Dressage

[coconut]

I thought maybe we could have a thread for each discipline of the show to address questions or comments for that discipline only...so here goes the first one for Dressage:

I was talking to Scott at KCJ about Mike his big mule who he told me once was trained in dressage. Today I told him that we'd like to see Mike come out and do an Intro Level test on Mike....and he said if he can do it in his western saddle and in cowboy clothes, He'll do it! (also if they're in town that weekend)

He only owns a western saddle and Mike's a hard fit and I just don't see Scott trying to put together dressage-ish attire.

I'm going to post the A & B patterns at our barn for a couple of us that would like to try it out but I don't want anyone thinking he's making a mockery of it... he's actually kind of excited about trying Mike out on it.

So does anyone/everyone think that's ok?

[schwung]

Well.....I don't want to sound snobby here (really!) but I kind of think at least an all-purpose english saddle is going to be required. Would you go in the English Pleasure classes in a western saddle? No...its kind of the same thing. And there is a score for the rider's position and seat, effect of the aids, etc., which is going to be heavily impeded by a western saddle. I'm going to go out on a limb and state some type of english saddle is required, and a snaffle bridle (or double bridle, for 3rd level and above). Yes, it's a fun, relaxed show, but I think people should at least make an effort to conform to the expected norms of the discipline they are showing in. And he's going to either need to post (pretty uncomfortable in a western saddle) or sit a big, swingy trot (no jog trots) if he wants to get any kind of decent score. Dressage is about as difficult to do in a western saddle as it is to jump in one.

[coconut]

Jun 30, 2010 1:16:24 GMT -5 schwung said:

Well.....I don't want to sound snobby here (really!) but I kind of think at least an all-purpose english saddle is going to be required. Would you go in the English Pleasure classes in a western saddle? No...its kind of the same thing. And there is a score for the rider's position and seat, effect of the aids, etc., which is going to be heavily impeded by a western saddle. I'm going to go out on a limb and state some type of english saddle is required, and a snaffle bridle (or double bridle, for 3rd level and above). Yes, it's a fun, relaxed show, but I think people should at least make an effort to conform to the expected norms of the discipline they are showing in. And he's going to either need to post (pretty uncomfortable in a western saddle) or sit a big, swingy trot (no jog trots) if he wants to get any kind of decent score. Dressage is about as difficult to do in a western saddle as it is to jump in one.

Thanks, I'll see what we can come up with for him. I've seen him ride a horse in an English Saddle, once ;D

[cardicorgi]

I love mules! ;D Someone down here had a mule in dressage training where I once boarded - body of a TB, head of a mule - super cute mover!

Tell Mike he'll have a fan club (OK, me at least) if he brings the mule; maybe someone can spell me in the office so I can come watch!

[shekaberry]

Are we going through 4th level or just to 2nd level?

[lynnm]

Jun 30, 2010 1:16:24 GMT -5 schwung said:

And he's going to either need to post (pretty uncomfortable in a western saddle) or sit a big, swingy trot (no jog trots) if he wants to get any kind of decent score. Dressage is about as difficult to do in a western saddle as it is to jump in one.

I post fine and sit a big swingy trot in a Western saddle all the time without any issues. We also have to use leg cues. Jumping I will give you though. I've done two foot jumps in a Western saddle with a horn...that's not pleasant.

[schwung]

There is just too much saddle between you and the horse to be very effective with your legs and seat when you get into more complicated dressage movements, in my opinion.

Allison - we will have one 2nd Level and above class. I will be surprised if there are any entries as you usually don't see many at schooling shows, but you never know.

[shekaberry]

FWIW: Western swingy trot and Dressage swingy trot aren't the same thing.

[kdunham]

Well, at least saying use an all purpose english saddle wasnt snobby... :-)

Where do we find the dressage patterns? Are the dressage classes something you can enter day of or do we need to pre enter to get ride times?

[cat67]

LOL my trainer SWEARS you can use your legs in a western saddle but I can't do it. I whine nonstop when I have to ride in one about how I can't get my leg on the horse!

I'm sure some people will be willing to loan out english saddles to anyone wanting to try the dressage classes who does not normally own one. I once taught my western-only friend hunt seat in a warm up ring and she got 3rd in equitation so it can be done.

[shekaberry]

Tests can be downloaded here:

www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/dressageTestMov.aspx


Intro A & B can be downloaded here:

www.usdf.org/downloads/forms/index.asp?TypePass=Tests

[schwung]

Kathleen you bring up a very good point. Dressage will have pre-determined ride times so Pre-Entry is REQUIRED, at least one week before the show (by 7/31). There may be scratches that can be filled on the day of show but otherwise we cannot add rides once the schedule is planned out.

[myhorsefaith]

I too, may have at least 1 wintec dressage I can bring as an extra, maybe my Thornhill too if Tally is not showing.

But I'm planning on bringing at least Cabo for intro, maybe training level if we are ready, and if Tally is ok by then, her too!

[sunrisestables]

For us Hunter/Jumpers who would like to take a rescue horse into a dressage class, what is Intro A and B??

[schwung]

It's a walk/trot class. You can download the Intro tests here:

www.usdf.org/downloads/forms/index.asp?TypePass=Tests