Contributors

Dressage


Dressage (a French term meaning "training") is a path and destination of competitive horse training, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics. Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless. Dressage is occasionally referred to as "Horse Ballet." Although the discipline has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, mainly through the influence of Xenophon, dressage was first recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance in Western Europe. The great European riding masters of that period developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then and classical dressage is still considered the basis of trained modern dressage.

Early European aristocrats displayed their horses' training in equestrian pageants, but in modern dressage competition, successful training at the various levels is demonstrated through the performance of "tests," or prescribed series of movements within a standard arena. Judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to ten - zero being "not executed" and ten being "excellent." A score of nine (or "very good") is considered a particularly high mark, while a competitor achieving all sixes (or 60% overall) should be considering moving on to the next level.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Symposium

THIS SAYS IT ALL!
Dear Nancy, I wanted to take the time this morning to send my heartfelt gratitude to you for all your hard work to make this weekend possible! It was an outstanding opportunity to watch such terrific horses and riders. What a gift Mr. Schumacher has and how generous he is with his knowledge! I have been a "children's instructor" for more years then I would care to share. That being said, I would be happy to volunteer my services for any further events that you and "The Bills" might offer! As I listened to Mr. Schumacher speak of Germany's national system of training, I thought to myself, why not us, why not here, and what better time then now! Let's show what "made in America" can mean. Again, thank you so much for all of your efforts. You will be greatly rewarded! Yours Truly,Katie WardPocksha Farm
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