The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added “Equitation in the French tradition” to its list of outstanding examples of intangible heritage. The list was selected from a pool of 107 nominations by a committee made up of 24-members from different nations and aims to protect unique cultural traditions.
This year’s additions to the list were announced on November 27 from the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Indonesian island of Bali.
The nomination for Equitation in the French tradition stated:
Equitation in the French tradition is a school of horseback riding that emphasizes harmonious relations between humans and horses. The fundamental horse-training principles and processes are guided by non-violence and lack of constraint, blending human demands with respect for the horse’s body and mood. Knowledge of the animal itself (physiology, psychology, anatomy) and human nature (emotions and the body) , are complemented by a horseman’s state of mind that combines skill and respect for the horse. Fluidity of movements and flexibility of joints ensure that the horse participates in the exercises without coercion.
The nomination highlighted the Cadre Noir of Saumur at the National School of Equitation, considered one of the world’s most prestigious schools of horsemanship.
Click here to see the full list of inscriptions on the list of Intangible Heritage.
cool the horses are pretty
That's wonderful! I'll have to come back tonight to see the video.
Just watched the video. So inspiring. I want to ride so much better!
Awesome riding!!! Think the horse's are enjoying it too.
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