In the French tradition, equitation is a method of horseback riding that focuses on the harmony of human and horse relations.
Founded in 1828, the Black Cadre is a corps of instructors at the French military riding academy École Nationale d'Équitation. Located at Saumur in western France, it is one of the most prestigious classical riding academies in the world, and its name comes from its black uniforms that are still in use today. It also performs as an equestrian display team.
Saumur's role in the French cavalry was to provide training for equitation to officers and non-commissioned officers. The style of equitation derived from the Saumur School of Cavalry was taught by François Robichon de La Guérinière who was the French riding master to King Louis XV. He wrote the manual École de Cavalerie in 1731.
The basic principles of horse training revolve around nonviolence and a lack of restriction, blending human demands with respect for the horse's mood and body. A horseman's skill, complemented by knowledge of the animal itself (physics, psychology, and anatomy), combined with respect for the horse, ensures the horse participates in the exercises without coercion. The fluidity of movements and the flexibility of joints ensure the horse doesn't feel coerced.
Although the exercises are done throughout France and the world, the Saumur Cadre Noir Community, based at the National School of Equitation, is the most known. Most riders share a deep desire to establish close relationships with their horses, establish mutual respect, and strive to achieve 'lightness'. Younger riders are motivated by the enthusiasm of older riders, leading to the strong cooperation between generations. As well as instructors, horse breeders, craftspeople (saddlers, bootmakers), and veterinary services, Saumur offers blacksmithing and veterinary services. By hosting frequent public displays and galas, the Cadre Noir of Saumur helps to keep equitation visible in the French tradition.
Although the Saumur National Riding School was disbanded in 2005, the prestige of French horsemanship ensured its survival under the Ministry of Sport. Accordingly, in 1972, the National School of Équitation was formed around the Cadre Noir, which provided the school with a core teaching staff. Currently, about 50 horses are included in the team, which is limited to only 22 riders. Members of the Cadre Noir are either civilians or military; they are distinguished by the insignia on their collars which symbolically represent a grenade for the military, or sun for the civilians. Many of these riders have won great honors at the highest levels of international competition, such as Olympic or world champions.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/equitation-in-the-french-tradition-00440) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadre_Noir)