Steffen Peters of the U.S.A. shows his appreciation to Legolas and the crowd after their Grand Prix Special ride. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan PhotographySunday, July 12 was the Pan Am team dressage finals and the pressure was turned as...
Q: I am new to riding dressage, but am wondering how to adjust the noseband. Should it be tight or loose?A: It’s important to know the rules of competition in any discipline so you can apply them at...
Working gaits? Check! Rhythm and regularity? Check! 20-meter circles? Check! Whether you’re bringing along a green horse or just getting started in dressage, Training Level is your starting point.
Naturally you want to show at your best, so how can...
At Training Level, all trot work may be ridden posting or sitting at the rider’s discretion. So which should you choose? "When in doubt, post,” says U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) gold medalist and leading sport horse breeder Ken Borden....
Riding outside most often proves to be one of the surest accelerants of dressage training. First, there is no better test of your dressage mastery than to take it on the trail. Asking for your horse’s responsiveness and skills...
In Part I of Dressage Mysteries Solved, dressage clinician, author and three-time Olympic coach Jane Savoie outlined the connecting aids required for putting your horse on the bit:Close your legs on the horse...
What does it look like when my horse is on the bit?Hindquarters: "You want to see active hindquarters and your horse stepping well under himself," says Savoie.
Back: Just behind the saddle, the back should look round, not...
Q: I do dressage with my very lazy, thick-skinned Friesian. He doesn’t respect my leg or whip. What can I do to get a better response?
A: There are classical training methods to address the situation you have with...
The half-halt is elusive to many dressage riders. Performed correctly, it remains nearly imperceptible to onlookers, while providing necessary balance and connection to the horse. Fortunately, this technique is not as complicated as it sounds.
American Grand Prix dressage rider...
