françois robichon de la guérinière (1688 - 1751)
François Robichon de la Guérinière was the French founder of classical dressage and a teacher.
La Guérinière was a pupil of Antoine de Vandale. In 1715, he received the title of royal knight and opened a riding school in Paris. At his school, de la Guérinière taught not only riding, but also "the complete science of the horse." De la Guérinière wrote two books, L'École de Cavalerie (1731) and Eléments de Cavalerie (1740), which are still considered the "Equestrian Bible," in which he devotes many pages to the care of the horse. Illustrations include plans and diagrams, anatomical and medical images, portraits of the author's most distinguished pupils, and a skeleton of a horse.
La Guérinière had a major influence on horse training tactics, riding and dressage practice. He is considered the founder of modern riding, his style is a clear reflection of the clarity, elegance and rigor of his teachings. In 1730, de la Guérinière was appointed director of the Tuileries Academy and held this position for the rest of his life.
