| What is Dressage? |
Dressage is a French term meaning “training” and its purpose is to develop the horse’
s natural athletic ability and willingness to work making him calm, supple and attentive
to his rider.
If you are a history buff, you might be interested in reading more about the beginnings
of dressage that date back to Xenophon in Greece and include a long line of riding
masters, both from the military and the famous riding schools which developed during
the Baroque era.
Currently, competitive dressage involves nine progressive levels incorporating
multiple tests within each level. Special tests are also written for musical freestyle,
sport horse breeding and performances incorporating multiple horses and riders.
Tests are revised every four years by the United States Dressage Federation, the
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the International Equestrian
Federation (FEI).
Competition occurs in a regulation size arena with specific apparel and equipment all
regulated by USEF. Judges are licensed by the USEF and the FEI and are assisted
by scribes who write down the judge’s scores and comments during the test.
Success in dressage is dependent on the rider’s position and ability but because of
the goal of the training, many horse breeds can be quite successful.
Watching dressage can be very exciting, especially the musical freestyle rides or tests
at the FEI (highest) levels.
If you would like to continue learning about dressage, visit the bookstore or join USDF
to obtain special member rates to the annual convention and other educational
opportunities throughout the year.
s natural athletic ability and willingness to work making him calm, supple and attentive
to his rider.
If you are a history buff, you might be interested in reading more about the beginnings
of dressage that date back to Xenophon in Greece and include a long line of riding
masters, both from the military and the famous riding schools which developed during
the Baroque era.
Currently, competitive dressage involves nine progressive levels incorporating
multiple tests within each level. Special tests are also written for musical freestyle,
sport horse breeding and performances incorporating multiple horses and riders.
Tests are revised every four years by the United States Dressage Federation, the
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the International Equestrian
Federation (FEI).
Competition occurs in a regulation size arena with specific apparel and equipment all
regulated by USEF. Judges are licensed by the USEF and the FEI and are assisted
by scribes who write down the judge’s scores and comments during the test.
Success in dressage is dependent on the rider’s position and ability but because of
the goal of the training, many horse breeds can be quite successful.
Watching dressage can be very exciting, especially the musical freestyle rides or tests
at the FEI (highest) levels.
If you would like to continue learning about dressage, visit the bookstore or join USDF
to obtain special member rates to the annual convention and other educational
opportunities throughout the year.
Tina Hansen & Refire