Ep # 56, Bettina Drummond, TALKING ABOUT HORSES

In this fascinating and deep-dive episode, Bettina Drummond joins me to talk about the dimensions of riding, the "myths and legend" of Nuno Oliveira, the direction of modern dressage, and more. Bettina is a highly regarded trainer and teacher in the French classical system of riding.  One of only two Americans and two women to be named an Honorary Écouier of Saumur's Cadre Noir, she shares her unique journey, starting from riding South Carolina Marsh Tacky's at age three to spending 17 years in training with master Nuno Oliveira beginning at age seven. In this conversation, Bettina offers an intimate and unfiltered look into the demanding, yet ultimately empowering, formation she received from Oliveira.  She describes him as a "tsunami of a human being," a true master who had a tremendous knowledge of classical techniques but was often intolerant of weakness or physical fear. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper, more nuanced understanding of classical horsemanship that goes beyond modern interpretations, offering practical, biomechanical insight into true lightness and balance.