What is Dressage?

Dressage is a competitive horse sport that according to the International Equestrian Federation is "the highest expression of horse training." In this sport, the horse and rider are supposed to work together with the horse understanding every que from the rider. The horse should respond to every que with willingness and ease. The horse and rider should perform as one. There are various levels that riders can participate in. In each level there is a pattern that the rider and the horse must perform. Within the pattern there are steps. Each steps are scored by the judge. Ten is the highest and zero is the lowest. A ten is the best that any rider can do and this is usually reserved for upper level riders and the Olympics. In a 4-H show you would not expect to see a rider walking out of the ring with a ten. At the end of the pattern your pattern is scored and your score is compared to the other riders score and you are then placed within your level.

Dressage horses are typically warmbloods. Warmbloods are horses that are of mid-size and they originated in Europe. Some specific breeds of these horses are the Traekner, Hanoverian, and Holsteiner.

The tack that is used for a dressage class is very similar to the English style of riding. The only exception is the saddle, in which a specific saddle is required. That saddle is called a dressage saddle.

There are many different maneuvers that a horse should be expected to perform. The most very basic steps include, ten and twenty meter circles. There usually is a free walk, extended walk, trot, and canter.

Here is a video of the Olympic trials: Olympic Trial Dressage Video.