German Cavalry Methods

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I went to watch a trainer today as a possible teacher for Lance and myself.  I asked what school of thought she perscribed to and she said that she trained with the old school German Cavalry methods.  What exactly is that?  She said it had been around for a few hundred years so I am trying to figure out what it is because I have never heard of it.  Her horse she was riding seemed happy and relaxed as did the others so I didn't detect any open abuse or abuse under saddle (she was riding him so I could see how she rode).  

Please help!  :unsure: I don't want to get into something that I can't get out of.  I am relying on people smarter than me to answer this question.    

[Jaydee]

I shall be no help at all :lol: My Ma used to exercise German cavalry horses, and was taught by the Army instructor as well. He insisted on the lower leg being thrust right forward so that he 'could see the soles of your boots'. This was in the 1930s.

I expect it has changed since then  

[Heather]

Hi there,

Hmmmm, old German Cavalry methods- as the German cavalry methods to my knowledge, were not documented in the ways that the French school were, emerging more in the last century, I would be a bit sceptical of anyone who gives such a nebulous reply. Even the Spanish Riding School training, which is at the root of the best of German training,  is still based on Francois Robichon de La Gueriniere's book Ecole de Cavalerie.

You say that the horse looked relaxed and happy- a good sign. Did you feel that her riding was quiet and harmonious?

Heather