What is dressage? written by Lauren Dawson (former HFDA President)

The word "dressage" (rhymes with "massage") is derived from a French term meaning training. It is not only a method of schooling, but also a competitive equestrian sport. 

Dressage develops the horse's physique and suppleness, and improves the horse's three natural gaits, making it a pleasure to ride. 

Dressage is considered "classical training" because it uses gymnastic exercises -- a series of movements and figures -- which have been studied and developed for centuries. When done systematically and correctly, the exercises will cause the horse to be supple on both sides and to respond willingly and obediently, moving freely forward with pure gaits and an even tempo.
Examples of basic-level exercises include figures such as serpentines and circles, movements such as lateral movements (sideways), and transitions such as trot to halt, or walk to canter. These exercises can be used to start a young horse or to retrain an older one, and can be used by riders primarily interested in other equestrian sports, such as western riding.

As the horse and rider progress, more difficult gymnastic exercises are introduced into their training program. 

As a result, the advanced horse becomes an athlete, developing strength, flexibility, and the ability to perform collected and extended gaits with lightness and brilliance. 

This performance of grace and athleticism is beautiful to witness when the horse and rider work in harmony. The gradual, logical progression of the gymnastic exercises not only leads to an obedient, balanced mount, but it also improves the seat, coordination, and feel of the rider. The rider communicates with the horse with a subtle shifting of his weight, the right amount of leg pressure, and specific subtle signals to the horse's mouth through the reins. To ride in harmony with the horse, the rider must follow the horse's movement with the seat and back, yet maintain elegant upright posture and quiet, independent legs and hands.
Developing these exacting skills is a never-ending challenge that requires self-discipline. Dressage is not a "quick fix" approach to training, but a means for building a solid foundation which will cause the horse to be strong, supple, and a pleasure to ride. 

Dressage in competition

All dressage competition takes place in a rectangular arena of exact measurements. A "standard size" arena is 20 by 60 meters (approx. 66 x 197 feet) and a "small size" arena is 20 by 40 meters (approx. 66 x 132 feet). Along the outer rails of the arena are lettered markers placed at specific points which serve as targets for performing designated movements and figures. All dressage tests unfold in the same way. At the sound of the judge's bell, a horse and rider enter the arena at the "A" marker and proceed straight down the centerline, halting in the middle. The rider then salutes the judge sitting at the "C" marker and proceeds with the test. At the end of the test, the competitor returns to the centerline, once again halting and saluting the judge.

At the beginning stages, riders can enter Introductory Level and Training Level. At these levels, the tests require only simple obedience at a brisk walk and trot, or walk, trot and canter along the rail, and in large circles or serpentines. As the horse and rider progress in their movements and figures. For example:

• First Level: 15- and 10-meter circles, lengthening of the stride, serpentines, leg-yield and counter canter.

• Second Level: Medium gaits, collected gaits, shoulder-in, haunches-in, reinback, walk-canter transitions, counter canter, half-turn on haunches at walk, eight-meter circles.

• Fourth Level: Flying changes every four strides and every three strides, extended canter, canter half-pirouette, trot zigzag half-pass.
• F.E.I. (International) Levels: Flying changes every two strides and every one stride, piaffe, passage, full canter pirouettes.

The first three tests at the F.E.I. level are the Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I, and Intermediare II. The highest stage of development is the Grand Prix, which is the level shown at the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Dressage Terminology Sources: 1995 USDF Manual; 1995-1998 USDF instructor pre-certification materials.

Cadence—The hind legs must "swing through" and engage well underneath the horse. The moment of suspension is more clearly defined.

Collection—When a horse is working in collection the quarters take more of the load. The haunches (hip and stifle joints) are flexing more and the hind legs step more under the horse's center of balance. This lightens the forehand and allows greater freedom of movement. The strides become shorter without losing energy and activity. The horse looks and feels more "uphill." In the trot as well as in the canter, the impulsion needs to be fully maintained, rendering these gaits more expressive and cadenced.

The horse's anatomy is such that it carries most of his own weight on the forehand. This situation is adversely effected by the rider's position directly behind the shoulders. Therefore, it is also in the interest of soundness and safety of the footfalls if the hindquarters are induced to carry more of the weight. Consequently, it is advantageous for every horse to go in a certain measure of collection.

Contact—A soft, steady connection between the rider's hand and the horse's mouth. A correct, steady contact allows the horse to find it's balance under the rider and find a rhythm in each gait. Contact must never be obtained by pulling back with the reins. It must result from the correct development of the pushing powers of the horse. The discreetly driving aids of the rider cause the horse to step into the hands with confidence.

Elevation —Relative elevation is relative to the horse's ability to collect at any particular stage of his training according to his conformation.

Impulsion —The energy created by the hind legs transmitted into the gaits and into every aspect of the forward movement. Impulsion is the result of the correct influence of the rider, utilizing the natural gaits of the horse and combining them with relaxation, and the development of the horse's pushing power and throughness.

Rhythm—The regularity and the purity of the steps or strides in each gait, covering equal distance and of equal duration. The metronomic "beat" of the horse's footfalls. It should not vary.

Rhythm and Regularity —Rhythm and regularity have to be maintained on straight lines, in all bending and/or lateral work, and during transitions. If an exercise or a movement is not regular it cannot be rated good. A training exercise is non-productive if it causes irregularity.

Relaxation —Relaxation has been achieved when the horse is willing to stretch his neck forward and down in all three gaits (allowing the horse to chew the reins out of the rider's hands). A relaxed horse moves with a swinging back and in a natural, regular rhythm without hurrying. The horse accepts the driving aids and allows a supple rider to sit comfortably.

Straightness—In a straight horse the pushing powers work directly towards the horse's center of balance. The forehand is in line with its hindquarters allowing the horse's longitudinal axis to follow the straight or curved line of the track. The rider's restraining aids will then pass through the horse correctly, via the horse's mouth, the poll, the neck, and the back through to the quarters and influence both hind legs equally.

Submission—The horse's willingness to conform to directions from the rider.

Suppleness —The horse's body is free of tension. He looks dimensional with clear muscular definition.

Tempo—The rate of repetition of the rhythm. Ideally, it appears easy and without tension.

Throughness—Throughness is the quality that allows the horse to move with relaxation and obedience equally in both directions, accepting easily the forward or sideways driving as well as the restraining aids. Throughness is the key characteristic of a correctly trained horse.