RSSA Key To Better Dressage
Dressage (n): the art of riding and training a horse in a manner that develops obedience, flexibility, and balance. Oxford English Dictionary, 2011
Dressage is now a very popular sport, enjoyed by all ages of horse riders across the world. As an Olympic sport dressage now attracts the attention of huge audiences, both horse riders and non-riders. The aim of riding dressage is to develop obedience, flexibility and balance in both rider and their horse, although this requirement is not just limited to this one discipline. Any horse that is expected to carry a rider must have these qualities in order to accomplish the activities asked of him, whether it is eventing, fox hunting or simply hacking out down the road.
Dressage riding requires that these qualities are developed further than some other equestrian activities. The dressage horse and rider must focus on accuracy in every movement in order to be successful. Whether it is a transition to walk, or teaching the horse passage, it must be consistently clear what is required and when you want it. For the novice dressage rider this can be easier said than done! The rider needs to be able to control their own balance and co-ordinate applying the aids independently before being able to give accurate signals to the horse. Nevertheless, it is good practise always try to be as accurate as you can and as you become more experienced in your riding you will find that your ability to do this will increase.
Once basic riding skills are established, the use of a dressage saddle becomes more influential and is compulsory for competition at higher levels. Some riding instructors believe that all flat work should be ridden in a dressage saddle. In terms of precision, a dressage saddle can enable dressage riders to apply the leg and seat aids effectively. This is because the dressage saddle has been developed and designed specifically for the sport of dressage.
A dressage saddle has a much deeper seat with wider and flatter panels than a, jumping or general purpose horse riding saddle. It is due to this that the dressage rider experiences a closer contact with the horse through the seat, and can therefore give more accurate and refined signals to the horse. Similarly, the straighter cut of the saddle flaps and position of the stirrup bars encourages the rider’s legs to be in the correct position and allows greater freedom of movement to apply effective leg aids.
Of course a specialised dressage saddle isn’t going to turn a good hacking horse into a grand prix dressage horse, although in any sport every little assistance or advantage that can be gained should be taken and it will help with position and enable the effective application the aids. The key to making your schooling and dressage riding more efficient (preferably with a dressage saddle) is precision precision precision. By keeping this in mind at all times then in the long run it can make your schooling and dressage riding more efficient and improve your horse’s performance.
The on-line Equine Store has a great number of products for horse and rider, including quality English leather dressage saddles in standard sizes or made to measure. Please feel free to browse at the shop www.equine-store.com