Dressage riding

What is dressage

Dressage is an equestrian discipline in which the rider systematically trains the horse so that it:

carries the rider in balance

moves regularly and relaxed

reacts accurately to aids

performs prescribed exercises with ease

Dressage riding is the basis for all equestrian disciplines - show jumping, western, endurance and recreational riding.

What is dressage riding for

Improving the horse's balance

Strengthening the muscles of the back, buttocks and abdomen

Developing elasticity and flexibility

Improving obedience and reactions

Preventing injuries and overload

Creating a harmonious rider-horse relationship

Dressage is not only about competitions, but also about proper everyday training.

Basic principles of dressage riding

Dressage training scale

Every proper training should follow this sequence:

Tact (regularity of gait)

Relaxation

Contact

Impulse (energy of movement)

Straightening

Collection

Without mastering the lower levels, it is not possible to properly achieve the higher exercises.

How is dressage riding performed6

The rider sits upright, relaxed and balanced

The aids are soft, precise and coordinated

The horse moves forward - down - into contact

Training is carried out gradually, without pressure

Each exercise has a clear goal and meaning

Types of dressage riding

1. Basic (recreational) dressage

Designed for:

beginners

recreational riders

young horses

Characteristics:

work in walk, trot and canter

transitions between gaits

circles, serpentines, changes of direction

Advantages:

Improves the horse's controllability

Safe and suitable for everyone

Builds good habits

Disadvantages:

Requires patience

Less "attractive" for impatient riders

2. Sport dressage

A competitive discipline with precisely given tasks.

Levels:

light dressage

medium dressage

high dressage

Exercises:6

collected gaits

half pirouettes

passage, piaggio

quick changes in gallop

Advantages:

The pinnacle of equestrian art

Elegant and precise discipline

Excellent cooperation between rider and horse

Disadvantages:

High training demands

Time- and financially demanding

Not suitable for impatient riders

3. Classical dressage

Based on traditional principles (e.g. Spanish riding school).

Advantages:

Long-term health of the horse

Great emphasis on relaxation and balance

Disadvantages:

Very slow training

Requires an experienced trainer

Benefits of dressage riding

Healthy and strong back of the horse

Better balance and coordination

Gentle and precise communication

A versatile basis for other disciplines

Prevention of injuries and overload

Harmonious movement of the horse

Disadvantages and risks

Improper training can lead to:

stiffness

back pain

mental stress of the horse

Requires:

a lot of time

patience

proper guidance

How to choose a horse for dressage

Good movement mechanics

Willingness to cooperate

Proper body structure

Quality walk, trot and canter

Calm, docile nature

👉 Dressage is not just about the breed – proper training is important.

Dressage riding equipment (briefly)

Dressage saddle

Dressage bridle and bit

Dressage saddle pad

Riding boots and breeches

Protective equipment for the horse as needed

The most common mistakes in dressage

Going too fast

Hard hands and strong equipment

Insufficient relaxation

Ignoring the training scale

Riding "in shape" instead of proper work from behind

Dressage riding is the basis of any quality riding training. It is not just about competitions, but about proper, healthy and long-term riding of the horse. Patience, sensitivity and systematic training lead to harmony, ease and joy of riding – for both horse and rider.