Shoulder Fore
View Video Online Shoulder Fore Defined An exercise that moves the horse’s shoulder to the inside similar to shoulder in. The angle of shoulder fore is approximately 1/2 that of the shoulder in. This exercise can be used by the rider to…
The Shoulder In
View Video Online Shoulder In Defined The horse is evenly bent around the rider’s inside leg and travels at a 30 degree angle to the track. The hind feet remain on the track and step straight ahead for the most…
Serpentines
View Video Online The 3-Loop Serpentine The horse travels back and forth across the arena while maintaining the appropriate bend, flexion, rhythm and tempo. Serpentines can be performed four different ways and in all three gaits. A serpentine can…
The Rein Back
View Video Online Rein Back Defined The horse moves backward in a straight line by moving legs in diagonal pairs. This is a two-beat movement that has no moment of suspension. How to Execute Rein Back Start from a square…
The Passage
View Video Online Passage Defined This is a very collected, cadenced trot that is characterized by elevated movement of the knees and hocks, as well as a defined engagement of the quarters. This trot has a prolonged period of suspension.…
Lengthening of Stride
View Video Online Lengthening of Stride Defined To increase the pace where each stride covers more gound. This is usually performed on the long side of the arena or across the diagonal. How to Execute Lengthening of Stride Start in Working Trot or Working…
The Leg Yield
View Video Online Leg Yield Defined The horse exhibits a slight flexion of the poll away from the direction he is traveling. The inside legs should cross in front of the outside legs with the rider being able to see…
The Half Pass
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Half Pass Defined The horse bends slightly around the rider’s inside leg with the forehand moving slightly in advance of the hind quarters as the horse travels across…
The Half Halt
View Video Online Half Halt Defined The half halt is a nearly invisible, simultaneous action of the hand, seat and legs used to capture the horse’s attention and regain balance. The secret to effective half halts is balance of the…
Free Walk
View Video Online Free-Walk Defined The free walk demonstrates long strides, a relaxed back and a lowering and stretching of the head and neck illustrating complete relaxation. It can be ridden with little or no contact. The horse is encouraged…
The Canter
View Video Online What is the Canter? A “three-time” gait where the hind leg strikes off followed by the opposite and diagonal fore leg and then the opposite foreleg (a.k.a. – the lead leg) followed by a moment of suspension.…
The 20-Meter Circle
Click here to view this video online 20 Meter (20m) Circle Defined A circle that is 20 meters in diameter and that ends in exactly the same place it started. How to Execute the 20 Meter Circle Start in trot rising…
Dressage Rider Classifications and Attire
Dressage Rider Classifications Dressage riders can be categorized into several different classifications. The different categories are outlined below. Children: 12-14 years of age Pony: 12-16 years of age Junior: 14-18 years of age Young: 16-21 years of age Seniors: 18+ years…
Dressage Scores and Their Meaning
Dressage tests serve as a measure of the horse and rider’s schooling. Each level builds upon the preceding level’s principles. A horse and rider should not consider progressing to the next level until sufficient mastery of the current level is…
Rejuvenate Your Dressage Horse
Fall is upon us. For many of us, fall is a time for finishing up all those incomplete items of our “honey do” list before harsh weather sets in. The season also marks the end or slowing of competitive horse…
Mind Over Matter
Imagine for a moment, a “bad day” that you’ve had. Your best friend calls to tell you she’s lost her job, you’ve had an argument with your spouse, your child receives a poor mark in school. Just thinking about these…
Classical Dressage – A New Look at Old Principles
What exactly is Classical Dressage? Classical dressage is the development of a mutually respectful, harmonious relationship between horse and rider. It is understanding. The horse understands his rider’s aids and the rider understands his horse’s mind and ability. In classical…
Elasticity – The Mastery of Give and Take
Elasticity, by definition, is a measure of responsiveness. The response is a result of an outside force acting upon a variable. In dressage, elasticity pertains to the responsiveness of the horse to his rider’s aids. Elasticity is the overall adjustability of…
Selecting a Dressage Horse – Part 1 Food For Thought
Choosing a dressage horse can be a difficult task. Horses can be an expensive proposition. With so many horses to choose from, the task of selecting the “right horse for the job” can be daunting. Hopefully this article will eliminate…
Dressage Horse Temperament & Conformation
While temperament and conformation play an important role in the success of your horse as a dressage athlete, one must realize that the perfect horse does not exist. It is equally important to understand that all horses can benefit from…
Feeding the Performance Horse
The horse is a natural athlete. He is strong, agile and swift. His strength is so superior to that of man that we describe the thrust of our high powered engines in terms of horse power. Yet, the grace and…
Lameness – Common Ailments and Remedies
There are an infinite number of musculo-skeletal or hoof problems that might be the cause or your horse’s lameness. Some common problems are thrush, bruises, abscesses, sand cracks, bowed tendons, laminitis (founder), or navicular. As you rule out possibilities, keep…
What Makes a Dressage Warm-up Good?
By Jec Aristotle Ballou Most riders have heard about the need for a good warm-up before schooling each day. But what makes a warm-up good? Is an active one better than a slow, relaxing one? How long — or short…
