At 09:45:17 on 08.03.10, Jess Bedding wrote:
When training your horse Dressage, whether it be for competiion or just to improve control and balance for jumping etc. What does everyone think should be on the agenda for the horse to learn? For Example should it be very basic leg yielding, collection, outline. I dont want to over task my horse and blow his mind which is easily done with him :)

At 19:59:53 on 09.03.10, noni wrote:
You have to start with the basics- from these principles all good things come. 1. Rhythm- regular 4 beat walk, clear 2 beat trot, 3 beat canter (clear moment of suspension) 2. Relaxation- free from tension and anxiety 3. CONTACT- perhaps the most difficult thing to learn or teach. This means the connection from the hind leg as it steps into the bridle. All three of the first part of the training scale relate directly to each other and the lack of one effects the others. The aim is to develop an even connection over your horse's back and into your hand- for this he must be obedient to the aids and work evenly on both reins. Direct and indirect transitions are important in establishing throughness, as are transitions within the gaits eg working to medium and back again. Using circles and figures will help with suppleness, provided they are ridden correctly- not simply with neck bend, but with a uniform bend throughout the horse's body. I would not recommend collection or laterals until both horse and rider are proficient at maintaining this connection at all three paces and through transitions. This is a process that continues to be reaffirmed and developed through grand prix. My advice to anyone who wants to learn about Dressage is to get help from someone knowledgeable- develop your 'feel'- and learn about the principles of training that are the basis of all disciplines. Good luck

At 09:27:27 on 10.03.10, Jess Bedding wrote:
Thank very much. I agree with everything you've said. I really need to work on suppleness and riding into the bridle as my boy is an ex flat racer and at the moment doesnt really understand bend and I'm struggling to keep him engaged behind. Transitions help and then he gets wise and starts pre empting me, even if I do them in different parts of the school! I've got a Dressage Lesson booked for April so hoping this will help us. :)

At 00:09:24 on 10.04.11, WhitneynDonte wrote:
If you have a little thoroughbred like I do-off the track and everything- then I started with DIRECTION. Most thoroughbreds have little to no direction. I worked on his steering and then Impulsion. Also, it is best to ride every stride. Does your thoroughbred ever do any 'taking off'-not like take off at a dead bolt for a mile, but like just a little scoot off or anything at all? If your horse does I suggest a quick jerk to one rein-inside is best- unless he is truly spooked, then soft words and petting for a few seconds but straight back to work. Ride every stride, work hard, and don't ever forget you MUST MUST MUST have fun. Haha I forgot that for a while a Year and a Half actually, and am now just getting it back. So if you really want to do it right, riding every single stride will help-but it's harder said than done. Good Luck! ~WnD