I was really happy to see that coverage for the Olympic Dressage was included this year. In the past, it was a practically unheard of sport. Its rise in popularity continues to grow as new converts arrive all the time.
Most of us will never compete at the Grand Prix levels - and that’s ok because that’s a lifestyle and expense out of range for the average horse owner. But basic dressage training is great for any horse and any type of riding style.
Dressage training will teach your horse to be supple and flexible. These are traits that are useful whether you’re jumping a course, showing in Western Pleasure or barrel racing. Your horse’s muscles will become more evenly worked when you teach him to suppleness. That ’stiff as a board’ feeling goes away - especially when turning to the right. Most horses are left-handed and when you turn to the right, they’ll pop their shoulder and fall into the turn. This makes them heavy and awkward - less able to develop their true athletic abilities.
Obedience and willingness are two more benefits of basic dressage training. I put them together because you can have obedience without willingness through harsh training methods and intimidation. A willing equine partner is always more pleasant and with consistent step-by-step dressage methods, you’ll have a happy horse who doesn’t look for the easy way out at every chance. No more ear pinning - no more tail wringing.
Competitive dressage is done in an arena that is 60 by 20 meters. That’s about 198 by 66 feet in American measurements. The rail is low to encourage your horse to travel straight on his own without help from a fence. There are markers placed at even intervals around the ring where you make transitions to different gaits, begin or end a circle and of course ‘X’ marks the spot in the exact middle where you begin and end. Here’s something funny all dressage riders can relate to: A Beginner’s Dressage Test.