balance the horse and aim

The rider must balance the horse and aim to give lighter aids to gain a better result.

To achieve this the rider must first be balanced and not rely on the reins or gripping for support. The dressage-rider must work on their balance in the seat to be sure they are not putting more weight in one seat bone than the other and that one hip is not further forward than the other. They must have equal weight: to hold the weight of the leg) in the stirrups and legs long and in the correct place for giving the aids. The rider must carry their arms and hands and not lean on their own hips or rest on the horse. Correct dressage position can be checked in any book and it is a gradual process to achieve it, keep the primary aim of keeping the hands separate from the rest of the body right from the beginner stage. The legs must not grip but cuddle the horse and the rider should think of feeling the hair of the horse and not squashing the horse's insides out.

In dressage, when an aid is given it is an electric touch then off and try again. This needs to be reinforced with a touch of the whip (not sharply) if ignored. Firstly "Ask" if ignored …"Tell" if ignored …"Demand". If ignored… try the sequence again (perhaps it was misunderstood). It will encourage the horse to respond on the first gentle "ask" command but be sure the horse is not confused and never punish them in a way to cause stress. The difference between ask and demand is the difference between an invisible and a visible aid. Consistency is very important. Never allow your moods to "demand" without "ask" and always reward by voice or a pat.

The dressage-rider must assume the role of the teacher and gently explain what is required. No student likes to be yelled at for no reason, why should a dressage-horse be different. Whisper your aids... don't shout them. They cannot speak our language, you must explain what you want and they will want to continue to learn.

As the rider progresses from training the basic priorities of "forward, rhythm, balance and straightness" they can start to encourage the horse to step under themselves more but the rider must be light in the saddle, very flexible in the lower back and have a light independent hand. Hold the reins as though you are holding a Childs hand, if the horse leans, briefly drop the contact forward for a second and drive the dressage-horse under more (tap, tap, not squeeeezzzzzeeee). Do not pull the horse back, feel as though you are pushing the horse under and allowing the back to bow upwards. A common beginner fault is to resume a "fetal" position and pull which makes the horses back bend the wrong way or hollow. The dressage-rider must open up and stretch tall, hips forward and in balance. The horse will become more comfortable to ride as they gain balance, rhythm and spring.

Collection is more difficult and an instructor will assist the rider to apply the corresponding restricting aids when the back foot lands and the propelling aids when the back foot is about to step forward. This is when the dressage horses natural paces start to really improve and gives you bounceability. Any backward blocking of the rein will prevent the inside hind legs from coming forward properly.

Competition dressage is judged on the paces, impulsion, submission and the riders effectiveness over a series of carefully prepared test movements. It is the judges responsibility to give guidance to the dressage riders and to tell them if they have consolidated the horses correct training enough at the level required before advancing. The national levels are: preliminary, novice, elementary, medium and advanced. The international levels are Prix St George, Intermediaire 1, Intermediaie 11 and finally Grand Prix. Most competitors start off at unofficial levels before progressing to the more demanding official competitions.

Dressage is a sport of beauty and is only possible when there is a true partnership with the horse and rider. The skills are difficult but once learnt will help the rider to improve any horse and help both horse and rider enjoy any discipline. Dressage is a great sport; please join us.

Popular Dressage Horses

Dutch Warmbood

History and Origin of the Breed

The Dutch Warmblood is a "warmblood sport horse" breed. Warmblood simply distinguishes this type of horse from the "cold bloods" (draft horses) and the "hot bloods" (Thoroughbreds and Arabians).

Sport horse

refers to the intended use of the breed -- as a competitive and recreational horse for the major international equestrian disciplines of dressage, jumping, three-day event and driving.

Most Warmblood breeds are continuing to evolve. In fact, they are not "breeds" in the sense that Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Morgans and Saddlebreds are breeds. They do not have closed studbooks. Other breeds are often introduced to the gene pool to reap the benefits of hybrid vigor, and to speed and improve the evolutionary process of attaining the "Breeding Goal" of the particular studbook. The Dutch Warmblood is no exception.

Breed Characteristics

Dutch Warmblood horses average about 16.2 hands with some reaching 17 hands. Coat colors are chestnut, bay, black or gray with white markings often on the face and legs. The head is well shaped, usually with a straight profile, and the neck is arched and well muscled, merging neatly into the withers, which are fairly prominent. The back is straight and fairly long, with the croup short, broad and flat. The tail is set high. The chest of this horse is deep and full and the shoulder is well sloped. The legs are strong with a long forearm. Hindquarters are powerful and highly muscled, a characteristic inherited from the original and powerful farm horses of the Netherlands and a feature necessary for strong movements.

Sport Horse

Dutch Warmbloods are bred to perform in dressage and show jumping at the highest level. These horses are appealing modern horses, with great eagerness, reliability and intelligence.

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Popular Dressage Horses

Hanoverian