Dressage is a horseback riding discipline that is performed during a competition. Dressage is the very highest horse training expression where the dressage rider and the horse perform a complete series of movements that have been predetermined.
Basically, it’s a beautiful form of art performed by the horse and the rider. Most dressage riders perform for competition purposes but there are dressage riders who perform solely to master the art of it.
Equipment needed for dressage riding
- An English saddle
- An English snaffle bit (for early levels – a double bridle will be needed later)
- Gloves
- Shirt & jacket
- Jodhpurs/breeches
- Boots
- Helmet (has to be approved)
- Any horse of any breed that is sound can be used for lower levels of competition
- Braiding equipment (for the horse’s mane)
What is dressage?
Dressage is a riding style that is performed in competitions and exhibitions. It is an equestrian sport that was defined by IEF (international equestrian federation). Competition are offered at six different levels from beginner to Olympic games level.
The purpose of dressage is to develop your horse’s ability to respond immediately to the rider’s slight shifts in weight and quiet aids from hands and legs. Once trained your horse should be able to respond smoothly to its rider’s signals. It should look as if the rider and horse move as one without any effort.
What is the goal of dressage training
The goal of dressage is to develop your horse’s balance, responsiveness, and flexibility.
Developing this training in the dressage arena will give you a more pleasurable ride in general – whether out for a trail ride or over show jumps. Your horse will increase his understanding of what you want from him and will be more willing to respond to your requests quickly.
The goal during competition is to always be able to improve your score.
Training a dressage horse
When training your horse, the purpose is to get him to respond effortlessly to the dressage rider’s aids. Horses need an understanding of the basic aids. A dressage horse’s understanding is achieved through layers and movements added as the horse’s strength develops.
It is also to aid your horse in building symmetry, balance, and strength to be able to build up its body.
During training, your horse needs to develop three free balanced, regular, and elastic gaits. These three are a 4-beat walk without hesitation, a 2-beat trot with just a moment of hesitation between every diagonal bet, and a 3-beat canter with a second of hesitation followed by 3 beats.
It is recommended that you have a trained dressage instructor to help you train in this discipline. The instructor will be able to make sure both the horse’s movement and your seat and aids are correct and will be able to help you gently train the horse through the dressage competition levels.
Dressage movements
Dressage movements have been compared to ballet on horseback. Both the dressage rider and the horse must perform a number of movements that flow gracefully from one into the other.
There will be speed changes within every gait and lateral movements that will require your horse to calmly move in certain directions at the same time maintaining balance and existing gait.
As you progress through the levels you will be required to perform increasingly complex movements including side passes, half passes, and variations within the gaits.
Through all the levels the judges will be looking for a collected, attentive, calm horse which obediently obeys the riders signals.
Levels of competition for a dressage rider
There are different levels of competition. The top level is the Grand Prix level. These are the dressage riders that you see in the WEG (world equestrian games) and the Olympics
- Intro Level
- 1st level
- 2nd level
- 3rd level
- 4th level
- 5th level
As you graduate from one level to the next, the movements will get a little more complicated and advanced.
Dressage scores and what they mean
Scores that are seventy percent (70%) or over are extremely good for the dressage test.
Scores of sixty-to-seventy percent (60-70%) are good.
If you and your horse continuously score at least sixty-five percent (65%) then you should be eligible to move to the next level.
What the judges are looking for
During a dressage competition, every test level has its purpose. The judges will look for certain skills that, when you exhibit them in the arena, will ensure you have mastered the level and can move up.
What can you expect at a dressage competition?
A judge will sit at the end of the arena to judge your dressage test. You will get a score for each element of the test. The judges will be looking to see if your horse moves gracefully, they will be looking for suppleness, obedience, and accuracy.
There will be a signal (usually a car horn tooting or a bell) that will let you know it is time for you to enter the arena. You will need to salute the judge. After doing this you will then perform the movements for the test, which you will have memorized and practiced beforehand, while using the letters in the arena to guide you.
Your speed and gaits will vary during the test. When you have completed your test, you halt in front of the judge, salute then leave the arena. When the competition is over you will be given your scorecard that has your final score and comments on it. These comments will let you know what you need to work on to improve.
The benefits of dressage
All horses can indeed benefit from dressage training. If you focus on one movement at a time until you and the horse both have it mastered it will help both of you in this beautiful art.
The main challenge to dressage competition is in attempting to improve your score each time. Making sure that you understand the description of every movement you and your horse are required to do will aid you in getting better scores every time.
Training your horse for dressage competition benefits your horse by building up its muscles, helping with balance and obedience.
It also helps you and your horse to have clearer and better communication which will help to build a better relationship between you and your horse.
Horses enjoy having a “job” to do so if you train your horse properly, give clear signals and take proper care of your horse, you can that huge animal to perform just about any movement you need him to.
Conclusion
Think of dressage riding like an exquisite dance between horse and rider. Train your horse for each movement thoroughly then start training him to flow into each movement from another. It takes time but if you have the patience it takes then your horse will reward you with obedience and a much more pleasurable riding experience.