can anyone tell me how where i can learn dressage?

[horsein around]

i really want to learn how to do dressage but i havent got a clue where to start:confused: my horse is very well schooled and i think he would do really well,iv show jumped,hunted and done x country but iv never tried dressage.any ideas on how i could start,find a instructor or anything about it would be great.
thanks x

[Miska]

I'm having a curious sense of de ja vous.....isn't there a thread exactly the same???

Anyways....If ** a good rider just find a local dressage show....do a walk and trot class and work on from there. You could get a specialised RI too. I can't really talk though as my first dressage was a disaster!

[Cochise]

There was, I deleted the multiple thread. :)

[horsein around]

thanks for the replies :) i never thought of finding a RI! is it hard to learn because it looks it lol x

[Em 1]

i never thought of finding a RI! is it hard to learn because it looks it lol x

It's always worth getting a RI to help you - a fresh pair of eyes is useful in my opinion anyway;)

As for whether dressage is hard....

...'dressage' just means 'training' so as long as you are working within your comfort zone, dressage shouldn't be hard! As Miska said, you can enter a competition just in walk and trot!

If you do want a dressage instructor to help you, have a look at:

http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/findtrainer.cfm?id=4&name=&location=NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

They are BD approved so should help you on your way:)

Good luck anyway:) :)

[Ross]

I'd second the idea of getting some lessons, but alternatively you could join a RC - they nearly all do mounted schooling sessions, and most will compete at dressage. They may even organise their own shows.

don't be put off by the word though - dressage is only schooling, and you'll probably find you're already doing most of the stuff for at least prelimianry level - it's only walk, trot and canter after all!

Try and go to some local shows and watch - you'll be surprised, I think..

Ross

[nicolaj]

Second Ross' comments.

Dressage at the lower levels are bascially school moves such as 20m, 10m circles, serpantines, walk, trot and canter all put together in a 'test' which lasts about five minutes.

Most of the stuff you no doubt already do when you are schooling anyway. As you move up the levels, then they expect to see things like collected and extended moves and you and your horse being more 'together' and horsey working properly from behind.

Find a good RI and give it a go!! It is adictive.:)

[DITZ]

PM me if you want any recommendations on RI's in Nottm.

[horsein around]

Thanks for all ya repiles, i think am going to give it a go:p theres no harm in trying hey! just one other thing tho....my horse has bone spavin in the hock hes ok now his bone has fused would that be a problem?

[emlybob]

I have an advanced hores with bone spavin and he is still going well at 14 so u should be ok as long as he is not too crippled. Give it a go u wont know unless u try

[horsein around]

thanks emlybob,its nice to no im not the only one that has a horse with bone spavin:D iv decided im gonna try it.:D

[emlybob]

Good for u. Go out and do some dressage and trust me you will enjoy it. I never thought i would but you will learn so much and meet some more people with similar interests.

Good Luck

Let us all know how you get on.

Whereabouts in Notts are you can help u find a RI know alot of people there. PM me if u are interested