So what is classical horsemanship?

It sounds like a silly question really, until you start looking for a defining difference. What is it that makes horsemanship classical rather than any other al?

You might think that it's something to do with stuff they write about in the old books. Sounds good. But how much does it need to be "to do with" that? It's not unusual to see people riding in old style clothing, does that do it? Or what if they're riding with the old tack? Have you seen the tack they used to ride with? You'd probably be worried riding in a curb bit with six inch shanks, and is the equipment really the point? What they wrote suggests, often very baldly, not.

The grand-daddy of them all suggests to me a definition that certainly I am partial to. He (Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere) says that the hand is the primary aid. Perhaps, since he is generally acknowledged as being the father of modern equitation, riding that is concerned with the use of the hand is classical...

Why is riding with the hand a good idea?

The hand, via the rein, is connected to the horse's head. Not only is this where his mind is, but it's usually what's leading any movement that's going on. It's much easier to communicate with what's leading than anywhere else.

More than that, the hand is what most people are best at using for any intricate tasks. As a species it's what we're good at.

What's it all about?

The aim of Classical Horsemanship is to produce a good riding horse. The good riding horse is easily guided, responsive, and willing. All of this points to the horse being light. When a horse is light to the touch, wherever you touch, then riding really becomes a joy. And it's no effort. Why would riding be tiring? The horse is supposed to be the one making the effort. Why would we want to be exhausted after a ride as well?