Dressage

This is not as scary as it sounds!

Lets look at what we are trying to achieve:

We want our horses to be; calm, obedient, and engaged (another of those scary words).

It doesn't matter if we never want to do a dressage test. To jump, hunt, or even do gymkhana games our horses or ponies all have to be trained.

How would a gymkhana pony race from a standing start. If not engaged. Or a hunter stand by a covert if not calm and obedient.

We will start by looking at the three basic paces.

Walk

The walk has a four beat sequence. Variations medium, collected, extended, and free walk.

A good walk has the correct four beat sequence with a relaxed outline.

Trot

The trot is two time. The horse moves his legs in diagonal pairs. Variations working, medium, and extended.

A good trot is active with the hind leg stepping under the horse (engagement) the top line (over the back and neck) must stay supple and relaxed.

Canter