Dressage - Gettting Started with Dressage

In the equestrian world, dressage refers to the competitive training of horse and rider.  Dressage competitions are held at all levels of experience and can be seen at the dusty arenas of your local county fairs or the plush stadiums of Olympic standards.

To some, classical dressage may seem like a highbrow sport for the ultra-rich spawned from early European aristocracy and their equestrian pageants.  But actually, dressage is an art form also known as horse ballet that can be practiced by anyone with a passion for and access to horses.  

To be completely fair, it does take a good bit of financial resource to participate and compete.  There are fees which are assessed for horse and rider at every event which can range from $30 to more than $100.  To that, add the costs of apparel which is mandatory for show.  Outfitting a male for dressage is often times twice the cost of outfitting a female and can cost around $1000 unless you're a good shopper.  Then you have the transportation and boarding costs for yourself and your horse which can cost several hundred dollars.  Of course that cost is not as much as the tack you need for your horse which can range between $600 and several thousand dollars.  Equiping one's self and horse can be a one time fee but the totals for each competition can range from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars.

Dressage competitions are judged  through the performance of horse and rider in a standard size arena and based on a set of prescribed movements.  Some of these movements include traveling all the way around the arena without changing direction, That movement is called “full school.  “Half school” is just as it sounds, half of the full school movement.  Then there are circles from 20 meters, to 10 meters and  a Volte, which is a 6 meter circle.  More advanced movements include traveling in diagonal lines, figure eights, and serpentine with three or four loops.

The horse and rider are judged on a number of factors.  The less effort the rider puts forth for a horse to perform the movements, the higher the score.  Other factors include the horse’s gaits, submission and impulsion. 

Horse and rider may begin their competition at the junior level which is for riders under the age of 18.  Advancement takes place through a multitude of levels which include Basics 1-3 and Medium division 1-2.  Advanced and International divisions include Medium 3, Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I-2, and The Grand Prix.

Some of the benefits for competing in dressage include learning horsemanship and developing a close relationship with an incredibly majestic animal.  Other benefits include winning awards for superior performance which can be a reflection of your dedication to the sport.  Some awards can be as simple as rosettes and trophies and others can be monetary awards that can cover the entry fees or amount in the tens of thousands of dollars.  Still other benefits can include university scholarships.

For further information on the art of Dressage in the United States, visit the web sites of The United States Equestrian Federation and The United States Dressage Federation.