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.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

March

The season is flying by! But the horses are amazing in their improvement. February was a fantastic month with a strong presence from our best friend and trainer Mr Schumacher. His advice and encouragement has kept us on track and our horses are stronger and happier for his great advise.
Taylor and Ariel looked fantastic in their clinic lessons. I am so proud to see them answer his questions so well and work their horses in such a positive and thoughtful way. So many people in this era have no time for training and what the horses need. I am so happy to be surrounded by clients and working students that are driven by the same fuel that drives me. Success yes, but from the right training. The horses come first, especially if we are in it for the long haul.
Roxanne did wonderful in the White Fences Show last weekend. She won both of her classes with 68% but better then that she was so confident and relaxed. So much fun! We are on again this coming weekend at Jim Brandon.
Equestrian Estates held the Palm Beach Derby over this weekend and what a fantastic job they did. The show grounds just looks fantastic and everything ran so nicely. Congratulations to Rikke who did great with her latest project in 3 rd level, 3 rd with 66 + and 2 nd the next day with 68 SUPER job!
Presently working on a great article about Mr Schumacher and his super training technique. Back to work!
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