Hopefully starting Dressage Soon!!

[Luv 2 Trot]

Hi,

Im currently riding and showing western and i am thinking that after show season is over, i will switch to Dressage. I think it would be really fun. I just want to kno from some experienced Dressage people wut it is lik. Such as, are the competitions hard?, wut do u wear?, wuts the difference between a dressage boot and a field boot?. Any tips, suggestions, etc. would be much appreciated. Also, is it difficult to train a horse in Dressage technique? Thanx.

[IrisSilverMoon]

well like any competition dressage has its points that its specifically looking at. They arn't hard per say, but they aren't the easiest things in the world. If you know anyone competing you might want to try to go and watch. Tests range from simple walk trot all the way up to doing tempi changes and piaffe, it can be as hard or as easy as you feel you are ready for.

for recognized competitions at least in the US, you need white breeches, black jacket, black or white gloves and tall boots (either field or dressage) field boots have laces, dressage boots don't, a pretty simple difference, since you are just starting don't worry about this too much. You also need a helmet, a top hat you don't need for awhile so don't worry about it. at unrecognized competitions i just show in tall boots, my tan breeches and a white shirt, the unrecognized shows are pretty relaxed.

I wouldn't say dressage technique is any more difficult to teach than anything else, it takes time and patience, but i've never come across a horse that couldn't learn at least the basics.

as for tips, I would say just have fun with it. SOme people take it way to seriously, but if you do that you won't have fun. its a fun sport I think, you'll have fun trying it out...:)

[Luv 2 Trot]

Thanx IrisSilverMoon.

I've already tought my horse bending and side passing. So thats a plus. I would luv to actually compete. I've done English, lik jumping, but didnt care for it. I'm currently in western and i lik it, but i think Dressage may be the way to go because it seems to include a bit of both. Don't u think?
Anywho, so the type of boot doesnt matter, just as long as its a tall boot? Thats a relief. Some Dressage boots get pretty pricey. Thanx again for the tips and such. They are really helpful!!

[IrisSilverMoon]

yes, one of the things I like to say about dressage is that it uses a lot of the same movements as the western reiners. Reining is a little more exciting to watch though, hehe.

and you definately should not have to worry about your boots until you get to a pretty high level.

[Luv 2 Trot]

Thats good to hear. LOL. I was jus a little confused about the whole boot thing ya kno. I hope that one day i can compete at a high level lik Lisa Wilcox and Relevant! They are awesome to watch. Dont Dressage riders also wear their stirrups long lik western riders?

[IrisSilverMoon]

yes we do! My stirrups are a lot longer than if I were jumping or doing equitation or something, they probably are about western length...:)

I switched to dressage from western too, one of the good things about learning it was that I came with a very good seat already from the western, I could already sit the trot! :p

[Luv 2 Trot]

Cool.
I hope i go with a good seat. I prefer the longer stirrups, its kind of a comfort thing. I feel safer. I've played around in the English saddle every now and then and did some sitting trot and I did fairly well, a lot better then before i switched to western. :p . I can't wait to switch, i hav to finish up showing first. Its only lik 4 or 5 more shows. :( . Its sad but i get to move on to other things and go bac next show season and do them. But i will continue to show western, but if i can show both.....it'd be great!! Thanx for the tips and such!! :D

[Torie]

If you're looking to compete in dressage I'd suggest finding out about some local dressage shows - check out local tackshops or country magazines - and go along and see what it's all about. You'll not only get an idea of what's expected and see the level of competition but you'll also get to meet the local dressage people who would be able to put you in touch with a good local instructor. The show secatary should also be able to give you lots of information about dressage in your area.

The best of luck!

Torie xx

[Luv 2 Trot]

Thanx Torie!

One of my friends at the stable does Dressage and i think she competes. My instructor said that i should go along to one of the shows with them. I would luv to go with her to a show. It would be loads of fun. I'm not planning on changing my instructor because the one i hav now is reallt good and moves at my speed. Thanx again!!

[SailleCinza]

Dressage is great, but it is soooo different from western. Once you get your horse really into dressage training, you may even need to start feeding her differently. A lower-level dressage horse uses as much energy as a barrel racer! A higher-level dressage horse is considered to be doing extreme work - in the same category as racehorses and eventers.

If your horse has only done western, you will need to take time re-training your horse, especially to create new muscles. If your horse has been doing western for some time, she will have developed muscles under her neck. In dressage, you will need to develop muscles on her topline.

Dressage is great in that it can be super-intense or relatively easygoing, depending on the level. I think collection is the most rewarding part of dressage, and by far the most difficult! A horse's way of going in dressage is something that evolves, and being with your horse while this happens is a GREAT experience.

Are you going to train your horse yourself, or are you having a trainer do it? Have fun either way, and hopefully welcome to the wonderful sport of dressage!

Dressage is even more different than western than a basic hunt seat, because of the intense way of going. For example, the goal will not be a relaxed and comfortable trot but a high-energy, forward, powerful trot... But your upper-body position will be relatively the same, and the stirrups will still be long! The rein contact will really take getting used to, having that direct contact.

Have fun!

[Luv 2 Trot]

Thanx Saille Cinza!

My horse has done both English(jumping) and then for the past year he has done jumping and western. We are working on filling out his back because the bone is really noticable and he needs muscles in his neck. Anywho... i will probably be training him myself because i hav had to train him in western and i've done some dressage lik just leg yielding and side passes. I really am excited about starting Dressage. I think it will be fun because its totally different from western and huntseat lik you said. I've done a bit of collecting to strengthen his neck and back and i've done ok. I think the hardest part will be the extended trot and canter. I can't even extend my jog!! O well, i will learn and practice and become good over time. Thanx again.