Gallop Into the World of Horses: Exploring Dressage

 EXPLORING DRESSAGE DISCIPLINE

Welcome to the sanctuary of equine knowledge again, where today we will talk about the main Olympic disciplines in the equestrian world: dressage and show jumping. Although there are many more that I will explain later on. I hope you learn a lot about these two fascinating disciplines. 

Dressage is a highly disciplined and elegant form of horseback riding that involves training the horse to perform precise, intricate movements. It is often referred to as "horse ballet" because of the beauty, grace, and harmony of the movements executed by the horse and rider. Here's everything you need to know about dressage:

1. Basics of Dressage

• Origins: Dressage has its roots in classical horsemanship, and it was originally developed for military purposes. It has evolved into a competitive equestrian sport.
• Goals: The primary goal of dressage is to develop a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform. It emphasizes the harmonious partnership between horse and rider.

2. Dressage Movements:

• Collective Movements: Dressage includes a range of movements, such as walk, trot, and canter, with transitions in between.
• Lateral Movements: Horses are trained to perform lateral movements like leg-yield, shoulder-in, and haunches-in.
• Pirouettes: These are tight, circular turns executed at the canter.
• Half-pass: A movement where the horse moves diagonally forward and sideways at the same time.
• Flying Changes: Changes of lead in the canter.
• Piaffe and Passage: These are advanced, collected movements where the horse trots in place (piaffe) or trots with extremely high action (passage).

3. Dressage Levels

• Dressage is divided into different levels, from basic training for beginners to the most advanced levels.
• Each level has specific movements and requirements that become more complex as riders progress.

4. Scoring and Judging

• Dressage competitions are scored by judges who assess the precision and quality of the horse's movements, as well as the rider's effectiveness.
• Movements are scored with a score from 1 to 10 
• The collective marks assess the horse's gaits, impulsion, submission, and rider's position and use of aids.

5. Attire and Equipment

• Riders wear traditional dressage attire, including a formal jacket, white breeches, white gloves, and tall boots and also includes stock tie and hairnet for the low bun that is also mandatory when competing in dressage (in other disciplines, there is no specific requirement for how to wear your hair). Additionally, a helmet has become mandatory recently, banning the use of top hats due to the little safety they provided.
• The horse is typically ridden in a snaffle bit or a double bridle (for more advanced movements), white saddlepads and nothing on the leg's.

6. Benefits of Dressage

• Improves the horse's strength, flexibility, and balance.
• Enhances communication and trust between horse and rider.
• Promotes discipline, focus, and precision in riding.
• Provides a sense of accomplishment and personal growth for riders.

7. Dressage Organizations

Dressage is governed by organizations like the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) for international competition.

8. Dressage Competitions

• Dressage competitions range from local events to international championships, including the Olympics.
• They are performed in a rectangular arena with specific dimensions and letters used as reference points     
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Also to compete you need to learn a "reprise" that is a document that lists a series of ordered exercises that participants in dressage competitions must perform. Next to each exercise, there is a box for judges to assess each one with a score from 1 to 10. The average of all the exercises, along with the collective marks, forms the score for each horse-rider pair, expressed as a percentage. Some exercises have a coefficient of 2, which means they are worth double. In each competition, there can be 3 to 7 judges, each of whom scores the test individually, and then the average is calculated. In young horse classes, judges often sit together and reach a consensus on the scores. In this case, individual exercises are not scored; instead, the focus is on evaluating the horse's potential in terms of its three gaits, submission, and overall impression.

Dressage is not only a competitive sport but also a beautiful and highly disciplined art form. It requires dedication, patience, and a deep bond between horse and rider.