How Does a Horse Learn Dressage?

Gait

A horse learns dressage by being conditioned to respond to its rider's weight shifts and signals from the reins. Cues are given to the horse when the rider applies pressure with her legs. Other cues are given when the rider shifts her weight in the saddle. Cues are also given to the horse when the rider adjusts the pressure and position of each rein. These cues are known as aids.

The first stage of dressage that a horse learns is how to respond to leg aids that signal forward movement. The rider adds in weight shift aids to signal what rhythmic movements she wants from the horse. A horse acquires the ability to follow the rhythm of a walk, trot or canter gait through repeated practice with a rider who gives consistent weight shift cues and leg aids.

Obedience

A horse learns obedience through repetition and reward. This is important because obedience is one of the judging criteria in a dressage competition. A horse learns to respond to basic verbal commands at a young age. In dressage training, the horse finds out that it will be rewarded with praise when it responds to the rider's verbal commands and aids. In some cases a riding crop is used to get the horse's attention. Good riders do not inflict physical pain but instead tap the horse at an appropriate spot. The horse feels the tap and will then refocus attention to the commands and aids it is receiving.

The Bit and Reins

The bit is a mouthpiece for a horse. The reins are attached to the bit and are a conduit for the horse to receive signals from its rider. The bit is also an aid in learning dressage. Gentle pressure on one or both of the reins indicates which way the rider wants the horse to move. A horse learns to take a wide turn or a tight turn by feeling how the reins are draped near its neck and how much pressure there is on the bit.

Combination Moves

Once a horse is relaxed in accepting the aids and easily responds to the rider's commands, it is time to combine moves. One type of combination move is called rearing up. The horse responds to a combination of leg aids and rider weight shifts followed by rein signals to stop forward movement. Responding to these three signals, the horse learns to rear back on its hind legs. Other combination moves include sidestepping, bowing and turning on point. Once combination moves are firmly established in a horse's repertoire they can be choreographed in a way that looks like dancing to the spectator.

Resources

• United States Dressage Federation
• Lipizzan Association of North America