How to Compete in Dressage

Dressage is the equine event that combines the precision and athleticism of gymnastics with the grace and reserve of ballet. This event has been around for hundreds of years and became an Olympic sport in 1912.

Instructions

1. Choose the best horse for the competition. Although any breed is acceptable for dressage, thoroughbreds or warmbloods (any of the larger or European-descended horses) are preferable.

2. Understand that dressage is the French word for training. It is classical European training that requires the horse and rider to perform a series of movements and figures. Horses should be supple on both sides, respond willingly and obediently, and move freely forward with pure gaits at an even tempo.

3. Know that the three basic dressage exercises include figures, such as serpentines and circles; movements, which is how a horse moves laterally (sideways); and transitions, which is how the horse changes from gait to gait.

4. Ride in a standard-size dressage arena that is 20 by 60 meters (approximately 66 by 197 feet). The small-size dressage arena is 20 by 40 meters (66 by 132 feet).

5. Visualize the outer railings of the arena being marked with large letters that serve as targets for performing designated movements and figures.

6. Listen for the sound of the judge's bell to commence your pattern, and enter the arena.

7. Proceed straight down centerline and halt in the middle.

8. Salute the judge and proceed with your pattern.

9. Mark the end of the pattern by returning to centerline, halting, and saluting the judge.

10. Receive a score from one to five judges. The judges evaluate horse and rider by scoring each movement or figure against a standard of perfection (the perfect execution of the movement). Particularly difficult moves are given more importance; their scores are multiplied by 2.

11. Look for correct execution of movements and figures as well as quality of horse's gait, impulsion (energy and thrust) and submission (relaxation and obedience). Riders are scored on position, balance, harmony and effectiveness.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a hunt cap or top hat, dark jacket, light-colored shirt with choker or tie, light-colored breeches, tall leather boots, and dark or white leather gloves.

• Riders at lower levels are required to use a mild snaffle bit with reins directly attached to the ring of the bit, going from horse's mouth to rider's hands. No leveraged bits are allowed at lower levels.

• Dressage saddles have straight flaps on the sides to accommodate a rider's relatively straight leg position.

• Dressage patterns are performed one rider at a time. Riders perform a specific pattern of movements and figures designed for specific levels of proficiency.

• There are four levels of dressage riding plus the FEI, or International, level.

• The FEI level has three tests: the Prix St. Georges and Intermediare I and II. The highest stage of development is Grand Prix (the level at which riders compete in the Olympics and World Championships).