What is Dressage?
Dressage is a discipline of horsemanship that creates a highly refined and harmonious relationship between horse and rider. While dressage literally means "training" in French, it is so much more than that. In Dressage, the horse and rider create a bond that enables them to communicate seamlessly through the rider's aids (use of the rider's hands, weight, legs and seat to influence the horse) thus creating a ballet-like dance. To the average person, these aids are nearly imperceptible, which makes it appear as though the horse is performing on his own and the rider is simply a passenger. At the upper levels, the horse and rider have all but mastered the art of non-verbal communication. The horse willingly performs the highest of difficulty tasks asked with amazing beauty, style and grace.
The Dressage Levels
Originally evolved from cavalry movements and training for the battlefield, today's dressage exhibits many of the training practices, skills and maneuvers present in classical dressage founded over 2000 years ago. The success of training is demonstrated today through Dressage Levels and tests in which the horse and rider perform a series of movements within a standard 20m x 60m arena. Judging of these movements is based on the "level" of test and the standard appropriate for that particular level. Scores are based on a 0-10 scale with a zero being "not executed" and a ten being "excellent." A horse and rider are not considered ready to progress to the next level until a score 60% or higher is achieved in all requirements. It is imperative that competitors exhibit at least this level of proficiency before progressing to the next level.
In the beginning stages of Dressage competition, a horse and rider are evaluated at the Introductory Level which require's the horse and rider to perform a series of movements transitioning at the walk and trot. From here, horse and rider progress to the Training Level, and then First Level, Second Level, Third Level and Fourth Level. Upon successful completion of the lower levels, the horse and rider are ready to perform at the FEI (Federation Equestrian International) levels of dressage consisting of Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I, Intermediare II, and finally the highest and Olympic level...
Grand Prix. Within each level are a series of tests increasing in difficulty through which the horse and rider must progress. Only the most dedicated and accomplished horse and rider teams have the privilege of competing at the Grand Prix level and in international FEI dressage competitions.
Musical Freestyle or Musical Kur is a form of dressage where horse and rider "dance" to music. Movements and figures are choreographed to meet the technical requirements of the particular level with carefully chosen music that highlights the horse/rider combination. Musical Freestyles are a creative expression of the relationship between a horse and rider, are highly entertaining, and offer great audience appeal. In the United States the tests are offered from First to Fourth levels through the USDF and at Prix St. Georges for Young Riders, Intermediate I and Grand Prix through the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).
Pas De Duex is an equestrian dressage performance involving two horses. Movements and figures are choreographed to meet the technical requirements of the particular level with carefully chosen music where the two horses mirror each other and do the exact same movements next to or across from each other.
Quadrille is a choreographed dressage ride performed to music, which is often compared to an equestrian ballet or to a drill team. A minimum of four horses are used, and perform movements together. Quadrille may be ridden as a performance, such as those given by the Spanish Riding School, or as a competitive test with judging.
What is the Dressage Training Pyramid?
The training pyramid is a template for training the Dressage horse. As a horse progresses through its training, the levels are structured as a means of improving the current level. If a previous level is not refined, mastery of the proceeding levels is impossible. Each level of the training pyramid is both inter-dependant and inter-woven, and often, the lower rungs are revisited to check that progress is genuine and that the horse is fulfilling all the preceding requirements.
An Introduction to Schooling Dressage Competition
Riders new to Dressage sometimes have many questions and concerns surrounding entering and competing in their first Dressage show. This is a guide intended to help anyone new to competition and will hopefully answer commonly asked questions.
What is a schooling Dressage Show?
Schooling Shows (un-rated shows) have no membership requirements. They are usually run as a learning situation for horses and riders. Show attire can be less formal, costs will generally be less, and sometimes a more lenient application of the rules apply. Competition Clinics also fall into the schooling show category. You are asked to ride a test, then get helpful feedback from your judge and then have an opportunity to re-ride your test again. These shows are a wonderful introduction to showing dressage, without the pressures that the rated shows may cause to a novice horse or rider.
Entering an Oak Creek Farm Schooling Dressage Show
Before the show:
It is very important that you know the rules of Dressage competition before you enter a show. Taking a lesson or two with a knowledgeable Dressage Riding Instructor is a very good idea prior to entering your first show. This will enable you to gain knowledge of the rules and requirements of competition and help you really enjoy your showing experience before the exciting day. OCF offers a "School to Show" program where you can bring your horse for a practice session with Stacy Sutton before competition day.
Entering the show:
After deciding which tests you would like to ride, you will need to fill out the OCF entry form for the show you have chosen to participate in. These are available online or you can be added to our mailing list. Paper show premiums are mailed out once yearly to anyone on the mailing list well before the first show.
Closing Dates:
Make sure you know the closing date of your show. Dressage shows require advance planning in creating ride times for each entrant. The OCF shows close one week before the show date. (the exact closing date is indicated on the front page of the show premium). The closer you get to the closing date, the greater chance the show will already be full and unable to accept your entry. OCF may accept late entries sent in after the closing date if there is room, but you will be required to pay an additional late fee per test as noted on the premium.
Ride Times:
Ride times are posted on the OCF website on the events page the Friday before the show.
Riding Attire:
Formal or casual attire is allowed at OCF Schooling Shows.
Formal attire:
The dress required at USDF Rated Dressage Shows. Riders dressed formally in competition, traditionally wear white or light colored breeches, a white shirt and tie or choker with a black colored jacket. Gloves may be white or black. For riders at the FEI levels, a shadbelly (tailcoat) is traditional. Except for very young riders, boots are black and come up to the knee. Except for very young riders, long hair is always tied up or in a hairnet with lower level riders usually in a black velvet helmet or derby style hat and FEI level riders usually in a top hat. Go to the USDF website for detailed dress codes.
Casual attire:
Requires the participant wear ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet and tall dressage boots or jodper boots (with or without half chaps). Although not mandatory, it is strongly suggested the rider wear breeches of light color (so that the judge may clearly see the rider's position), a neatly tucked in polo shirt with a belt and black or white riding gloves. Hair should be pulled back into a bun or carefully tucked into the helmet so that there are no visible loose ends.
Warm Up Ring Etiquette
In order to extend courtesy to other riders and to prevent accidents, it is customary and common sense to practice the following:
- If the entrance is blocked by another horse, politely announce that you intend to enter the warm up area to avoid an accident.
- It is traditional to pass left hand to left hand when meeting another rider coming in the opposite direction, however, not everyone follows this rule so please use caution. It is most safe to call out to approaching competitors "outside!" or "inside!" depending on where you wish to ride according to other competitor's proximity.
- Try to allow at least a two horse distance between you and other horses at all times. Do not tail gate!
- If you are in the walk, always give way to horses trotting or cantering. If you are in the walk ride on the inside track.
- It is not recommended to practice your entire test in the warm up arena as this can obstruct others ability to warm their horses up properly.
- Always make tack adjustments and/or extended conversation outside of the arena. If you must be in the warm up area to make very brief adjustments, stay near the middle of the arena without obstructing the diagonal or centre lines.
- Ensure your whip is not so long that it could upset a passing horse.
- Do not halt or walk in the outside track and always leave room for other riders to pass.
- Do not lunge in the warm-up/practice arenas without the permission of the organizer. There are usually separated designated lunging areas on the grounds.
- Trainers or other pedestrians should not stand inside the collecting rings or practice areas/arenas.
- Riders with impaired vision may wear a white armband whilst warming up as an indication to other riders. Horses that will kick out at other horses may have a red ribbon tied to their tail as a warning.
- Remember to be polite and extent courtesy, and model good sportsmanship to the people you encounter. Everyone at the show enjoys a positive experience, Smile!
A Guide to Rated Dressage Shows
Entering and showing your horse in Rated Dressage Competitions does not have be a complicated and intimidating process! These guidelines are designed to help you have an informed, fun, and rewarding showing experience.
The United States Equestrian Federation (or USEF) is the national organization that creates and enforces rules for all equine related disciplines as well as keeps results of all the shows. It is very important to know these rules if you plan to show dressage at any level. The rules are available online, but you will need to become a member of the USEF if you plan to qualify for national awards. Memberships are due annually, and in addition, your horse will need an annual or lifetime membership.
The California Dressage Society (or CDS) provides a wealth of information and learning opportunities such as awards programs, annual meetings and symposiums, amateur clinics, junior/young rider programs and more. As a member, you will receive the annual Omnibus, which lists all rated dressage shows in one book, and an informative monthly issue of Dressage Letters, the official CDS newsletter. When you join CDS, you automatically receive a group membership for USDF.
The United States Dressage Federation (or USDF) provides national rider and horse awards, and other programs such as breed shows, junior/young rider programs, judges and instructor certifications and USDF University sessions. To qualify for year-end awards, a participating membership is required for the rider/owner and your horse will need a lifetime membership.
As a member you will receive an informative monthly issue of USDF Connection, the official USDF newsletter, and a booklet of the current dressage tests.
Shows range greatly in their requirements, cost, and competitive levels so it is best speak with your trainer or instructor about which shows might be appropriate for you to start with.
- California Dressage Society Calendar or Omnibus
- United States Dressage Federation Calendar
- Equestrian publications like CDS Dressage Letters, Ride! Magazine, Equestrian Connection and others
- The Sacramento Area Equestrian Directory (listings for Sacramento and surrounding counties)
- BAEN - Bay Area Equestrian Network
You will need an entry form for the show you have chosen. If you are a California Dressage Society member, you will get a book called the Omnibus that has most of the 1 and 3 star shows in California listed with all the entering details. Entry form blanks are provided for you to copy and keep on hand. The current forms are also always available on the CDS website or USDF website (3-star only) that you can download and print out at home. Instructions on how to fill out your entry form are there as well, so take the time to read them! It will save you much time and frustration later.
Closing Dates:
Make sure you know the closing date of your show. Dressage shows require advance planning in creating ride times for each entrant. Shows generally close (stop accepting entries) 7-28 days before the show date. The closer you get to the closing date, the greater chance the show will already be full and unable to accept your entry. Some shows may accept late entries sent in after the closing date if there is room, but you may be required to pay an additional late fee per test.
Most shows allow you to withdraw your entry without penalty or a small fee before the closing date so there is no reason not to enter early!
Be sure you know who is organizing the show. The show secretary is the one who receives the entry; this contact should be listed on the show information page. The secretary's address may be different than the facility at which the show is held, so if in doubt, make a call to make sure your entry is sent to the right place.
Entry Form Tips
It is critical to be clear on your entry form. The following information is especially important, especially if you are competing at rated shows:
- Rider's name and contact info (phone, email, address)
- Horse's name
- Owner's name (if different from rider)
- Trainer's Name (often a confusing point, the "trainer" isn't who teaches you, its the person who is legally responsible for the welfare of the horse while at the show grounds. Usually, this is also the rider, although in the case of a junior rider, it needs to be the legal adult on the actual show grounds who is responsible for the horse)
- Coach's Name
All persons listed above must sign the release form. Make copies of your membership cards and horse's forms and don't forget to submit them with your entry! List your classes carefully. Write the level and test out to make sure you get the right one. Add up your fees, and bring a second check in case there are balances due. There is always a State Drug Fee, and different levels of shows have a myriad of other fees: any non-member fees, offices fees, haul-in fees, stabling fees, mandatory scholarship fees, etc. which are usually indicated on the entry form. Be sure to estimate how long it will take you to arrive at the grounds, and allow extra time in case your horse won't load, traffic, etc. Arrive well ahead of your first ride time to allow for parking, checking in and warming up. It is always a good idea to have a few minutes to locate the scoreboard, a water source and the restroom before your ride.
Hopefully, knowing the rules and better understanding the showing process will help you and your equine friend enjoy your showing experience, Good Luck!