Dressage Horse Training
Basics of Dressage Horse Training
Nearly everyone has seen some form of dressage event on television. These are the events when you see horses doing intricate maneuvers while the rider is nearly motionless. However, dressage is not all about fancy moves. Whenever you train your horse to carry you with ease and respond to subtle aids you are doing a basic form of dressage horse training. Dressage horse training is any method that teaches a horse to be supple, balanced and responsive.
The focus of dressage horse training is to develop a horse’s flexibility, responsiveness to aids and balance. As a result the horse becomes stronger and is easier to ride. If you compete in horse dressage competitions then you will be competing against yourself as well as others. Dressage competition is all about improving on your own previous score.
Necessary Equipment
When it comes to dressage horse training there are some necessary pieces of equipment that you will need:
· An English snaffle bit
· An English saddle
· Braiding equipment for the mane
· Gloves, shirt, jacket, breeches, boots and approved helmet
The Dressage Competition
Dressage competition is evaluated by up to three different judges. Each of the judges provides you with a score on each element of the test that you ride. The judges are looking for obedience, suppleness, accuracy, attitude and how well you ride. The perimeter of the dressage ring is marked with letters. Before entering the ring a bell or whistle is sounded. This lets you know it is time to enter the ring. Upon entering the ring you salute the judge before riding in straight lines and circles as described by your test and using the letters as your guide.
During the dressage competition you will ride at different gaits as well as individual variations within the gaits. At the basic levels there is no need to have the test memorized since there will be someone on the sidelines calling out the test to you. It is your choice to sit or post the trot. Once you have completed the entire test you stop, salute the judge and leave the ring. After the competition is complete you will receive a scorecard with your final score.
Dressage Horse Training Tips
In order to get better in dressage competitions you need to improve the flexibility and responsiveness of your horse. It is important to take dressage horse training slowly. If you force your horse into ‘frame’ it will lead to sore muscles and a very reluctant horse that is difficult to lead.
Sometimes your horse will learn to carry their front end properly without learning to drive with the rear-end. This can also cause the horse to become reluctant and have sore muscles. You need to make sure the horse learns their lessons completely so their muscles have time to adjust to moving in different patterns than they are used to.
You should practice each part of the test individually without riding through the entire test all the time. The judges will be looking for the horse’s willingness and obedience to your cues, not how well your horse can memorize the entire test routine. Make sure your dressage horse training makes your horse collected, works with distinct extended gaits and halts.
However, if you spend all of your time with dressage horse training then your horse is going to get bored and think you are always going to be ordering them around all day. Take some time out on occasion to go trail riding so the horse has the opportunity to stretch, use all of their muscles and develop good cardiovascular fitness. Be sure your horse has plenty of time for relaxation and fun.