Carrying the message of Xenophon and the old masters, even further afield, the main aim of the Club was to underline those age-old precepts. Many people were already on the right lines, but felt isolated and alone. They wanted to know more but did not know where to find it. They needed to know there were others who felt the same. Networking, sharing advice, discussing books and videos, setting up clinics which spread the same message are all part of CRC's remit. The Newsletter published very quarter contains a wealth of shared information.

The author at home with her "schoolmasters"

When I started CRC, I guessed we would attract about l00 or so people. It had started with a very full mailbag, the result of books and articles I had written. What I had not realised was that people were really hungry for more information. I have found that the more people know, the more they want to know. Far from being a club for no-hopers, our Membership List shows a very full world-wide network of highly motivated, mainly professional people.

Currently we have about 700 paid up Members, and there are several distinguished names from the various classical academies and other walks of life. Marvellous, busy and successful people give up time to make the Club work. It is totally non-profit making and the subs fund the now full-time office and very full Newsletter. Members feel committed and often dig their hands in their own pockets. International writers offer articles free of charge, people throughout the country support and advise, and we now run our own dressage competitions.

The good thing about CRC is that everyone feels comfortable coming together as one big family to promote better riding, classical riding all round. From the modest to the highly experienced, they feel part of the whole and no one is daunted by the word 'classical'. They are now beginning to see that it is rather more than just a way of riding, it is also a way of life.

Dressage is probably the greatest incentive for most. Our CRC Judges Guidelines and Mark system can be used for our own CRC tests but also normal BD or ABRS tests. The real difference thing is the judging criteria. The aims are similar, we are all looking for an active, engaged and supple horse, but in CRC we are putting responsibility much more back on the rider. It is no good having a beautiful, springy, impressive-moving horse if he performs the test overbent and tense. Judged the CRC way, the horse must look at ease with his rider, the aids must be unobtrusive and the whole picture should be aesthetically pleasing.
That was how it was for the Ancient Greeks when they said art must mirror nature. There is no place in the Classical Riding Club tests for jagged edges (read pulling hands) and a lack of harmony (read tight necks). Everything must flow, and for this reason, many people are looking at things our way. Dressage is scaling new heights of achievement on a global basis, but behind the scenes there are still unhappy, spoiled horses and confused riders particularly when they are told their horse is not the right type.

In CRC, we welcome all breeds, sizes and types of horse. With correct training and the correct attitude, miracles can be made to happen. It will be a happy day when all riding, everywhere, becomes more classical and there is perhaps no need to run a separate organisation to promote it. For the time being however, there is plenty of work to be done

For further details about CRC please send an SAE to: CRC, Eden Hall, Kelso, Roxburghshire, TD5 7QD or contact us by email at crc@ashtree33.freeserve.co.uk