LUCIEN GRUSS

If the Equestrian Art has no homeland, it remains the most exciting activity of any rider-trainer eager to understand genuine horsemanship through specific exercises and to make it understood to others with tact and finesse, in the company of the purebred Arabian horse that conforms to it perfectly. The three-year-old Lucien Gruss got first trained by his venerable father Alexis Gruss Senior, a great personality in the circus riding environment who introduced him to horseback riding. He later became the student of the most successful instructors of equestrian practices and perfected himself with Masters of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. Then, he was recognized as an external Rider by the famous Institution Cadre Noir de Saumur, one of the most prestigious schools on a par with the Spanish School of Vienna with their Lipizzaner horses which all have Arabian blood, endorsing the principles of horse riding in the French Equestrian tradition as formerly taught by François Baucher and James Fillis. Lucien Gruss is an 'atypical' man being at the same time trainer, teacher, and always adored showman. Over time, he has become a milestone in the world of dressage thanks to his finesse and never hesitated to train purebred Arabian horses that he holds so dear. He has been presenting at many international events, even in the United Arab Emirates, his training abilities displaying no constraints find appreciation in all countries. Much in demand for his knowledge, Lucien Gruss lives in the south of France, where he can teach with a simple but straightforward language how to train the horse, referring to his two masters François Baucher, and Etienne Beudant, who always insisted on the lightness aspect. The purebred Arabian is known to have a big nervous impulse, but his training is nothing in the hands of this outstanding Esquire. He knows how to work on the natural movements of this versatile breed and gets so much pleasure arguing that "the learning process of the Arabian horse never ends, but patience and confidence always win." The finest riders of classic dressage with Arabian horses have been able to testify that this is an exceptional horse, and their performances are comparable to a piece of artwork for both a man and his steed. Lucien Gruss does not like being labelled as an Ecuyer, but he rightly claims to be an accomplished horseman who says what he means and means what he says, as many people know about him. To all the genuine riders who ask him to participate in a course, he gives his relevant advice that are intense moments of sharing, privileging the beautiful horsemanship, other than the riders who use the whip to go faster and shine in competitions. His doctrine boils down to the fact that one must first and foremost understand the Arabian horse, especially his character, without altering his genuine nature with tolerance and patience, always advocating the principle of ‘lightness’ linked to the principles of the traditional French horsemanship whether in work on foot or horseback. This man is a precious friend to me. All those who have had the chance to approach Lucien Gruss have encountered one of the remarkable modern Masters of Classical Dressage who has the generosity to share his knowledge with others.