Inside the Manège
Inside the Manège
Podcast Description
Discover Classical Riding with Inside the Manège, and dive into insights from classical riders, training concepts, and equestrian culture rooted in the art of dressage and classical riding. My name is Maria Cooke and I'm a Zurich‑based, Canadian classical dressage rider and equestrian writer, who began as a hunter/jumper and moved to Europe to learn and practice my passion, classical dressage.Join me as we explore:The details of classical dressage, from biomechanics to self-carriage and balanceBaroque influences such as from the Portuguese and French classical equitation traditionsTraining philosophies from classical masters (like Nuno Oliveira, François Baucher, and Gustav Steinbrecht)Interviews and training principles that explain classical riding for riding today
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into classical dressage, biomechanics, self-carriage, training philosophies from masters such as François Baucher and Nuno Oliveira, and elements of Baroque equitation traditions, with episodes covering influences from the Portuguese equestrian school and practical training applications for modern riders.
Discover Classical Riding with Inside the Manège, and dive into insights from classical riders, training concepts, and equestrian culture rooted in the art of dressage and classical riding. My name is Maria Cooke and I’m a Zurich‑based, Canadian classical dressage rider and equestrian writer, who began as a hunter/jumper and moved to Europe to learn and practice my passion, classical dressage.
Join me as we explore:
- The details of classical dressage, from biomechanics to self-carriage and balance
- Baroque influences such as from the Portuguese and French classical equitation traditions
- Training philosophies from classical masters (like Nuno Oliveira, François Baucher, and Gustav Steinbrecht)
- Interviews and training principles that explain classical riding for riding today
Classical dressage master Luís Valença shares about equestrian art, stories of his work with horses and Nuno Oliveira, and what makes a classical rider.
Luís Valença is a renowned Portuguese classical master with over 60 years of experience. He studied directly with masters such as Nuno Oliveira, worked with the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, and has been driving spectacular equestrian shows like Apassionata and Cavalluna with his family. For over 40 years, he has taught and trained horses and riders on his own farm in Portugal, where his daughters continue to teach in this tradition.
In this episode, he shares:
- How Nuno Oliveira transformed his horses using the system of François Baucher
- The story of one horse that changed the course of his life and career
- What differentiates riders who advance to equestrian art, from those who can only ride
- What makes a rider truly classical
🔍 To watch this episode with subtitles, subscribe to the podcast on YouTube and turn on closed captions for the video.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
2:24 – Developing a Classical Rider with Freedom
3:36 – Sport Dressage Riders with a Classical Foundation
4:47 – Nuno's Passion and Listening to Classical Music
6:11 – Story of Nuno Oliveira, Harpalo Prince, and Equestrian Art
9:41 – My Masters, Background, and the methods of François Baucher
15:03 – The Story of Sultão and the Beginning of Apassionata and Cavalluna
19:10 – Why Riders Come to My Stables from Around the World
27:38 – Working with Different Horses like Lusitanos and Warmbloods
30:33 – Story of Nuno Oliveira and Bunker, with Hélène Arianoff and Michel Henriquet
35:49 – Using the Aids Without Force, and Classical Dressage
38:38 – What Exercises Help the Rider Improve their Aids
40:02 – The Role of Love in Working with Horses
41:38 – The Pictures in My Arena and My Inspirations
44:36 – How Can People Learn from My Methods?
🐎 Learn more about Luís Valença’s Work Through the Valença Academy:
Website: https://www.valencaequestrianacademy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valencaclassicalriding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValencaEquestrianTours
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069242888414
Cavalluna Shows (EU): https://www.cavalluna.com/en
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🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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