Dressage & Western Dressage

Dressage is for the equestrian that only wants to work on the beautiful sport of dressage and not participate in the arena or cross county jumping of the Mini-Event.

​

Dressage is a French term meaning “training” and its purpose is to develop the horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to work making him calm, supple and attentive to his rider.

​

If you are a history buff, you might be interested in reading more about the beginnings of dressage that date back to Xenophon in Greece and include a long line of riding masters, both from the military and the famous riding schools which developed during the Baroque era.

​

Currently, competitive dressage involves nine progressive levels incorporating multiple tests within each level. Each test prepares the horse and rider for new elements of the next test. The first two tests only require walk/trot and are perfect for the beginner. Tests are revised every four years by the United States Dressage Federation, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

​

Competition occurs in a regulation size arena with specific apparel and equipment all regulated by USEF. Judges are licensed by the USEF and the FEI and are assisted by scribes who write down the judge’s scores and comments during the test.

​

Our schooling shows are a great way to prepare your horse for the sanctioned shows in an amateur-friendly environment for you and your horse.