion. This protects the horse from physical and psychological abuse. Horses are not really meant to be ridden, it is therefore important to train and stabilize the muscles of the horse and allow him to get strong enough to carry a rider without physical harm.

Learning the background and history of this centuries-old knowledge allows the rider to better understand the process. Therefore the training contains information about the biomechanical basics as well as the cultural history of horses and riding. No other animal has had as much influence on the development of mankind as the horse - a fact that is often forgotten. The beginning of classical riding dates back as far as 400 b.c. to Xenophon (a Greek general, historian and writer) who wrote the first book about riding – “Peri Hippikes.” His thoughts and training ideas still hold true today. Some of today’s movements find their roots in ancient combat riding. During the 17^th and 18^th centuries only noblemen were allowed to learn the art of classical riding. They then presented their art to the public and other noblemen, hence it was also called “The Art of Kings.” The art in this case means a horse that wants to show itself under the rider in its natural beauty. Nature has created this art and only this power and freedom should be shown by the rider.

Purpose and Goals
Since we changed our training philosophy, the clients of our riding school have changed as well. Not only children and teenagers come to learn, but more and more adults have decided to get started with this new – old way of riding and joined our society. We enable everyone to learn how to ride within their means and without any performance pressure. For many adults riding allows them to relax and find tranquility and piece. To better reflect our change in our training philosophy we changed the name of the society and its bylaws. The purpose and goal of the “VKR” is to work according to the classical principles, to preserve them and pass them on. Our goal is create balance between horse and rider through our training. The growing harmony between the two is the true reward that manifests in itself and does not need ribbons or trophies to show its success.

Party on July 10, 2004 to celebrate the expansion of the indoor arena. Music by the band “Willie & the Poor Boys.”

(Pictures – Bilder)

Pictures of the New Years Party 2006

(Pictures – Bilder)

Trip to Marbach on May 1, 2005

(Pictures – Bilder)

Bylaws of the VKR – Gstadt e.V. (Society for the cultivation and preservation of classical riding)
The purpose of the society:
a) Conservation, cultivation and preservation of classical riding.
b) Conveying, safe-keeping and development of the cultural and historical contents of the classical art of riding.
c) Training of rider, driver and horse according to the principles of classical riding. That means to ride in harmony, with empathy and without force. To respect the horse as it is and to keep its health through careful riding.
d) To aid everyone, especially juniors and young riders in their development, according to paragraphs a – c above. And to promote the sport of riding as a sport for everyone as well as a means for achievement.
e) To offer a multitude of ways of classical riding for all disciplines.
f) To support animal rights and ethical fundamentals.
g) To support and optimize the caretaking of horses.
h) To represent its members in front of  the public and to the government.
i) To support riding on trails for recreation. To take care of the environment and prevent any damage.
j) To cultivate and support riding as a therapy.
k) To improve and support all efforts within the community regarding the sport of riding and care taking of horses.

Membership Dues: