Dressage

Dressage is a French term most commonly translated to mean training.  It’s actually competitive horse training with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics.  The purpose is to develop a horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to perform by progressive training methods.  Dressage maximizes a horse’s potential to ride.  All riding horses can benefit from the use of dressage principles and training techniques. 
   
Dressage competitions can begin in local communities with introductory level classes where riders only need to walk and trot.  As the competitions become more advanced the tests are more difficult at each level.  The tests performed at the Olympic Games are those at the highest level.  These tests were accepted as an Olympic sport in 1912.  So, clearly they have been practiced for many years. 

There are many conditions that need to be adhered to by dressage horses and their riders.  For example, horses are not permitted to wear boots, wraps, or training devices.  Any equipment that is worn is usually black leather due to the formality of dressage.  Horses are required to wear certain saddles and usually have their manes braided.  Dressage riders are dressed formally as well.  Riders are dressed in white with long black coats and tall dress boots.  These conditions are strictly enforced in all competitions. 

If you’re involved in dressage or would like to get involved and are in need of some information about it you can take a look at goequine.com.  Go Equine was created to give horse enthusiasts a place to find important horse related information and also to connect with other people who share their passion for horses.  We are hoping to become that largest equine related site in the world and we’re off to a good.  Our site covers a wide range of topics revolving around horses and issues that concern them.  Whether it’s horse breeding or dressage or any other topic, you’ll find the information here.

On goequine.com we also provide our members with a social network so they can chat with others, blog, and post videos and photos.  Our social network can also serve as a great source of information.  There aren’t too many opportunities on the web for horse lovers to connect with other people who share their interest so we wanted to make that possible.  To become a member you just have to sign up on the website.  There are no fees to pay ever.  If you love horses and are looking for a place to find information and chat with others then check out goequine.com.