What is Dressage? 

Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport in which horses and riders perform a series of predetermined movements. The horse must be ridden in a manner that demonstrates harmony, balance, and obedience and the rider must look neat and presentable. 

Movements are divided into dressage tests, which are further divided into levels. At the lower levels, dressage tests include simple elements such as halt, walk, and trot. As the level increases, dressage tests become more complex, requiring the horse and rider to execute more difficult movements such as half-passes and flying changes. To ensure that horse and rider are correctly executing the dressage movements, there is a dressage arena with letters that mark where the horse should be positioned at certain points.

Dressage is derived from a French word meaning "training" or "disciplining". It is often referred to as "the highest expression of horse training" because it showcases the horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to work cooperatively with a rider.

It's not just about collecting points or winning ribbons; it is a partnership between horse and rider that should be based on mutual trust, respect, and understanding. 

Dressage is a sport that requires a great deal of precision and beauty. In order to perfect the sport, one must be well-versed in the dressage terms. We have put together a dressage glossary to give you a good understanding of the words used in dressage!

Flying Change 

The horse switches direction and drives with the opposite leg in this movement. When the rider instructs the horse to stride on the right lead, for example, she slides her left leg back under the girth to ask the horse to change legs while the horse is poised. It is a complex movement that necessitates extensive training and harmony on the part of both the horse and the rider.

Engagement  

This term is used to describe the horse's hindquarters being engaged and under the rider's control. An engaged horse will have his weight shifted back onto his haunches, giving him the power to perform dressage movements with ease.

The forward movement of a powerful hind leg into a constant, elastic rein contact achieves this. The horse must not be kept tight and must be allowed to move forward spontaneously, passionately, and dynamically towards the rein.

To aid in engagement, your horse's back must be flexible and loose, which lateral drills should help with. Transitions are also beneficial for improving stability and self-carriage, as well as hindquarters activation.

Half-Pass 

The half-pass is a dressage maneuver in which the horse moves diagonally ahead while also moving sideways. It's utilized to change gaits and manage curves and obstacles.

Leg-Yield 

The leg yield is a dressage movement in which the horse moves sideways while maintaining forward momentum. It is used to transition between gaits, as well as to negotiate turns and corners.

Passage 

The passage is a dressage movement in which the horse moves forward with high-stepping, elevated strides. It is an advanced movement that requires a great deal of training and coordination from both horse and rider.

Piaffe 

The piaffe is a dressage movement in which the horse remains in place, moving his feet up and down in quick succession. It is an advanced movement that requires a great deal of training and coordination from both horse and rider.

Pirouette  

A pirouette is a dressage movement in which the horse spins around in place. It is an advanced movement that requires a great deal of training and coordination from both horse and rider.

Shoulder-Fore 

The shoulder-fore is a dressage movement in which the horse moves forward and sideways at the same time, with his shoulders leading the way. It is used to transition between gaits, as well as to negotiate turns and corners.

Shoulder-In  

The shoulder-in is a dressage movement in which the horse moves forward and sideways at the same time, with his shoulders leading the way. It is used to transition between gaits, as well as to negotiate turns and corners.

Counter Canter 

A disunited, or counter canter is a movement in which the horse changes direction and leads with the opposite leg. It is an advanced movement that requires a great deal of training and coordination from both horse and rider. 

Diagonal 

When an opposing pair of your horse's legs travel forward or backward together, it's called a diagonal. One diagonal pair is the inside front leg and the outside rear leg, while the other diagonal pair is the outside front leg and the inside back leg. 

Rein Back

The rein back is a dressage movement in which the horse is asked to move backward in a two-beat movement, setting its feet in diagonal pairs and moving straight backward with the line of forelegs following those of its hind. 

Half Halt

Sometimes known as an ‘almost-halt’, a half-halt is a dressage movement in which the rider conducts subtle, simultaneous action of the hands, seat, and legs to get the horse’s attention and regain balance and control, usually done during a transition from one dressage movement to another. 

Suppleness  

Suppleness is the horse's ability to bend and flex his body in response to the rider's aid. A supple horse will be able to perform dressage movements with ease and elegance.

Thoroughness  

This is the horse's ability to maintain a dressage position or movement despite distractions or changes in the environment. A thorough horse will be able to perform dressage movements with ease and elegance.

Travers 

The Travers is a dressage movement in which the horse moves sideways while maintaining forward momentum. It is used to transition between gaits, as well as to negotiate turns and corners.

Turn on the forehand  

The turn-on-the-forehand is a dressage movement in which the horse pivots around his front legs while maintaining his back end in place. It is used to change direction without losing forward momentum.

Dressage is a sport that requires a great deal of training, coordination, and communication between horse and rider. There is a wide variety of movements, each with its own purpose and difficulty level. By becoming familiar with the basic dressage terminology, you will be better equipped to acknowledge and execute dressage movements.

Questra's dressage glossary has provided you with an understanding of the words used in dressage. With this knowledge, you will be able to communicate with your instructor and fellow riders more effectively. If you're planning on taking part in a dressage competition, you need to look the part as well as know the terminology, so contact Questra today and find out more about our premium competition breeches!