Dressage



		Dressage is the most elegant of all the horse sports. The best dressage tests look as though the rider isn’t riding at all! The pair moves seamlessly around the arena, performing certain movements at certain places both along the perimeter and within the arena itself. The higher the level, the more difficult the movements become, with less time and space designated to prepare for each movement. The length of time it takes to complete each test also increases, and a rider has to memorize the test at the upper levels. Some tests, called Musical Freestyles, are choreographed by the rider and performed to music. These exciting competitions allow the rider to showcase their best maneuvers. At the upper levels and higher caliber shows, the number of judgesincrease from 1 to 5, making it more difficult to hide mistakes. Each movement is given


	a score from 0 (not performed) to 10 (excellent). A test with every movement receiving a score of 10 would receive a 100% for a score…a feat never, ever achieved anywhere in the world! In competition, the rider with the highest percentage wins, with scores in the 70s good enough to typically earn the blue ribbon.
	The sport of dressage requires a lot of patience, persistence, and extreme attention to detail. The horse and rider must display presence and flair while still focusing on the strict technicalities required of each and every movement. To an untrained eye, especially in the musical freestyle competition, it is amazing to watch the rider and her equine partner dance, moving and thinking as one. With a further depth of understanding what is required for each level, the audience’s appreciation for the sport grows exponentially. As with many sports, the more you know about the intricate movements involved, the more amazing it is to watch those competing at Grand Prix, the highest level. To watch a Grand Prix test is truly inspirational, though you certainly don’t have to train or compete at that level to fall in love with the sport.

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