What is Dressage?
If you're looking for qways to train your horse, or need a reason to spend more time at the stables, then perhaps you should consider dressage training with your horse. Today Animal Friends is explaining the premise behind dressage and how it can benefit your horse.
Dressage is an equestrian event, and the name comes from French meaning ‘training’. It is the art of achieving harmony and communicating with your horse almost unperceptively. It critically requires a thorough relationship between rider and horse that will have been developed over years, as all manoeuvres must appear relaxed and effortless; communication, fluidity of command and composure are all key elements which riders are judged on.
In modern dressage competitions judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to ten - zero being "not executed" and 10 being "excellent". A score of 9 is very good and is a high mark, while a competitor achieving all 6s (or 60% overall) should be considering moving on to the next level.
Dressage can benefit any and all riding horses, as the principles and training techniques will improve the discipline of the horse when being ridden, as well as the confidence and control of the rider when out hacking.
Dressage is an egalitarian competition in which all breeds are given an opportunity to compete successfully; any horse, from a shaggy New Forest pony to a lithe Thoroughbred, can do it. Therefore, many other breeds are seen at various levels of competition. These levels are: Introductory, Preliminary, Novice, Elementary, Medium, Advanced Medium, Advanced, Prix St.Georges, Intermediare I, Intermediare II and Grand Prix.
You should consider dressage training if you wish to improve your horse’s relaxation, its rhythm and regularity, its straightness and its collection, or gait. Dressage is the perfect means to turn your misbehaving horse into a champion show horse who can keep his head even in a crowd – even if you don’t intend to show, a horse who is more likely to obey you will reduce the risk of any accidents or injuries while out hacking.
Animal Friends insurance offers a wide range of comprehensive policies to cover you and your horse. To speak to our knowledgeable equine team, please call 0844 57 32 100 and enquire about our equine insurance today.
