How does dressage work?

Answer 1

Dressage is what many people would consider the Ballet of the horse world. What appears beautiful and effortless to the audience is in fact an achievement in art and athleticism requiring years of development and dedication for both horse and rider. Dressage is performed in a 20 x 60 meter arena with a set of letters that designate where movements are to be executed; the letters also assist the rider in judging specific distances, such as the size of a circle. In addition, lower level tests may also be adjusted and performed in what is referred to as the short arena, which is 20 x 40 meters

Answer 2

dressage is a movement of the horse, maintaining a soft and supple body, and keeping the horse happy in it self. It keeps the horse agile, however when doing a lot of work they may need exercise boots or wrap for there own safety of there tendons

Answer 3

The fundamental purpose of dressage is to develop, through a standardized progression of training methods, a horse's natural ability and willingness to perform to it's maximized potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement whilst remaining relaxed, creating the illusion of an effortless ride. Dressage movements vary from very basic (a twenty meter circle) to very complex (temi changes and half passes). The movements are then scored by the judge based on the following criteria: Rhythm & Regularity. This refers to the way in which the horse approaches every movement, and requires him to maintain the same rhythm and regularity throughout the dressage test. If he speeds up, slows down or falters unnecessarily, points will be lost. Contact. In dressage, the horse should always be "round", which means that he comes up into the bridle from the hind end, lifting the shoulders and back for maximum contact between horse and rider. Relaxation. Dressage should never be a forced equine discipline, and the horse should always appear at ease with himself and with his rider. Impulsion. Related to contact, impulsion means that the horse drives all of his movements from the hind end, remaining light on the front end, and moving with ultimate power reserved for each of the movements.

Answer 4

Just train your horse in dressage.

You can improve your Howrse's dressage through dressage training, competitions (all increase dressage), and through lessons if your horse has dressage as one of his best 2 skills.