Traditional Horsemanship Association
Est. 2008

The Traditional Horsemanship Association is dedicated to help riders develop a mutually gratifying relationship with their horses, regardless of their style of horsemanship and their choice of equine partners, while promoting the classic principles required in all traditional forms of horsemanship.

THA is a new association designed to help riders demonstrate the versatility of their horses and their ability to perform classical horsemanship movements with goodwill and elegance.

THA’s philosophy promotes training solutions that respect the horse’s body and mind. Through its artistic presentations, it embodies the versatile ideal of the classical riding tradition started during the Baroque Period in the “Manege” (the old name of the riding arena), and on the cattle ranch.

Traditional Horsemanship™ represents the balance between tradition and scientific progress required for the correct training of horse and rider, while developing a mutually rewarding and educational rapport between them.

THA promotes the concept of correct horsemanship to serve as an invaluable preparation for all riding disciplines and for all breeds of horses. Its training principles are based on the collective wisdom of the world’s most significant horsemen, starting with the Baroque Horsemanship era and enhanced by the recent advances in behavior modification techniques and the study of equine biomechanics.

THA offers riders numerous educational resources (online, in print and hands-on), a fair competitive venue and participation in a community of riders, breeders and instructors motivated by their love of horses and horsemanship.

THA’s mission is to educate riders as trainers, develop and disseminate horsemanship in a form that truly respects the mental, emotional and physical integrity of the ridden horse and to give these dedicated riders a public opportunity to measure their progress.
Whether your interest is:

• to participate in a fair and entertaining competition truly based on the quality of horsemanship rather than the price you paid for your horse,
• to ride your favorite breed of horse and wear your traditional dress of choice in competition (included but not limited to: English, Western, Classical European, Portuguese, Spanish, Charro, Civil War Reenactment, etc.)
• to learn from the collective wisdom of the world’s greatest horsemen how to work in harmony with your equine partner at your level of ability.
• to receive the latest information on biomechanics and behavior science to help you optimize your horse’s well-being and performance. 
• to earn progressive degrees of certification, (in-depth equine knowledge assessment, either as a riding amateur or a teaching professional),
•  to get help with your breeding program through THA Bloodstock Evaluation Program.

THA will have a program for you, starting with the organization of the TM Manege™, TM Versatility™ and TM Combined Trial™ classes.

TM Manege is putting the fun back into dressage and allows every owner of any breed of horse to show their good work without having to select a horse with huge gaits.

It also allows riders to express their individuality by showing in the tack and dress of their choice. TM Versatility is designed to reward well-trained “all around horses” that can combine obedience with quickness and skill.

The combination of the two classes into TM Combined Trial™ really shows the well-trained horse and rider. 

Come and join in this adventure! We welcome all participants.