What is Dressage?

The Sport of Dressage
At its core, dressage is the art of training horses, but it also encompasses a competitive element. It involves a horse and rider performing a series of predetermined movements, known as a "test", within a rectangular arena. These movements are evaluated by a panel of judges who score each element on a scale of one to ten. The total score is then converted into a percentage; the highest percentage determines the competition winner.

The Arena
Dressage competitions take place in one of two standard arena sizes: 20 x 40 metres or 20 x 60 metres. These arenas are marked with letters, placed at specific intervals, guiding the riders where to perform each movement.

20m x 40m Arena

20m x 60m Arena

Dressage Movements

A dressage test is a set of movements, either laid out as a pre-determined route using the arena letters or as a list to be included in a 'freestyle' test set to music. Please visit the paces and movements section to learn more about the movements required.

Levels of Dressage
National dressage levels vary from country to country, ranging from Introductory to Grand Prix levels. The simplest tests, performed at the Introductory level, involve basic gaits like walking and trotting. Progressing through the levels, riders incorporate more complex gaits like canter and, eventually, advanced movements such as lateral work and flying changes. The pinnacle of dressage, the Grand Prix level, represents the highest achievement in the sport, requiring years of dedicated training..

The Scales of Training

The scales of training are essential guidelines that riders adhere to throughout the training of dressage horses. These principles are universally recognized across many nations and are considered fundamental to producing well-trained horses. They also provide the criteria judges use to evaluate horses during competitions.

Application and Progression

While the scales of training are generally addressed in sequence, training is adaptive, and at times, specific scales may be prioritized to address the horse's immediate needs. However, a solid foundation in rhythm is essential before advancing to more complex scales like suppleness and contact. As training progresses, the expectations for each scale increase; what is acceptable in a novice horse will not suffice at higher levels, where advanced movements demand higher degrees of each scale.

The scales of training not only structure the progressive development of dressage horses but also ensure that each stage of training builds upon the last, aiming for a harmonious and skilled partnership between horse and rider.

  • Rhythm

    Rhythm is the foundational scale, emphasising consistency and correctness at each gait:

    Walk: Characterised by four clear, marching hoof beats.

    Trot: Defined by two hoof beats with diagonal legs moving together, separated by moments of suspension.

    Canter: Marked by three hoof beats, with one diagonal pair moving together, also including a phase of suspension. Maintaining a consistent tempo, irrespective of direction changes or stride adjustments, is crucial.

  • Suppleness

    Suppleness refers to the horse's ability to move with flexibility and without resistance. This involves:

    Toned muscles that are free from tension.

    Joints that move fluidly without tightness. A horse demonstrates true suppleness when it can stretch forward and downward effortlessly when the rein contact is lightened, such as in a free walk, without becoming rigid or raising its head.

  • Contact

    Proper contact is achieved through a light, consistent, and elastic connection with the horse's mouth via the reins. This should be established through the rider's leg and seat aids, encouraging the horse to engage muscles along its topline from the hindquarters to the poll. A correct contact results in a rounded, not hollow, frame during movement, with the horse feeling connected and responsive.

  • Impulsion

    Impulsion is the controlled power generated from the horse's hindquarters, characterised by energetic yet measured steps that further engage the hind legs under the body. This power must be contained rather than expended as speed, requiring a horse to be both supple and connected to harness true impulsion. The goal is to develop the horse's natural athleticism without becoming uncontrollable.

  • Straightness

    Like humans, horses naturally favour one side, which can lead to crookedness. Straightness in training ensures that the horse's hind legs follow the path of the forelegs on straight lines and curves, aiding in balanced and effective movement. Achieving straightness is fundamental for developing correct impulsion and maintaining overall balance.

  • Collection

    Collection is the culmination of the training scales, where the horse learns to carry more weight on its hindquarters, lightening the forehand for increased manouverability and power. Initially, horses carry most of the rider's weight on the forehand, which can lead to a heavier, less agile movement. Through progressive training, the horse builds the strength to shift more weight rearwards, enhancing its ability to perform advanced movements such as those required in Grand Prix tests, like the piaffe and pirouette.

Competitions

National and International
Jordan does not yet have a national federation overseeing competitions. However, as the sport increases and grows in demand, this will come. Internationally, competitions are categorised under different codes, such as CDI (Concours Dressage International), where performances can range from young riders to Small Tour (PSG & Inter I) and Big Tour (Grand Prix), including special categories like U25, Juniors, and Ponies. Events may also serve as qualifiers for global championships like the World Cup.

Equipment and Attire
Riders adhere to a strict dress code, which varies by competition level but generally includes a hat, jacket, breeches or jodhpurs, and boots. Safety helmets are mandatory at all levels. Horses are typically equipped with a saddle and bridle appropriate to their level of competition, with restrictions on additional gear like boots or bandages to ensure fairness and safety.

Judging and Governance
Judges play a crucial role in dressage, undergoing rigorous training and continuous professional development to maintain their qualifications. They not only score the performances but also ensure the welfare of the horses, making sure they are sound, healthy, and competing under fair conditions. At higher levels of competition, a technical delegate oversees the event, ensuring that it adheres to the rules and standards set forth by governing bodies.