| What is Dressage? |
Dressage is basically compulsory figures which test the training/preparation of horse and driver. (In other words – driving a pattern from memory) |
| Dressage serves as the foundation for everything else. Good dressage leads to agility, the ability to lengthen/shorten stride, develops a willingness to move forward, and the balance and bending which create speed and fluidity on marathon and cones. |
| Some horses are naturally gifted….but all can be improved through dressage training. |
| Dressage demands body building – it cannot be manufactured through the use of side reins, checks and martingales. The horse needs time to develop musculature, longitudinal flexion and balance. |
| The ultimate goal is self-carriage in which is a horse is firmly on the aids, light in hand and appears to be dancing in harness. The ADS has a wonderful video and booklet entitled “Driven Dressage” which demonstrates this progression. |
| The arena for VSE’s may be 20 X 40 meters or 40 X 80 meters but this will have been published in the Omnibus or driving trial flier. |
| All tests are available on the ADS website. Click on “Services” and select “Forms” from the drop-down menu. Double-click on the test you need and print. Tests usually have a written description on page one and a diagram of the test on page two. |
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| Thank you Linda Willis |
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| Lori Horner and her beautiful pair |
| Linda Willis and Commander |
| Breanna Sheahan and Tanglewoods Sweet Fascination |
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| last updated 11/25/2009 |