Dressage

What is Dressage?

noun
– the method of training a horse to perform manoeuvres in response to the rider’s body signals
– the manoeuvres performed by a horse trained in this method

Dressage is often described and “Figure Skating on Horseback”. Compulsory movements are made up into a series of tests that progressively are more challenging for both the horse and rider. Tests are evaluated by experienced judges and are ridden in a rectangular arena space.

Beginner and lower level tests are often performed in a 20 x 40 meter arena, while the more intricate and higher level tests are performed in a 20 x 60 meter arena as shown below.