Many people have seen dressage at the Olympic or Grand Prix level on television. The horses appear to perform complex maneuvers while the rider sits almost motionless. Dressage isn’t just fancy moves with hard-to-pronounce names! Whenever we train our horses to lead more easily and respond to subtle cues, we can call it basic training. Dressage teaches the horse to be supple, balanced and responsive.
A kur is a riding dressage test with music. You are provided with a set of practice figures necessary to create your own routine to the instrumental music of your choice. Some numbers can be mounted in pairs or teams.
What is the purpose of the training?
The purpose of dressage training is to develop the horse’s flexibility, sensitivity and balance. This improves your horse’s strength making it more enjoyable to ride. If you compete, you will always be competing against yourself and other test takers. The aim of the competition is to always improve your score.
Equipment needed for training
- A calm horse or pony that can be ridden even at beginner level
- An English mess.
- An English saddle.
- Equipment for braiding your horse’s mane.
- Approved gloves, shirt, jacket, trousers, boots and helmet.
What to expect from a dressage test
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When you enter a dressage competition, you will be judged by one to three judges. The judges will give you a score for each dressage figure in the test as you ride. They will look for obedience, flexibility, precision, attitude and an experienced rider.
The training ring is marked around the perimeter with letters. Before entering the arena you will hear a bell or whistle. This will let you know that you have a certain amount of time to get into the training arena before being penalized. You will enter and greet the jury. After greeting the judges, you will walk in a straight line and in a circle as described by your test, using the letters as a guide.
You will switch to different gears and speed variations. For basic levels it is not necessary to memorize the test. Someone can recall the dressage figures from the sidelines. You can also choose to sit or trot. After completing the test, you will stop, say goodbye to the judges and leave the arena. At the end of the dressage competition, you will receive your final score card.
Preparing the horse for a dressage test
Works to improve the flexibility and responsiveness of the horse or pony. It is important to train slowly. Forcing a horse into the «frame» could result in sore muscles and a reluctant horse. Your horse may be able to control his front end properly without learning to walk with his hind end. This can cause pain and a reluctant attitude. Help your horse learn the lessons thoroughly and give the muscles time to adapt to movement in a different way than they are used to.
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Practice each element of the dressage test without repeating the entire repertoire repeatedly. The judges are looking to see your willingness and obedience, not how well your horse can memorize! Practice so that you are collected, the walk must be distinct and extended and the stops concrete.
If you spend your time only training your horse, you will soon feel like you are spending every minute forcing him to do what you want. Spend some time on a trail so the horse has a chance to stretch, use all his muscles and develop cardiovascular fitness. Give yourself some time to relax and have fun.
For the test, your horse will need to be perfectly clean, with a braided mane and a clean trail.
How to prepare for the dressage test
Dressage training is hard work. Dress in comfortable layers depending on the weather. It will be easier if you remember where the letters are placed before taking the test. You can easily recreate the letters in the arena with buckets of detergent, poles, or pieces of wood or scrap metal, which can be painted or drawn with a permanent marker.
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If you don’t already work with a trainer, finding one who has training experience will be easier than trying to learn on your own. As you train your horse, you will learn to direct him better using the saddle, hands and feet. You will also need to concentrate so that you can perform each movement with intention and precision. Plan what you will work on each time you ride and learn to focus on one figure at a time.
For the test you will wear an English riding suit. Women will wear their hair in a net or bun.
ADVANTAGES
Basic training in dressage is useful if you intend to participate in sports or any other discipline. Jumpers, trail horses, pleasure horses, and English and Western show horses can all benefit from dressage training. Your horse will become more athletic and obedient, and you will become a better rider.
If you compete in dressage, you’ll quickly discover that the biggest challenge is trying to improve your score, not simply bringing home a rosette. Each item scores out of 10, so you’ll be able to see which aspects need improvement before moving on to the next test. You will be able to progress through the levels at your own pace. The courses allow you a certain level of creativity and a change from standard tests.
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