Training at Mia Vita Hacienda
Training the P.R.E. in Classical Dressage
At Mia Vita Hacienda, we specialize in the development of our Pure Spanish Horses (Pura Raza Española or PRE), in classical dressage methods. This aligns perfectly with the breed’s attributes—intelligence, agility, elasticity, and expressive movements. PRE horses, known for their compact build, powerful hindquarters, and natural collection, excel in the high-level movements of classical dressage.
Our training philosophy involves meticulous groundwork, in-hand work, and ridden exercises in a serene, relaxed environment ~ whether it be in the full sized indoor arena or the airy outdoor. our program fosters both the horse’s physical and mental development to prepare each horse to become an idyllic amateur riding or competition partner.
We pride ourselves on taking things slowly, measuring the training and development of our horses on an individual basis, attuned to their unique personality and tailored to their specific needs.
The beauty of the classical method is that it can be applied to enhance any discipline, whether western or english, and will bring a higher level of communication between horse and rider.
If you’d like specific details about how Mia Vita Hacienda implements classical dressage, our training programs, or more about PRE horses, please feel free to contact us for details.
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Mia Vita's head trainer, Dayron Pulido
More about Dayton Pulido, head trainer at Mia Vita Hacienda:
Dayron Pulido is a masterful horse trainer renowned for his expertise in classical dressage, a discipline where he skillfully blends tradition, precision, and empathy to cultivate profound partnerships between horse and rider.
Based at Mia Vita Hacienda in Madison, Georgia, Pulido transforms Pure Spanish Horses into exemplars of elegance and athleticism, leveraging the farm’s stunning indoor arena and expansive pastures to refine their natural gaits.
His training philosophy, deeply rooted in the classical principles of harmony and lightness, emphasizes patient, horse-centered methods that enhance suppleness, balance, and responsiveness without force.
Dayron Pulido
With a keen eye for biomechanics and a passion for the art of dressage, Pulido guides each individual horse toward their fullest potential, earning acclaim for his ability to create calm, confident, and expressive equine partners.
What is Classical Dressage?
Key Elements of Classical Dressage include....
Classical dressage is a refined equestrian art form rooted in centuries-old traditions, emphasizing harmony, balance, and precision between horse and rider.
Originating from the training methods of European masters like Xenophon (ancient Greece) and later formalized in the Renaissance, it focuses on developing a horse’s natural athleticism and responsiveness through systematic, progressive exercises.
For centuries, the Pure Spanish Horse was the favored mount of kings throughout many European royal courts.
Unlike modern competitive dressage, which can prioritize flashy movements, classical dressage adheres to principles of lightness, suppleness, and mutual trust, aiming to make the horse a willing partner rather than a tool.
Key elements:
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Training Scale (Skala der Ausbildung): A foundational framework with six interconnected components: rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. These build a horse’s physical and mental development, ensuring movements are fluid and effortless.
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Movements: Exercises like the piaffe (a highly collected trot in place), passage (a slow, elevated trot), and lateral movements (e.g., shoulder-in, travers) showcase the horse’s strength, balance, and agility. These are performed with minimal aids, relying on subtle cues from the rider’s seat, legs, and hands.
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Philosophy: The goal is a harmonious partnership where the horse responds willingly to near-invisible aids. The rider’s posture and aids must be precise, fostering a calm, confident horse. The motto often cited is “calm, forward, straight.”
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Equipment: Traditionally minimal, using a simple snaffle bridle or double bridle, and a well-fitted saddle to allow freedom of movement. Training tools like longeing and work-in-hand are common to refine balance without rider interference.
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Historical Roots: Influenced by masters like François Robichon de La Guérinière, whose 18th-century work formalized techniques still used today, classical dressage is preserved by schools like the Spanish Riding School in Vienna with their Lipizzaner horses.