Exhibitions and Competitions:
Believing that Classical Dressage is simply Correct Dressage, Thomas and Shana regularly compete with their horses, throughout the levels, and perform exhibitions at a variety of venues. In 2006, Thomas and Shana, with their students, put on a grand evening of exhibitions at the 2006 White Horse Vale Open House Celebration. Additionally, Thomas and Shana, organized the entire program of exhibition entertainment for the 2006 National Lipizzan Symposium, held at Devonwood Equestrian Center.
Putting Classical Dressage “to the Test”, they’ve enjoyed and continue to enjoy many successes in the showring. In 2005, Thomas and the Dutch Warmblood Gelding, Lexington, were ODS Reserve Champion at 2nd Level and 2005 Cascade Dressage Championships Reserve Champion at 2nd Level. In 2004, Thomas and the Lipizzan stallion, Pluto III Canada, were the winners of the USDF All-Breeds Award at Training Level.
Lessons:
Thomas Ritter’s teaching is eloquent and articulate. His knowledge is deeply grounded in classical theory, having studied MANY texts of the Old Masters, in numerous languages, but his teaching also speaks from personal experience. He takes his teaching very seriously, and strives to help each student achieve his/her personal best. His lessons focus on the development of a supple, swinging, yet toned seat and the understanding of the footfalls and coordination of the rider’s aids through the use of longe lessons. His lessons off of the longe line help the student to understand the training process, by teaching how the horse’s body parts work together, how various gymnastic exercises help to supple and strengthen the horse, and how and when to use which remedy for each particular horse.
Clinics:
Dr. Ritter has been teaching clinics throughout the United States and Internationally since 1998. In 2006, Thomas and Shana taught a clinic in Tromso, Norway, and look forward to returning in 2007. Spreading the spirit and knowledge of classical horsemanship through his clinics, he continues to grow an ever-growing and enthusiastic following. His students range from those who wish to simply learn to ride better in order to improve the relationship with their horse, to competition riders with strong aspirations and a drive to do well and succeed. To find out if he is teaching a clinic in your area in the coming year, visit our Calendar of events. If you are interested in hosting a clinic with Thomas, visit the clinics section, and please feel free to email with any questions or to inquire about date availability.
Workshops and Riding Vacations:
In addition to occasionally hosting riding workshops at White Horse Vale in Goldendale, Washington, Dr. and Mrs. Ritter frequently welcome students to take riding vacations and study classical dressage. Students can either bring their own horse(s) for the experience, or if this is not feasible, they are welcome to take their lessons on several well-trained schoolhorses available. Meet the Lesson horses here.
Writing:
Thomas enjoys writing articles about dressage, and his articles have been published in a variety of publications, including:
- Cavallo Magazine - a German Riding Magazine
- Dressage Today
- Horses Incorporated Magazine
- Classical Dressage Journal: Journal of Classical Dressage.
- Horse of Kings: Magazine for Baroque Horse Enthusiasts
- Andalusian: Magazine for the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association
- Flying Changes: Magazine for Northwest Sporthorse Enthusiasts
- Topline Ink
- Dressage Connection
- Dressage Video Monthly (video interview)
- as well as a variety of G.M.O. and Riding Club newsletters and magazines in the United States, throughout Europe, and in Australia and New Zealand.
Dr. Ritter has been featured in a number of articles in a variety of magazines, including many local GMO newsletters and magazines, and Dressage Today.Be sure to check out the
articles as well as the
Question and Answer Forum.
Credentials and Background:
Dr. Thomas Ritter studied Dressage in Germany for eight years with the Masters:
- Egon von Neindorff - of the highly esteemed classical riding institution, Reitinstitut Egon von Neindorff in Karlsruhe, Germany
- Thomas Faltejsek - senior student of Egon von Neindorff
- Dorothee Baumann-Faltejsek - senior student of Egon von Neindorff, highly-esteemed classical side-saddle rider, and esteemed author of "Im Damensattel: Eine Reitlehre für die Frau" - Olms Press.
During this time, he received a comprehensive education in all aspects of the training of horses. He has been certified as an instructor by the German Fédération Nationale since 1985.
Dr. Ritter has a doctorate in Egyptology which originally brought him to the United States in 1991. From 1991 to 1998, he taught heiroglyphics classes at U.C.L.A., as well as trained horses and taught riding lessons on the side. In 1998, he made a decision to leave Egyptology and pursue training and instructing full time.
In keeping with the philosophy that education never ends, he has continued to clinic with such highly esteemed clinicians as:
In his work, he follows strictly in the footsteps of his above-mentioned teachers and role models by trying to understand each horse as an individual and placing its soundness and well-being above all other considerations. The tradition of horsemanship of which he is a part sees the purpose of all training in making the horse safe and obedient, on the one hand, and on the other hand, in restoring and perfecting its natural gaits under the rider. Borne by love and respect for the horse, the methods he employs focus on the concepts of rhythm and tempo, relaxation, balance - self-carriage, lightness, flexibility, impulsion, straightness, and collection as the cornerstones of dressage.
Dr. Ritter specializes in the advanced training of dressage horses, including work-in-hand and long-reining, as well as dressage competition and coaching.
International 
Last Update: December 26, 2007