Horse Dressage
What are some good exercises to introduce my horse to dressage?
I have been working on jumping, and some ground work to gain respect, because that's what my trainer told me to do.
I want to introduce him to dressage, and am wondering if there are exercises that I could do in the saddle or on the ground.
Great idea! Apart from anything else, the more you school your horse the more pleasant he will be to ride. He will also be safer and more fun for jumping and Trail Riding. The word "dressage" comes from the French for training, so all the work you have already done is contributing to his dressage. You don't say if you are interested in competing or not.
Start riding him in the arena. Work on transitions, making sure that he responds instantly to your aids. Concentrate on making your aids invisible. When your transitions are great, work on direct transitions, halt to trot, canter to walk etc. You can also look for some variation in the pace - see if he will lengthen his stride slightly in trot without speeding up.
Also work on loops and circles. Get your horse to bend from poll to tail, riding him from your inside leg to your outside hand. Think about getting him moving away from your leg. This leads us to lateral work. Do some leg yielding, first on a circle, then on the long side of the arena. Start in walk and progress to trot. Think about turns on the forehand and maybe some shoulder in or half pass if he is ready for it.
As you are new to dressage, you should aim to work your horse in a "long and low" frame. This means that he should be stretching his neck forwards and down to find the bit. He shouldn't be leaning on your hands and you shouldn't be fiddling with the reins. It's achieved by riding him forward into a good contact.
I've given you quite a lot of exercises here, but don't feel you should be doing them all at once. I don't really know what your level is, but you need to work through them at your own pace. Ask your trainer for some flatwork lessons. And enjoy this wonderful sport.
 Riders International Quilted White Dressage Saddle Pad BRAND NEW Horse  US $16.50
|
 USDF Courbette Dressage bridle cob fine horse US $125.00
|
 Black English Dressage Horse Saddle 16 US $299.99
|
 Dressage Bridle Clear Crystal Bling Horse Sized US $39.00
|
 Dressage Bridle Blue Crystal Bling Horse Sized US $39.00
|
 Brown LEATHER BRIDLE Flash NOSEBAND Cotton Web REINS Horse Riding Dressage US $29.99 |
 Black dressage brow band horse pony 15 1 2 inches US $5.00
|
 Nylon Paris Tack English Horse Dressage Saddle Cover NY US $10.95
|
 Draft horse 20 Dressage saddle bridle bitpad girth US $389.00
|
 WHITE DRESSAGE SADDLE PAD HORSE OR OVERSIZE NWT US $45.99
|
 Premium Leather Horse Dressage Bridle with Leather Rein US $38.00
|
 DRESSAGE HORSE CONCHO LEATHER PHOTO ALBUM 200 PICS US $39.95
|
 LC by Lami Cell Dressage Saddle Pad Horse Metal Blue US $62.99
|
 Lami Cell New Wave Dressage Pad Horse Corn Flower Blue US $62.99
|
 Avalon Comfort Crown Double Dressage Bridle Horse US $233.99
|
 Dressage Horse Saddle Pad With Pockets Gold Rope Trim Half Fleece Lining US $37.95
|
 Fancy Padded Dressage Bridle w Clincher Horse US $37.99
|
 LC by Lami Cell Dressage Saddle Pad Horse Navy US $62.99
|
 HDR PRO Dressage Bridle web Reins Black w White Horse Size US $67.95
|
 Lami Cell New Wave Dressage Saddle Pad Horse Chocolate US $62.99
|
 HDR Dressage Bridle w Crank Horse 5038 US $89.99
|
 Tekna Padded Dressage Bridle Black Horse US $67.99
|
 Med Blue Glitter Dressage Horse Rider Decal Sticker US $8.95
|
 Black Dressage Bridle w Interchangeable Colour Padding Horse US $137.99
|
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
 |
Tote Bag Dressage Horse Pink Sale Price: $16.99  |
|
Tote Bag for Horse Lovers Large capacity tote bag is designed for multi-functional use. Features easy access large main compartment, two exterior front pockets with special design for quick use items, carrying shoulder strap... |
 |
HDR Dressage Bridle without Flash List Price: $139.95 |
|
Our elegant Dressage bridle is made using hand selected European leathers, expertly crafted, and includes a raised padded flash caveson and brow. Web reins. Stainless steel hardware." |
 |
TuffRider Basic Dressage Pad List Price: $17.95 |
|
A quality pad at a great price. The perfect schooling pad in cotton with cotton flannel underside and channel quilting. |
 |
Riding Whip, 36" List Price: $5.19 Sale Price: $4.42 |
|
An instrument, used for driving, coaching or changing the behavior of horses. |
 |
Stubbs Set of 8 Letters for Dressage Markers List Price: $13.95 Sale Price: $11.77 |
|
Genuine Stubbs - Made in England for the ultimate in durability and strength. Full set of replacement letters for dressage markers. Replacement letters only for stands, stands NOT included. |
 |
Crocodile Creek Horses Drinking Bottle List Price: $10.00 Sale Price: $9.99 |
|
These beautifully-illustrated eco-friendly stainless steel drinking bottles are great to use with water juice or milk. An earth-friendly reusuable alternative to plastic and other epoxy-lined metal containers... |
 |
Black Leather English Horse Dressage Bridle With Reins List Price: $129.00 |
|
HSBB230CHEEKPIECE : 10 inches. BROWBAND : 18 inches. TOOLING : Plain. This is an extremely comfortable Bitfree Bitless Bridle made of top quality harness leather. This Bitless Bridle designed by a German works on the concept of replacing the Bit with a system that is very simple to use yet extremely comfortable... |
Lime Green
Orange Nylon
Boots English
Turquoise Tan
Cinch Girth
Saddle Ranch
Buckle Field
Dan Post
Ranch Roping
Wool Felt