Dressage

Dressage in brief

Dressage is a french word which roughly translates to "training". Dressage is the basic training of all riding horses. Showjumpers, Show Hacks and Pleasure horses will all benefit from dressage training - dressage training creates a horse that is more comfortable, safe and pleasurable to ride.

Competitive Dressage

Competitive Dressage takes the form of a series of increasingly difficult tests. Each test is a rigorous routine of set gymnastic movements which are performed with absolute exactness in front of judges. The sequence of movements designed to show the suppleness, obedience and strength of the horse.

Australian National tests are ridden from Preliminary to Advanced Level. The International Tests, issued by the FEI are executed at five levels, from Prix St Georges through to Grand Prix Special. A Freestyle to Music has recently been added to the Dressage repertoire. In Freestyle tests, riders perform their own pattern of movements choreographed from a list of compulsory elements suitable for each level.

Horses

Horses for official competition must exceed 149cm with shoes (148cms without shoes), be 3 years of age or over, registered with the EFA and have a current performance card. There are no restrictions on breeds.

Ponies are as above but must not exceed 149cms with shoes (148cms without shoes).

Riders

Riders can start entering Official competitions from the start of the calendar year in which they turn 12 years of age when riding horses. If they are riding ponies they may start competing in Official competitions from the start of the calendar year in which they turn 10 years of age. To compete officially riders must also be EFA members. Dressage riders come in all shapes and sizes and male and female professional and amateur riders compete on equal terms.

Judging

Judged subjectively, dressage relies on a body of dedicated judges positioned at designated points around the dressage arena. Whilst accuracy is important, the quality of the movement and the adherence to the classical principles also govern the mark awarded out of ten(10). The judge is judging the performance of the horse, however, the effectiveness of the rider is recorded at the conclusion of the test.

A score of 65% is considered to be a good score, often a winning mark. At World Championships and Olympic level, scores of 75% plus are now being recorded. Freestyle to Music competitions are judged on Technical and Artistic presentation. A winning freestyle test must not only be technically sound, but offer great expression with visual excitement- this is when the craft of dressage becomes an art.