Dressage is a human-equine event that tests rider and horse as a pair. The two are rated for co-ordination and balance as they are going thru a sequence of manoeuvres, but more than this, the horse is valuated for the air of relaxation and effortlessness it portrays. Dressage is well liked by horse riders of all ages, both sexes and at all levels of achievement.

Riders and horses undergo extensive coaching for dressage. There are lots of elements that go into the making of a well-trained dressage horse. To start with, you want a fit horse with a great sense of balance and foot work that’s eager to be ridden. He’s got to be intensely receptive to the cues of his rider, and must respond immediately to them. The rider and pony must be able to maintain a great sense of mutual balance and timing. While it is outside the ambit of this article to discuss all the elements that go into making the perfect dressage horse, there is one element that really must be saught after. This is a factor that’s pertinent not just to dressage horses, but to horses utilised for any discipline. The horse must be in a position to move freely and keenly. A pony whose concentration is broken by stress or discomfort isn’t going to be a good performer.

While the preceding two sentences may have stated an obvious truth, this truth is sadly ignored plenty of the times. Analyse the explanations for poor performances, and you will find that they have arisen as the pony was not altogether comfortable. No rider will normally go with a horse obviously exhibiting pain, but there are occasions when you can not be able to make out that the horse is facing some kind of impediment or discomfort thanks to the tack. Using saddles that aren’t perfect fits for both horse and rider or saddles that are not suited with the intention under hand will pretty much certainly lead to poor performance. Similar effects will be attained by ill-fitting bits or nose bands that confine unnecessarily. Whether or not it is dressage or some other discipline, it is worth while making an investment in a saddle of the very best quality suitable for that discipline. If you are serious about the ongoing well being of your horse, and if you’re serious about doing well in whatever discipline you are into with your pony, you will not grudge the best saddle.

Dressage demands that both rider and horse are allowed the maximum freedom and space for movement, and dressage saddles are specifically designed for this reason. They’re deeper, with wide panels. This keeps the rider in place and in balance always. This also helps the horse to maintain correct posture and balance. Saddle flaps that are straight cut as also stirrup bars laid a little further back permit the horse to exercise easy freedom of movement at the shoulder and also keep the rider’s weight centered right over the gravity centre of the pony.

For low level and newbie dressage, general purpose saddles of the standard type will serve the purpose. For higher and pro levels, a custom dressage saddle is a necessity. The money invested on such a saddle will pay itself back many times in terms of the enormous difference it’ll make to performance, comfort and health.

Horses are Heather Toms passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers, like all things about riding hats