Dr. Rainer Klimke and Ahlerich in New York

[Heath19792008]

Why the heck are there empty seats???

If I just had the possibility to have been there that day! :)

[Recyle10]

WOW. :0

[lobser1]

Have you seen Catherine Haddad? She is a classic rider.

[SuMmErgirl714]

Beautiful!! I don't understand why people don't strive to ride like this anymore.

[CrystalGazer95]

THIS is what rider's should be striving towards - no matter what the breed.

No stilted manipulated gaits that are "in" for Stock Breeds, no tail sets, no Big Lick pads and weighted shoes and a (from what I can tell) REASONABLE bit.

A TRUE rider doesn't need 10 inch shanks AND a twisted/double twisted wire mouthpiece.

[marcuss2004]

An all time master, and legendary rider, I agree. For all of you who are anti modern dressage, there were "bad" riders when Klimke was alive also....this is not a new phenomenon. There are still very good riders at the top today, and many had trained with Klimke. Like any other sport, Dressage will evolve, good, bad and ugly....look at figure skating in the 1950's and compare it to today's version....they are very different...dressage will follow suit....

[universalradio]

I blame lousy trainers, in Canada for sure. There are so many poor trainers, arrogant, egotistical, greedy, cliquey, and NOT TALENTED!!! Too many people in horses who do NOT have the gift, but huddle inside the horse world because they're incompetent at everything else, and can power trip over horses and students. Horse world is full of bullies. Result - lousy riding.

[dielulufrau]

wunderschön :)

ich denk damals hatte man noch mehr zeit heute muss alles schnell schnell gehen, am ersten tag draufsetzten, am zweiten galoppwechsel, am dritten piaffe..

für die meisten turnierreiter ist es nur noch sport und nicht das eigentlich schöne, zusammenarbeit mit einem anderen lebewesen und zeigen was man gemeinsam bereits erreicht hat, so wie es eigentlich sein sollte. hauptsache ruhm und reichtum. echt traurig..

[equineconn]

Absolutely stunning and such lovely harmony and relaxation between horse and rider -- "as it should be".... What an incredible mentor. RIP Dr. Klimke.

[junuz96]

Dr.Rainer Klimke und sein Ahlerich waren ein super Team

[sugartine83]

schöner ritt, wäre aber noch bedeutend schöner wenn er die nase mal vorlassen würde, ist schon verdammt eng vorne!!!! könnte auch in der piaffe mehr last hinten aufnehmen! aber immer noch schöner wie das gezerre und getrete von anky, isabell und co!!!!!!

[CyrenaAz]

"All You Need Is Love"

That really said it all. This is what happens when you ride for the love of the art and animal: not to win at a sport. Todays Olympic riders are a disgrace to the classical ideal, Dr. Klimke proves that point with this.

[dtwmbld]

@CyrenaAz Well said!

[nnxy]

we have to view this for many times to get back to the basic, maybe the dressage becomes better again, very very nice, thanks for sharing

[Holidays95]

Gänsehaut..=)

[equineconn]

To repeat a quote from the Master, Dr. Reiner Klimke - "as it should be"... a "happy horse" ... There truly are no words to adequately describe this wonderful, harmonious partnership who are truly dancing and have become one...

[FirstChanceH]

wer noch einmal sagt totilas würde nur vorne strampeln und nich hinten arbeiten soll sich das mal angucken ^^ das Pferd tritt am anfang auch nich genügend unter den schwerpunkt und arbeitet mehr vorne als hinten...

[milkshuttle]

@FirstChanceH

wenigstens sieht ahlerich nicht aus wie ein großer, klobiger roboter, sondern wie ein pferd -.-

[unicorndream]

I'm speechless, this is dressage at it's most beautiful. there is no words...

[filuxremo]

So sieht es also aus, wenn das Genick der höchste Punkt ist! Ich weiß nicht ob ich das jemals bei einem der heutigen Sportreiter gesehen habe...

[ChantellYonan65]

uhmhmm total gelangweilt wer will mit mir schreiben hab auch bilder von mir

[MsGreatJumper]

this is amazingly perfect :) such a good rider is missing today

[dressagerevolution]

If you are interested in helping to revive classical, back-to-front riding like this, please consider visiting the new not-for-profit .dressagerevolution-dot-com.

[Lulu92z]

wunderschön! SO sollte dressur aussehen, leicht, gekonnt und ohne jeden zwang. aber heutzutage ist es leider wirklich nur noch so wie "schoene Tischlerin" sagt :/

[heavythinker777]

Does anyone know where this video can be purchased? I know it was a full length video and I would love to buy it!

[SchoeneTischlerin]

Das ist so wunderbar!!! Dieser Mann ist ein absolutes Vorbild. Dummerweise zählen heute nur noch spektakuläre Gänge, die irgendwie aus verkrampften Pferden herausgepresst werden - und das Laienpublikum findet's toll. Ich dachte immer, die Dressur sei FÜR das Pferd...und nicht für den größtmöglichen Profit. Lieber Edward Gal, SO reitet man richtig...

[chrissyluvhorsey]

can we bring him back please? and ahlerich too? and have a contest btwn him and anky to see who would win?

[Psychis09]

wow..

perfekt geritten

[jodelqueen]

Gänsehaut :) Sieht toll aus. Harmonisch :) Nicht wie heute so oft geritten wird, mit unzufriedenen, schweifschlagenden Pferden. Das ist Reiten :D

[rvandyck168]

OMG look at the empty seats! Didn't people know what they were missing???

[mjedge808]

ah. 80's music.

[Minga90ame]

I don't think this is good at all. There is absolutely no push from behind. Put totilas or salinero next to this horse, who cares if it is classical, there is no power what so ever. A horse and all of its muscles can perform better than this.

[jmdnarri]

I have watched some good riders, but something about watching this is different, its a subtle thing. He makes it look so easy, like he is LETTING the horse do this instead of asking for it.

[Bluechildful]

Ist das schön, mal wieder einen echten Dressurreiter zu sehen. Was auffällt: die leichte Hand. Heute sehen Dresurreiter oft aus, als machten sie Bicepstraining am Zügel.

[TweetyVivi94]

This is dressage.

Wonderful.

[poiandbeyond]

Amazing

[chrissyluvhorsey]

did he seriously do 2 triple pirouttes, or did i just miscount? absolutely beauftiful round. true, he was tense in his tail, but his overall body language was so relaxed. such a pleasure to watch these two. i wish i could have been around to see them in action live.

[missaine101]

It's just so beautiful, there is no other way to describe it!

I got tingles down my back when I saw that half-pass!

[t6eatowel]

This is what dressage riding should be like. Honest, pure training of the horse, resulting in such a beautiful performance. No rolkur in training, no crank nose band. Top dressage riders of today, please watch and learn.

[1201vicky]

atomicID u are rite on 1 fing this is a wonderful video. I disagree with da comments dat da horse is not relaxed & not enjoying it. If da horse was not enjoying itself den his ear would not be forward throughout da video & willing 2do all that is asked of him. da natural swing of da tail/back end and da arch of his neck shows he is relaxed. All da horses r trained 2da highest state of physical & mental fitness. If da horses was not happy with doing dis task den he will soon let da rider no!!

[saahhb]

Actually, the "natural swing of the tail" of which you speak is a natural expression of the horse's tension; if he were completely relaxed, as he is in all movements except the canter pirouettes, his tail would not be swishing. AtomicID is/was right in that TODAY'S so-called "top riders" often win in spite of their horse's CLEAR discontent and in spite of the many ways they exhibit tension (tail, footfall, etc.). They should all take a page out of Dr. Klimke's book.

[atomicID]

Wonderful, WONDERFUL video! I'm no equestrian, but watching today's title winners makes me cringe. Hello riders? Your horse is not relaxed and certainly not enjoying itself

[gmwwc]

The gold ring! The master at his craft or in this case art. How very generous of you to share this quality video with us. Thank you

[virgo17091972]

unglaublich schön und harmonisch. keine rollkur, kein unkontrolliertes schweifschlagen. Liebe anky v. g. das ist reiten. furchtbar, was aus der dressurreiterei geworden ist...

[Gescheiterte]

Ich gebe dir recht.

So hat echte Reitkunst auszusehen.

[0119ajz]

haha i have a Klimke Millers dressage saddle, one of the 20 made in the style it is in. He is such a good rider

[LastTree]

I was there for this. Brought tears to my eyes...I miss the National Horse Show in NYC.

[Aylanoke]

Wonderful, WONDERFUL video! I'm no equestrian, but watching today's title winners makes me cringe. Hello riders? Your horse is not relaxed and certainly not enjoying itself!

One question: WHY are there empty seats in this video? Who would pass up a chance to see these two in action?!

[sainglain]

Thanks for posting - Have you any show jumping from Madison Square Gardens

[copenhagen1966]

19plien82 are you a rider first of all? i assume you are since you watched this video

the horses highest point is always the poll , no stress, horse is relaxed, movements are correct, its the classical way of riding, high hands, horse NOT behind the vertical, upwards halfhalts etc etc, might not look as flamboyent as some of the modern dressage riders THANK GOD IS ALL I SAY

[Djaikha]

Ja, wenn wir Deutschen eines können, dann ist es die Zucht von großartigen Spring -und Dessurpferden!! LG!!!

[ponyfreundin]

thank you for this video. i love it!

[tripleransom]

Absolutely wonderful! But look how empty the stands are...

[isiixP]

a man's riding like this.. a horse's moving like this.. just a dream!!

[karenzipkas]

we so need him now!!!

[wolwolery]

How come people don't ride like this anymore? Why does Anky win? Don't people WANT to ride like this???

[universalradio]

@wolwolery Read Charles de Kunffy's books. Two books, one for riders, one for development of the horse.

[Lalapeja89]

I LOVE it! its amazing! can anybody tell the title of the song between 2:00 and 2:35?

[operationmainstrike]

st. elmo´s fire

by john parr

[Lalapeja89]

thx! :)

[sirduck90]

thank you thank you thank you for posting this video. i had the awesome privilege to be there that night. this is exactly what dressage should be. i am so glad i can share the true art and sport with dressage with family and friends through the posts of dr klimke and ahlerich on youtube.

[TWHequestrian]

BEAUTIFUL! Reiner Klimke was such a wonderful, talented rider! I haven't seen anyone else ride like him, especially not the current "top" riders! Thank you for sharing this!!

[scotia2k6]

Every time I watch this, my heart thuds & my eyes water. I was blessed to much out this mans horses for 6weeks over 16yrs ago. Amazing man, amazing yard, amazing horses. You cannot express what we miss from his ways now.

[manhattanluis]

thanks for this video. class act in horsemanship. perfect riding. wow, amazing! best riding i have seen on youtube.

[COUNTRYCHIC18]

AWESOME RIDER & HORSEMAN!!! : D

[pirouette987]

it is reiner, not rainer, klimke.

[borisqhorse]

Thank you so much for posting this! My father and I were at this performance at the National Horse Show (sigh, the good old days) when I was 11, and neither of us has ever forgotten it. My father is not really a horse person and didn't know anything about dressage but has always talked about that ride as being the most beautiful example of horse and rider working together he's ever seen (and I've dragged him to lots of shows). Such a treat to watch it again. Truly inspiring.

[Virtie333]

Wow. What gems can be found on you-tube! After watching some of those Rollkur videos, this is a blessed relief! You are my idol, Mr. Klimke, and you are missed!

[cchoi108]

awe inspiring

[roznpearl]

Glorious. It makes my heart soar to watch this magnificent pair. My horse was FEI level but at a terrible price... before I bought him he was forced and terrorized, exactly the opposite of what classical dressage is designed so carefully to do. We lost a great man.

[6clligs]

Just had to watch it again. Tis poetry in motion.

Dressage horses the world over MISS this wonderful wonderful man, not to mention the riders of today....dressage has LOST SOOOO MUCH! ;-(

[6clligs]

Tis hard to type when tears flow.

Oh Dr Klimke, why cannot you be here today...

Shall we ever see such beauty, prescion and freedom of such glorious riding [& horse] again...

Its only when one watches this magic, after seeing what has become of the horses, how curled up and forced, it becomes even clearer how the so called top riders have demeaned the art and sport of dressage... I wonder what 'they' feel when and if they watch this majesty...probably pretty damn sick!

[piinkeventer]

i love reiner klimke

[webster543]

Bij deze beelden krijg ik kippenvel! Dr. Klimke is een legende en een echt voorbeeld voor alle dressuurruiters van vandaag.

Ik zal hem nooit vergeten! Een mooie film. Dank u

[savvyprincess]

I just have to post again, this is really and truly one of the BEST displays of classical dressage I've EVER seen. Such a partnership is nice to see, no tail swishing, no gaping mouth, just a nice, willing, supple horse who appears to love what he's doing. Wow.

[atadbitunique]

This is just amazing to watch. The utter control and precision of it all and the way the pair works together so flawlessly is just astounding. I really am just speechless.

[6399oh]

I saw this amazing pair in Berlin a few years earlier at the Volvo World Cup finals. This kind of riding can bring tears to my eyes, they are so beautiful together.

[thetoastybutterbean]

this man is really a dressage ledgend. i am doing a research paper on him. alerich is amazing. i mean, dressage is my passion. it is amazing to see something so beautiful!

O_o

shroom

[starsechos]

It is amazing to me to see how much dressage has changed(not always for the best) in as short as 20 years. Look how free moving and unrestricted his horse is. A true master. Its a rare sight to see someone who rides with such care, grace, and skill.

[20022010]

what a joy to see such glorious riding!!!

Barn goddess

[bmartin037]

BRILLIANT! Dr. Klimke, a Grand Master in Dressage, remains one of the best. He could still hold his own today.

BarbaraM.

[gooforr]

Fantastic thank you who ever posted it, saw the master once only at Wembley. what an amazing horseman, pity there are not more of his ilk.

[blackrider134]

Intessant zu sehen , daß auch schon damals

Weltklassepferde in den Wendungen mit der Hinterhand ausfielen und die Piaffen nur rudimentär gezeigt wurden.

[scotia2k6]

Alerich & Klimke - I dare anyone to suggest this Grand Master of Dressage cold do wrong with this horse. I watched old videos of him and Mehmed (1970's) Finally got to sit at his feet a few years before he died. Amazing man. Amazing horsemanship, without brutality. I assure you.

[GUMMERUP]

How i miss this "real" dressage. This correct collection just makes Warum Nicht look like a riding school horse.

[savvyprincess]

Wow...absolutely fantastic display of true classical dressage here. I have all the respect in the world for Klemke, this was fenominal. The horse looked very happy, willing to do his job, that that was perhaps the first time I've seen a horse do tempis without so much as swishing the tail. Bravo!

[Karyn64]

Is that a quick shot of Walter Zettle in there in the stads smiling away??

[savvyprincess]

I think it is.

[Karyn64]

Beautifull. True classical dressage. Thank you for posting this video.

[timbafoal]

Perfect teamwork - they enjoy beeing together. Fantastic riding.

[MissVanDaufer]

Thank you so much for posting this. This is true Dressage, and love how freely the horse is moving and how happy he looks. You can tell he enjoys his job.

[karisaunders]

Many thanks for the chance to watch the magic...

[Filidhe]

/happy sigh

[citydog]

Beautiful. A true master on a supple, happy horse.

And without any rollkür crap.

[LeaNulph]

I am sorry about his death as well.  The first time that I got to see him was when he was doing a Pas De Deux to Mazurka. I don't remember who it was with though. He was a great man!!

[funkygirl83]

...he was such a talented rider- amazing!!!

I'm really sorry about his death, buth his daughter is like him...

[GUMMERUP]

Don't forget his son Michael who still rides Grand Prix on a horse called Bachus de Light and even his wife Ruth was sucessfull once.

[Karyn64]

Boe

I disagree with about 99% of what Gumm says but your comment was mean and toally uncalled for.

What Gumm does off of YouTube is no ones business wether what you said is true or not and Im betting it's not true.

[irishcobfan]

Poetry in motion! I love this and I'm getting more and more worried that real horsemanship like this will be phased as riders ask more and more to get one more step ahead of the competition. This is riding as it should be and I just hope there are enough wannabees who realise it.

[nelsonreed]

Dressage is an art form that strives to create a harmonious balance with a horse.

People who are merely impressed by high-stepping, "flashy" movement can get themselves a saddleseat showhorse.

[nelsonreed]

It's kind of shocking to look at the difference between this and today's "champions". This horse moves without tension, in front of the vertical, and his frame is high because he is truly collected and his shoulders are up and he is using his neck for balance.

This is true artistry, and some of what we see today at the 'highest' levels is just a mockery.

I totally agree with sky... salinero is a very, very poor imitation compared to this.

[Eventer7]

I agree 100% this is pristine maybe not as "flashy" but far more correct and pleasant to watch. None of the rolkur crap.

I love his riding, he uses alot of seat, little hand but just enough, and some leg (probably a lot more calf). He's fantastic!!!!!!!

[ambrey2]

Cissiie, you should be learning something in math- 1987 was 20 years ago ;)

[horsyfreak]

what a perfection!!!

Noone can compare with Dr. Rainer Klimke...

I love this video very much!!! xD

[iadorepugs]

Absolutely amazing. All dressage riders/trainers/judeges should watch this regularly as a reminder how it should and can be done.

[FemaleFreedomSeeker]

@ jadorepugs: :)

I absolutely agree! Great idea!

[Cisiiie]

This is sow brilliant, and its like 30 years old!!! Wish we would learn stuff like thise at school for history, becouse these 2 where writing history!!!

[Sky212]

Compared to this Salinero looks totally destroyed.

[xNarrada]

Thats soóo Beautifull! =D <33

Love It! <33

x !

[Ananka007]

OMG the piourettes are the best ones I've ever seen!!! :)

[canterpir0uette]

This video actually makes me cry, it is very powerful. Dr. Reiner Klimke will be forever missed, what a harmonious, spectacular, gentle, intuned communicator and friend to the equine. A real artist!

[Cookie1986]

Does anyone know the music?

[Asiirah]

Starts with Man in Motion from the movie St. Elmos Fire,

canter work to View to a Kill (from the James Bond movie of the same name),

ends with the Beatles' All You Need is Love.

[nelsonreed]

amazing.

so different than today, in how the horse is free to use his neck and is never behind the vertical. Such natural, free movement - not cramped and mechanical. And how his heels never move - never kicking or spurring. the standard of perfection.

[EquineJunkie88]

I AGREE! very beautiful, no rollkur misuse, the poll is always the highest point of the neck, no broken 3rd vertabrae, free in the shoulder and looks SO HAPPY!!!! simply excellent

[KIPPYNZ]

Wow. Thank you for posting this, truly magnificent!

[Ilady]

Wow those 2 are fantastic!

[GermanRider]

I agree!!!

i hate these methods, too!!!

but these two are so great, Anky should take an example of rainer klimke!!

thats beautiful!!

[ykraith]

Like Elissande, I never got to see Klimke except in videos and I always marvel at how easy he makes it look. As though any old stooge could get out and jump on their nag and do this. But of course those of us who persist know that even with years of work, discipline and a half decent horse we may never even come close to Klmike's excellence. He real is the Master.

[Elissande]

Thank you for sharing this! Until now I had never had the chance to see Klimke ride, and wow, it's still better than what I expected. I wished we saw more of this in modern competition.

[DarthMerriweather]

Wow these too are fantastic :D. Thanks for posting this - I thought I'd only ever see photos.

[bddc1121]

WOW - I also saw Ahlerich and his main competition, Marzog, perform a pas de deux in '88, after the LA games, at the Garden. We also saw the unforgettable Corlandus do an exhibition also in NYC. Notice how Ali's nose is always at the vertical, even slightly in front, poll is the highest point, NEVER curled up? Yet Ali is always on the bit, supple, never resistant... all those lucky enough to have ride a talented horse, OBSERVE and TAKE HEED. Dont imitate Anky et al. Thanks!

[shnookems]

Dr. Klimke will forever be missed. What a spectacular man. What a spectacular rider.

[DressageMedia]

I love the activity in the pirouettes, not like the hopping type turn we see today. I would bet money those are 3 beat pirouettes, not 4 beat. The piaffe/passage transitions toward the end are seamless.

[Valkyrie91a]

I was priviledged to watch Klimke win the gold in LA in 1984. No one is better, absolutely no one. I do believe it was Ahlerich he was riding in LA, am I correct?

[GermanRider]

Yes you are right it was ahlerich!!!

[Stgeorgeequest]

That's amazing .. Right on the vertical.. Lovely :-)

[isawulf]

Hey woooow it's wonderfuuuul^^

Geiles Pferd, wirklich :)

[Trentidon]

How wonderful you shared this. What a great artist he was. Always spoke his mind and stuck up for purity and honesty. Little tid bit: He showed his horses fully whiskered! He will be missed.

[Pompeed]

What a pleasure to see a lovely horse so self-confident and relaxed and well and generously ridden again! Such a refreshing change from what's shown on the competition grounds now: horses so rattled and frazzled, it's painful to watch them.

[enlighteneduk]

What a treat to see the great Dr. and Ahly again. I was fortunate enough to meet him on a number of occasions- he was so dead nuts against this cruel and disgraceful 'rollkur' or 'LDR' as it is sometimes called now, practised by Anky Van 'Gruesome' and others :-(

[fredott10]

Klimke und Ahlerich jagen mir heute noch die Schauer über den Rücken, sieht man leider viel zu selten um Netz!

Nur braucht keiner zu glauben, dass es bei Klimke nicht auch nachts und bei geschlossenen Türen "zur Sache" ging, bis Ahlerich so tat, wie Doktorchen wollte.

So eine geniale Leistung kommt eben nicht von "nichts". Leider...

[elio08]

what do you mean by LDR? How is it cruel?

[chrissyluvhorsey]

heh, so im replying to a 2 year old comment, but i really dont care =P. LDR stands for "Low Deep Rond"; ie hyperflexion (or rollkur). LDR basically shoves the horses head and nose into his chest to create a "rounder" outline. but all it really does is cause unnecessary psychological and emotional stress to the horse and is incorrect riding. a round outline comes when the horse is actively using his legs (as Ali is doing here) and contracting his abs to raise his back.

[wldwoodnymph]

Thanks for posting this... Klimke an Ahlerich are amazing~*

[akared98]

I lost the tape to this exhibition 15 years ago!!! Thanks for posting this. Klimke is the Master!

[DressageReine]

Wow, it's nice to see such a relaxed pair!

[Marytimes]

sooo old school but i love it!

[Reannon]

thank you so much for posting this, so many people have not had the chance to experience Klimke and Ahlerich, and there will probably never be another pair like them.

[andreina2709]

Wonderful!!! A genious!!! Be difficult to superate.