The Academic Art of Riding is grounded in the knowledge of the great classical masters, from Xenophon, Pluvinel, Guérinière, Newcastle, to Steinbrecht. Bent Branderup has devoted his life to reviving this knowledge, exploring its principles and translating them into contemporary practice with horses and students alike. His work is a continuous journey, guided by reflection, observation, and profound respect for the horse, carried forward through the shared dedication of those who study and teach the art today.

At the heart of the Academic Art of Riding is the understanding that true education begins on the ground, before the rider ever sits. The foundation is the careful development of a relationship between horse and human — built on trust, attention, and communication. Groundwork, longeing, and handwork form an integrated process, developing the communication and preparing the horse thoughtfully and responsibly for ridden work. Each branch of the training is meaningful in itself, and riding is only one of many ways this partnership can flourish.

The horse is always the primary focus. Its physical and mental development comes first, guided by sensitive, purposeful exercises. As Bent Branderup emphasizes: 

“Nowadays we do not have to ride — we may.” 

Horses are no longer tools for human survival; riding is a privilege, and no compromise should come at the horse's expense. One of Bent Branderup's guiding principles is:

“Riding becomes an art, when two spirits want to do what two bodies can do.”

 It reflects the deeper aim: harmony between horse and human. When trust, awareness, and cooperation are established, the partnership may manifest as a seamless, almost dance-like unity. Yet the journey is never about performance; it is about respect, presence, and the careful nurturing of the horse as a partner and companion, supported by a living community of teachers and students who continue to explore and carry the art forward.