Dressage is often thought of as the elegant competitive form of "english" riding that you see at dressage shows. Its leading representatives are the famous Lippizan stallions of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria. The Olympics offer international dressage at the Grand Prix level. At its best, dressage exemplifies the seemingly effortless display of total harmony and invisible communication between horse and rider.
         The word "dressage" is French, and means "training". It is intended to be the basic training that molds the riding horse into an excellent mount: responsive, calm, physically fit for his job and tuned in to his rider. The training principles of dressage are found in classical riding-- a training system that has been practiced and proven for hundreds of years. It was the foundation of training for horses of war, at a time when a warrior's life depended on the response of his mount. It became the artistic pursuit of nobility when horses were (thankfully) no longer the ultimate weapon in battle.
        Through a systematic, progressive approach, dressage produces a willing partner without resorting to harsh methods, severe bits or gadgets. In simpliest terms, the way we sit on the horse shapes the way the horse's energy flows through its body. It is a very logical system to the horse--he reacts to our weight, our pressure, and we make what we want him to do the easy choice. Many of the problems that riders typically experience such as rushing, bolting, crookedness, stiffness, tension and resistance can be improved through dressage.
        Dressage is not a quick fix, but a rewarding education. It develops communication between rider and horse to a very subtle level. With nearly invisible aids, the rider uses her body to cue the horse, while correct rider position allows the horse to perform as unemcumbered as possible. Without confusing contradictory signals, horse and rider can achieve the harmony that both desire.
        The various movements of dressage are not just tricks that we perform to impress a judge. All dressage movements are gymnastic exercises, that strengthen and supple the horse in a particular way, so he can perform at his personal best. The movements are part of dressage competition, to demonstrate that we can use them correctly, and that our equine partner can perform them correctly. (Think of them as yoga and Pilates for horses.)
        This is a rewarding, but demanding pursuit. The rider assumes responsibility for the response of the horse. Physically demanding, mentally challenging, this can become a lifetime passion for some, because in spite of the sometimes frustrating plateaus, the glimpses we get of lightness, unity and harmony become addictive!  (You've been warned!)
        Whether you are interested in dressage competition, simply want to improve your horsemanship, or just need to stop Brownie from bolting every time you canter, dressage is a worthwhile investment of your time and money.

What It's Not
        Let's be clear: dressage is not about holding the horse in a frame with a rigid, locked arm and hand, and driving it up with a hard leg. You do not need strong legs and arms to ride dressage. If your arms are always sore after you ride, you are doing something wrong. There may be times when you need to be firm, sharp or tough- but it's for an instant, and then its over. There is an image out there in the non-dressage world that we cram our horses into that pretty frame, hold them there like they're a greased pig that might escape, and chase them forward with calves of steel. Frankly, there is a history to substantiate that view, but fortunately, it's old history.
       Dressage is relatively new to the United States. In the 1950s, we were represented at the Olympics by military riders. In the '60s, most horsepeople still couldn't have told you what dressage was. There were very few instructors, fewer still who had trained in Europe, and most were trying to emulate what they saw the German riders doing--without understanding what was happening between horse and rider under the surface. The general approach, incorrect though it was, was to do exactly what I described earlier-- force that horse into looking like those fancy European horses.
      It wasn't until recently that it became common for American trainers to go to Europe for an extended period of time, to learn the entire system, and not just copy the picture. They brought back with them their understanding of the theory of classical riding, and the knowledge of how to teach it. We have always lagged behind our European counterparts, in part due to our shortage of accomplished schoolmaster horses to learn on. This is an incredible liability. No one learns to ride in Germany on a green horse, but in this country green riders are routinely paired with green horses. This makes acquiring the correct "feel" very difficult.

Dressage Competition
        Competition is conducted differently from most other equestrian competitions. Riders perform tests that are ridden one at a time before one or more judges. At the end of the class, the rider receives a copy of the test with the judge's scoring and comments. Riders know exactly how they were scored and why, and often there are comments from the judge to indicate how they need to improve to raise their score at the next show. A number from 0-10 is given for each movement of the test. These are totalled and converted to a percentage of the possible "perfect" score. Ribbons are awarded based on the percentages, and there are numerous breed and rider awards to compete for. But we all ride against ourselves-- with the goal of improving our best score.
        Competitions are conducted at the schooling level  (shows that can be less formal than recognized shows, intended to be "practice" shows) and at shows sanctioned by the United States Dressage Federation and the United States Equestrian Federation. Tests are offered from Introductory Level (Walk/Trot) through 10 levels of competition, culminating in Grand Prix. Musical Freestyles have become very popular, where riders perform the movements of a specific level choreographed to music. To view a spectacular video of a world-class Musical Kur, click on this link:
http://horseandcountry.tv/episode/Edward-Gal-and-Moorlands-Totilas-Record-Breaking-WDM-Kur

 (If this doesn't give you goosebumps, please check to see that you have a pulse.)
        Wild Oak Dressage travels to both schooling and recognized shows, and offers schooling shows at Wild Oak.

The Dressage Horse and Equipment
        Dressage can improve the performance of almost any horse. You do not need a huge expensive warmblood to benefit from dressage instruction. Many breeds can compete successfully at the local level. Many breed associations offer award incentives for dressage competition. Horses do not have to be purebred or breed registered to compete at even the highest levels of dressage.
        The most significant issue is: Is the horse a good match for the rider? Is his size and temperament suitable? Is he willing and sound? Can he walk, trot and canter in both directions? Even if you choose to never compete, dressage will improve your riding regardless of your discipline or the breed of your horse.
        The equipment needed for dressage is simple. An english saddle is required, but it does not have to be a dressage saddle. All-purpose saddles are satisfactory. Close contact jumping saddles can be used, but you will find maintaining a correct dressage position can be difficult in one. Western saddles are not permitted for competition, but you can begin lessons in one if you choose. Dressage saddles are designed to support a correct position. Correct position is essential if you are going to influence the horse with clarity and precision. If you pursue dressage, you will eventually want a dressage saddle.
        A plain or French snaffle bit is mandatory. It can be a loose-ring, D-ring, eggbutt or fullcheek. It can have a jointed or straight mouthpiece. It may not have shanks, a roller or a port. Kimberwicke, Tom Thumb, twisted, wire or gag bits are not acceptable. You cannot use a martingale or tie-down for competition. Our tack options are so limited because it is expected that we will control the horse with communication and finesse, not force. "Where violence begins, art ends."
       Beginning at Third Level, the double bridle becomes optional. This bridle has 2 bits-- a snaffle (called the bradoon) and a curb. The snaffle must be of the same type as used in a snaffle bridle, but the rings are usually smaller. The curb must not have shanks longer than 5". The curb is used very judiciously-- we touch the curb rein to reinforce the collection. At no point should the horse be hanging on the curb.
       For detailed descriptions of the tack permitted in competition, go to the USEF website (www.usef.org) to view the rulebook.

         Comments, questions or rants should be directed to the Guest Book on the "Contact Us" page.  If I like your contribution, I'll post it!

   The following is a partial list of books that those new to dressage may find helpful. There are many, many reference sources available, including videos, audio tapes and website tutorials. Many are available on Amazon.com and the USDF websites, among others. I'll add to the list as time permits. Dressage riders love to learn!

The Principles of Riding, The Official Instruction Manual of the German National Equestrian Federation,
Half Halt Press, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Museler, Wilhelm, Riding Logic, Prentice Hall Press

Podhajsky, Alois, The Complete Training of Horse and Rider, Wilshire Book Co,. N. Hollywood, CA 91605

Jennifer O. Bryant, The USDF Guide to Dressage, Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA 01247