Empirical or Rational Equitation?

Hi Sandy. Excellent question. Empirical and theoretical should be an intelligent cocktail... from my point of view...Gigi... Please react on that point.

Hi Sandy,

I believe that all aproaches to riding include an empirical (based on experience) and rational (based on thought and theory) mix.

It is much too complex to be dealt with on a merely rational level. I am an engineer and the same is true in engineering of other complex systems, we put aside the maths theories and we say "OK what happens" and base our approach on empirical aspects - observation of what happens.

We use theory up to the point when smoke starts coming out of our ears.

Good question anyway

Andy

Thanks Andy,
Empiricism based on experience becomes merely 'instinctive'.The German (and Austrian) systems (although very successful) are * methodically * empirical, and based on "the physical education of the horse by means of a gymnastic programme related to a systematic progression"(Holzing-Berstedt).Not all horses or riders may be suited to this type of rigid discipline.The 'why' and 'how' are not discussed well.I agree that only the rational equitation described by Baucher will examine the causes rather than just the effects.I think in many ways it may be more difficult to practice it correctly than to follow a more empirical type of academic riding,because it presupposes at least a modicum of feel and equestrian tact.A combination of styles becomes the ideal?
Sandy.

hy,
L'empirisme et la théorie doivent , je pense, se conjuguer habilement pour découvrir la logique de l'innée locomoteur de chaque cheval. (alors, là, je suis incapable de traduire!). Je crois que tout l'un, ou tout l'autre sont dangereux, mais que l'un doit être au service de l'autre.
best regards
S.Y.L