Dancing Horses: Exploring the Art of Dressage

What Is Dressage?

The word “Dressage” is from the French word dresseur, meaning to train. The sport itself is held at the Olympic level, with the Grand Prix level being the highest level performed internationally. One of the most enjoyed spectator performances is the Grand Prix musical freestyle, performed to music. At this level, what makes this performance so appealing is that the horse appears to be dancing in sync to the chosen music. Quite beautiful to watch, the musical freestyle demonstrates the highest expression of horse training, which can take years of training to perfect.

However, what truly makes Dressage so important is that its foundational training principles are essential for any equestrian discipline. Whether a rider aims to pursue English riding, Western riding, or various disciplines within these styles, the basic principles of Dressage provide a strong foundation.

Dressage training requires precision, synchronization, obedience and strength of both the horse and rider. As the horse gains strength through the training exercises, the relationship and communication between horse and rider is also strengthened.

History and Origins

The concept of dressage dates back to 350 BC, but it wasn’t until the 16th century that dressage began to develop as an art form. It was essentially the military that emphasized obedient and responsive horses out of a need for this behavior in the “field.”

Dressage became an Olympic Sport in 1912 at the Olympic Games in Stockholm, but was only open to military officers. In 1953, the rules changed and allowed civilian men and women to compete. In 1973, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) was founded and today, dressage is a worldwide sport.

In 1986, the FEI introduced the Dressage World Cup with 50% placed on the Grand Prix test and 50% on the Freestyle, and in 1996, the freestyle test was added to the Olympic competition in Atlanta so that riders have a chance at two individual medals.

Dressage Levels and Mastery

Dressage competitions are ways in which the level of training is evaluated and this is accomplished through riding a “Dressage Test.”

At the international level, The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) governs a body of equestrian sports and is responsible for writing the dressage tests which progress in difficulty, as well as governance and oversight for prestigious dressage events. The FEI levels are:

1. Introductory: Includes halt, plus simple walk and trot movements, including free walk on a long rein and trot-walk-trot transitions.
2. Preliminary: Canter is introduced. The judge looks for a partnership where the horse is establishing rhythm, suppleness, with good contact.
3. Novice: Looks at the quality of the steps of medium trot and canter. Introduction of counter canter as well as serpentines.
4. Elementary: Early stages of collection, introduction to lateral work with the leg yield and shoulder-in in trot. Collected trot, collected canter, stretching in canter and simple changes.
5. Medium: The horse shows suppleness, elasticity and impulsion. Should be able to collect and extend paces on request. Sitting trot is mandatory.
6. Advanced Medium: Flying lead changes and smaller circles, called Voltes.
7. Advanced: Canter half circles with quarters in as a stepping stone towards canter pirouettes, plus four- and five-time tempi changes.
8. Prix St Georges (PSG): Marks the start of international competition. Introduces the half canter pirouette, three-time tempi changes and simple changes of leg after a canter half pass.
9. Intermediare I: Two-time tempi changes and a full canter pirouette.
10. Intermediare II: One-time tempi changes, flying changes after a half pass, piaffe and passage.
11. Grand Prix: The highest level — the level you will see at the Olympics, World Championships and FEI World Cup.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USDF), which governs the national level dressage competition, has created five levels to measure training progress:

1. Training Level: Comparable to Prelim level
2. First Level: Comparable to Novice level
3. Second Level: Comparable to Elementary level
4. Third Level: Comparable to Medium or Advanced Medium
5. Fourth Level: Comparable to Advanced level

The Dressage Pyramid of Training: 6 Principles of Riding

The six foundational principles of classic riding and dressage training offer significant advantages for any equestrian discipline, and therefore, basic dressage training in ANY discipline can improve upon what already exists, providing an incredible foundation for learning.

1. Rhythm: The regularity of the horse’s steps.
2. Relaxation: Involves the horse relaxing the jaw muscles.
3. Connection: A soft, constant connection between the rider’s hand and the horse’s mouth.
4. Impulsion: The forward movement of the horse, originating from the hindquarters and transmitted through the back.
5. Straightness: Correcting the horse’s natural crookedness by gymnastically training it to use both sides of its body evenly.
6. Collection: A state of balance, engagement, and control where the horse carries more weight on its hindquarters, allowing for greater agility, responsiveness, and overall performance.

So What’s the Big Deal? How Does This Help My Horse?

Dressage principles can benefit horses in many ways:

• Physical: Helps to develop strength, balance and flexibility. The higher level movements that involve collection require conditioning and strength.
• Mental and emotional: Helps horses to more efficiently carry the rider.
• Rideability: Their ability to understand, be more obedient and able to more efficiently carry a rider also makes them more fun to ride!
• Confidence: Horses feel more confident, especially in open spaces, which is helpful at horse shows and away-from-the-farm events.

Dressage is all about learning how to work with your horse, and at a very basic level is the ability to control your horse at all of the gaits (walk, trot, canter, gallop) and the ability to stop and steer them effectively. It also focuses on balance, self-carriage, responsiveness, elasticity and communication; all critical attributes to a horse/rider relationship.

Think of it like Yoga for horses — stretching and strengthening, which leads to the horse’s ability to not only have self-carriage, but to elegantly carry the rider. So the reality is, every rider and horse should practice the basic fundamental principles of dressage, regardless of the discipline they focus on.

Basic Dressage Movements

The dressage test is performed in a 20 meter x 60 meter arena. A smaller arena (20 meter x 40 meter) is used for lower level tests. The arena has letters around the perimeter that act as reference points for the dressage test and the series of movements that are required to be ridden (at various “letters”).

An example of a “movement” might be to enter the ring at letter “A”, go straight down the centerline and halt at letter “X.”

Each test has a series of movements. Each separate movement is given a mark between 0–10; with 10 being excellent, 5 sufficient and 0 being no movement completed. Some movements may be given more weight by multiplying their points by a coefficient.

The judge is also looking for five general collective marks for both the horse and rider. All points are added and divided by the total possible score for a percentage mark.

Riders have the option of memorizing the test or having a “reader” who will call out the movements during the test. There is no penalty for having a reader, but it is always nice to watch a well-ridden test without one!

Judges are looking for all elements in the Dressage Pyramid of Training, as well as accuracy and overall combination of horse and rider. What makes attending a dressage show so beneficial is fairly immediate feedback with a written evaluation provided for each movement of the test, along with comments and recommendations that the rider can take home and work on.

Attire for the Horse

Dressage shows, especially at the lower levels, do not require riders to ride in “dressage saddles” but these types of saddles are designed to help put the rider in the correct position. They generally have a longer flap, which supports a longer stirrup, and a deeper seat.

The bridle can be any standard English bridle with the appropriate bit for the horse. When riders get into the upper levels where the horse is required to be much more collected, oftentimes a double bridle is used. Double bridles are only mandatory under FEI guidelines and are not allowed until the horse and rider are competing at third level.

Attire for the Rider

• White shirt with tie, choker, or stock tie and a traditional black jacket (navy and other dark solid colors are also acceptable)
• White or beige britches
• Black boots with heels
• Approved helmet

How Do I Get Started in Dressage?

If all of this sounds appealing to you and you want to pursue the discipline of Dressage, you can do it!

Here are a few things to consider:

Choose the Right Horse

• Athleticism: Having a horse that is athletic helps in achieving the required movements with little effort. Any breed can be used, but warmbloods or warmblood crosses are naturally well-suited.
• Temperament and Trainability: A horse must have an even temperament and be easy to handle. The horse should be agreeable, cooperative and honest.
• Confirmation: Horses that tend to find collection easier have a more upright build, a shorter neck and strong back.
• Movement: At all paces, the horse should have even, rhythmic gaits. Movements should be relaxed and the horse should have an even 4-beat walk, with good overtracking from the hind foot to the front footprint.

Find a Qualified Instructor

A qualified instructor can teach you the basics of the sport. Check out the USDF Instructors List or the American Riding Instructors Association directory. You can also look into any local dressage groups in your area, talk to people, network and ask for a referral.

In conclusion, dressage principles are ideal for any discipline of riding, and can make a horse and rider more successful in anything they partake in. The basics help the horse more efficiently carry the rider with grace and ease, while also providing a strong foundation for obedience and partnership.

There are competitions for dressage that, through the individual tests ridden, allow the rider to gain encouragement and constructive criticism, which allows them to take the feedback home and work on specific areas of their riding. Dressage is a sport of accuracy and precision, and competing in the dressage arena can be extremely rewarding.