Dressage is a style of riding based on classical techniques that developed in Europe in the 17th century. It’s a highly technical form of riding that uses a rider’s body and voice to guide a horse through different movements. In the world of dressage, the horse is considered to be an instrument and the rider is the conductor who guides the animal through different movements and positions using subtle aids such as voice, leg and body movements, and pressure points.Dressage has four different levels of proficiency: foundation, novice, intermediate, and advanced. At the foundation level, the rider should be able to sit quietly in the saddle with no aids and have the horse understand simple commands such as walk, halt, and change directions. At the intermediate level, the rider is expected to be able to perform more complicated movements, such as half-passes and flying changes, while also being able to ride in a collected and relaxed manner. At the advanced level, the rider will be expected to perform complex movements, such as flying changes and half-passes, with great precision and speed. These movements cannot be done by all riders at any one level; they must be learned over time and practiced regularly. If you’re interested in learning more about dressage and want to know more about common techniques used in dressage, this article will give you a general overview of some of the most important ones.
Half-Passes
A half-pass is a combination of a half-circle on the right and a half-circle on the left, performed in one continuous movement. The horse’s body should remain straight with no leaning in either direction during this movement. A half-pass is a common movement used in the intermediate and advanced levels of dressage. It is used to change directions and change speed. At the intermediate level, the rider should be able to perform the half-pass in both directions. At the advanced level, the rider should be able to perform the half-pass with great speed in both directions.
Passes
A pass is a combination of a half-circle on the right and a half-circle on the left, performed in one continuous movement. The horse’s body should remain straight with no leaning in either direction during this movement. A pass is a common movement used in the intermediate and advanced levels of dressage. It is used to change directions and change speed. At the intermediate level, the rider should be able to perform the pass in both directions. At the advanced level, the rider should be able to perform the pass with great speed in both directions.
Canter to Trot Changes
A canter to trot change is a combination of a canter to trot transition, a half-pass, and a canter to trot transition. The horse’s body should remain straight with no leaning in either direction during this movement. A canter to trot change is a common movement used in the intermediate and advanced levels of dressage. It is used to change directions and change speed. At the intermediate level, the rider should be able to perform the canter to trot change in both directions. At the advanced level, the rider should be able to perform the canter to trot change with great speed in both directions.
Lunge Changes
A lunge change is a combination of a half-pass and a walk-trot transition. The horse’s body should remain straight with no leaning in either direction during this movement. A lunge change is a common movement used in the intermediate and advanced levels of dressage. It is used to change directions and change speed. At the intermediate level, the rider should be able to perform the lunge change in both directions. At the advanced level, the rider should be able to perform the lunge change with great speed in both directions.
Ride Together Changes
A ride together change is a combination of a walk-trot transition and a walk-canter transition. The horse’s body should remain straight with no leaning in either direction during this movement. A ride together change is a common movement used in the intermediate and advanced levels of dressage. It is used to change directions and change speed. At the intermediate level, the rider should be able to perform the ride together change in both directions. At the advanced level, the rider should be able to perform the ride together change with great speed in both directions.
Conclusion
Dressage is a highly technical form of riding that uses a rider’s body and voice to guide a horse through different movements. It is a challenging equestrian sport that requires a high level of skill and dedication. If you want to learn more about dressage and want to know more about common techniques used in dressage, this article will give you a general overview of some of the most important ones.