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Horse Dressage Patterns

Ovation Dressage Tee $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey.

TuffRider Lanyard Dressage Saddle Pad $17.95 Cotton Quilted Pads With New Unique Quilting Patterns For You And Your Horse. Features Wither Relief, Contour Cut, Billet Straps And Girth Loops. Machine Washable.

TuffRider Rosette Dressage Saddle Pad $17.95 Cotton Quilted Pads With New Unique Quilting Patterns For You And Your Horse. Features Wither Relief, Contour Cut, Billet Straps And Girth Loops. Machine Washable.

Da Vinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband $20.95 DaVinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband Black Horse Size

Mountain Horse Victoria Dressage Boot $287.1 Exceptional craftsmanship makes the Victoria Dressage Boot stand out from the rest. Designed specifically for the serious dressage rider, the zipper is thoughtfully positioned forward of center on the inside of the boot, allowing seamless contact between your leg and your horse, while still maintaining a streamlined silhouette. An elegant dress boot with classic features and made in supple, full grain leather.THE LEG: Moderate Spanish cut topSoft pigskin napa liningStrong and durable full length YKK Vislon zipper on front, inside calfCovered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fitTHE FOOT: Spur restErgonomically-designed removable EVA insoleTHE SOLE: Built-in steel shank for increased stabilityDurable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and provides an enhanced grip in the ironMaterial: Full grain leather.Lining: Pigskin napa.

Passier PSL-D Dressage $4719.95 PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle: Classic dressage saddle featuring long stretch leather knee panels on flaps and stretch leather seat. This unique stretch leather expands and molds to the rider’s seat and knee providing extra comfort and a self-conforming fit not available in any other saddle. The flexible cutback PASSIER PS tree fits perfectly on the dressage horse. Long billets prepunched for conversion to short billets for long girth if required. Smooth grain German leather. Regular tree width. Fittings not included with Saddle.

Veredus Piaffe Shield Dressage Horse Boot $204.2 Revolutionary overreach boot designed for protection of the whole heel area. Designed specifically for Dressage. The particular anatomic shape and protective material gurantees a perfect fit on the horse’s heel to give total protection.Anatomically designed protection in an elastic material that conforms perfectly to the horse’s foot, therefore eliminating rotation of the overreach boot itself.Extra carbon protection on heel area, which is at particular risk of injury and bruising.Double point fastening to ensure perfect fitting.Quick-release tips in non-deformable FLEXTAN on stainless-steel hooks.

101 Dressage Exercises Book $30 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider features a full arena diagram and step-by- step instructions for each exercise. The exercises address all levels of riders, starting with the basics and moving up the levels. Training tips and masterly guidance make this an indispensable reference for all dressage riders. Even Western riders interested in enhancing their performance will find these foundational exercises useful.

Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth $41.25 Two inches of elastic in the center of the this high performance dressage girth allow it to stretch with the horse as you work. Pressure is evenly transferred over the whole surface of the girth with no pressure points or ridges. Elimination of pressure points combined with soft anti galling material makes the Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth one of the most comfortable girths on the market. Girth has stainless steel roller buckles.

ROMA ECOLE Double-Diamond Dressage Saddle Pad $31.35 From the original Roma Ecole. Introducing a whole new breed of saddle pads-Ecole by Roma. Each Ecole pad is a work of art, featuring incomparably beautiful color combinations, unique and attractive quilting patterns, lush fabric, and the utmost attention to quality and comfort for you and your horse. The piping on Ecole saddle pads is unequaled, with complementary duotone colors or fancy single braiding. All Ecole pads feature a girth guard, reinforced vinyl coating over the piping at the girth area to resist wear and keep pads looking neat and new longer. Ecole pads have a cushioned Wick-Easy lining that pulls away moisture for your horse’s total comfort. Spine 25, Drop 20.5 (Approx)

TuffRider Dressage Show Coat Ladies $86 Your ladies Dressage show coat will keep you looking polished in the arena with 4 silver, antique horse head front buttons and a rear, two-button vent. Dry clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra.

Puff Pad Dressage Style $24 Puff Pad Pillow Pads. Authentic Pillow Pad. Soft, pillow pad, top and bottom 100% cotton with thick poly fiber filler. A Puff Pad disperses pressure points, preventing many back problems. All horses benefit from the cushioning effect of a Puff Pad because the fiber filling acts as a shock absorber, breathes absorbing and evaporating moisture, molds to every horse and saddle. No straps. Dressage Pillow Pad. Larger 25 x 40 size for longer flap dressage saddles.

Bates Wide Dressage Cair Saddle $1845 The Bates Wide Dressage Saddle is acutting edge dressage saddle specially designed for the wider horse that supports an optimal dressage position for the rider with unparalleled comfort. It achives unprecedented comfort for the rider, supporting and optimal dressage position.Features include uniquely positioned stirrup bar, utilisation of the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System WIDE, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.CAIR Cushion system distributes weight across the panel, virtually eliminating pressure points for better performance and freer movement of horseNew Generation Easy-Change Gullet System Wide helps customize saddle fit to your horse’s wither

Wintec Chafeless Elastic Dressage Girth $47.3 This girth has all the advantages of the original elastic girth but with the addition of a curved shape, which reduces the width of material behind the horse’s elbows helping to prevent pinching of the horse’s skin. The equisuede surface of the Pro Elastic Girth looks and performs stunningly when used to complement the Wintec Pro Dressage or Wintec Isabell saddles.

COLLEGIATE Convertible Intellect Dressage Saddle $1097.95 Great quality craftsmanship made from a great company. This dressage saddle will make you and your horse feel at home in both style and comfort. Elegantly designed saddle suitable for all levels of dressage. Features a deep seat, large flaps, large knee rolls, plus the Easy-Change Gullet System (sold separatly) to provide the best fit for your horse.

Equi-Bette PTD Dressage Saddle $715.95 EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle: A classic saddle. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle style has been a favorite of world renowned professionals and competitors for generations. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle features a cutback head to fit every type of horse. The deep EQUI-BETTE PTD tree fits both horse and rider to perfection, keeping the rider deep in the seat for correct balance and perfect control. Long extended flaps are molded over modest knee rolls on the French panels. Made of premium quality German bridle leather in a dark Brown color with a hand waxed finish.

Ovation Dressage Crank Caveson – Black – Horse $72 Made in Italian hand finished leather.           Color: BlackSize:  Horse

Gold Medal Piaffe Dressage Saddle $2319.95 GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Saddlery has taken the similar design of the popular COUNTY COMPETITOR and Crosby Prix St. George dressage saddles and improved and refined the saddle to a superior high level dressage saddle. The Piaffe is made on a deep seat beechwood laminated spring-tree with narrow twist to put the rider into the seat and give close contact with the horse. A genuine pigskin seat is used because of its durability over grained leather seats which stretch and wear through, thus distorting the rider’s seat. French panels are wool flocked to allow the saddle to mold to the natural conformation of the horses back for the ultimate in fit and a correct seat position. Flap and panel have been designed to promote greater closeness and contact. Long chrome leather saddle billets require a short dressage girth. Saddle flap is looped on backside for billets to restrain flap. Made in England of the finest quality oiled saddle leather.

ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Flash Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores!

ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Plain Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores!

Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Para Dressage – BH9122 $4.5 Palomino Para Dressage Horse. This authentically sculpted Stablemate horse represents, in miniature (1:32 scale), one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 ALLTECH FEI World Equestrian Games. Some of the bravest and most determined equestrian competitors are the riders. Often competing on borrowed horses, they overcome a variety of obstacles posed by their disabilities to compete in the Para Dressage event of the World Equestrian Games.

Ovation Airform Chafeless Dressage Girth $30.6 The award winning Easy-Care Airform girth is horse and user friendly. Cushioned and textured for air flow, it stays incredibly soft no matter how much use it gets. Can be sponged clean in seconds. Hypo-allergenic. Made with stainless steel roller buckles to extend the use of the girth straps and your hands. Keeps hold the dressage girth neatly in place.

Professionals Choice SMX Dressage Girth $55.95 Perfect in form and function, the SMx Dressage Girth is practical with elastic and roller buckles on both ends. More comfortable for your horse than traditional leather because it doesnt have to be over-tightened. The non-slip neoprene ensures that your saddle will stay secure and the handy detachable neoprene back makes it easy to wash. Great for training or competition. Available in Black only.

Equi-Prene Three Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth $35.95 Pro-Thane Anti-Gall Girths. Rubberized fabric girths designed for the ultimate comfort of your horse. Anti-gall girths made from non-irritating, waffle weave poly-urethane foam that is strong, soft, easily cleaned and will not absorb sweat or bacteria. Stainless steel roller girth buckles. Washes easily in bucket of water and soap. Equi-Prene 3-Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth. Classic dressage girth with third buckle set for flap girth.

Equi-Bette Grand Prix Dressage Girth $103.95 EQUI-BETTE Grand Prix Dressage Girth. Patent Pending. The finest girth made for the highest level of dressage competition. Made from full grain English tannage leather, padded and lined over saddler’s felt that conforms with the girth to the horse. Stainless steel roller buckles. Double elastic end.

TuffRider Dressage Shadbelly $180 Elegance made affordable. Properly tailored for a superb look, made in 100% polyester with antique silver horse head buttons. Complete with vest points.

Roma Kool Dressage Whip $9 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Warendorfer Dressage Whip $15.15 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Ovation Pro Dressage Girth $40.5 Keep your horse extremely comfortable. Easy to clean removable no-slip hook & loop backing. Stainless steel roller buckles and double elastic at both ends.

TuffRider Ladies Dressage Show Coat Plus $89.95 Our Popular Ladies Dressage Show Coat Is Now Available In Plus Sizes! It Will Keep You Looking Polished In The Arena With 4 Silver, Antique Horse Head Front Buttons And A Rear, Two-Button Vent. Dry Clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra.

Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Dressage – BH9117 $4.5 This Stablemates horse represents, in miniature, one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Dressage requires a specific type of equine athlete with the capacity to perform demanding movements, like the piaffe and the passage. This WEG line was released spring of 2010, then retired at the end of 2010.

Dressage Loverz Stocking $25 Santa’s Holiday Horse Stockin’ Kits. One-stop shoppping for your equine friends and family. Includes 1 of each of the following:Christmas Stockings – Dapple GreyHorse Head Hand Warmers, Red Arena Board with pen, RedClear Rain PonchoBlue Plush Horse CharmHand Warmers – 1pkToe Warmers – 1pkSuggested Retail – $49.95

Ovation Dressage Tee – Sweet Mint with Storm Cloud – Ladies Large $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey.Color: Sweet Mint with Storm CloudSize:  Ladies Large

Tekna Contour Dressage Girth $65.7 Shaped to fit your horse, this sculpted girth allows freedom of the elbow and distributes pressure across a greater area for more comfort. It features elastic on both ends, stainless steel roller buckles, center D-ring and soft waffle weave padding for the utmost comfort. Made of QUIK-CLEAN material.

(2011 Model) Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle with Cair $623.8 The new Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle sets new standards in comfort and performance helping position the rider correctly. New and improved Equileather provides a super soft and grippy seat for greater security in the saddle.Features: A modern, stylish dressage saddle with performance featuresThe perfect saddle for riders progressing in their Dressage careerExtremely comfortable seat that facilitates a well balanced positionPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityFeatures include Y-girthing, ergonomic stirrup bar, and flexibloc systemFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGEGullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Flocked Dressage Saddle $1377.1 TheWintec Isabell Dressage Saddleis an updated model designed in conjunction with World Dressage Champion, Isabell Werth. Designed exactly as the Bates Isabell, but made with Wintec’s Easy-Care, Super-Grip Equisuede.The Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle features include:Traditional flocked panelsDeep seat with an ultra narrow and low waist to support a correct dressage positionRecessed stirrup channcel to eliminate interference with rider’s legEquisuede Seat is extremely comfortable with a surface softer than leather with the perfect level of gripAdjustable Flexibloc System enables the rider to individually tailor their own knee supportAdjustable Y-Girthing System secures the front and back of the saddle with equal pressure. Position of the Y-Girth Points can be adjusted to individually suit the horse’s shape.Ergonomic stirrup bars facilitate closer contactNew Generation Easy-Change Gullet System provides a custom fit for many different horses so you can change your gullet and not your saddleWeatherproof, durable, and easy care to save time and hassle!

(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with Flock $1377.1 Experience the world’s leading dressage saddle, the Bates Isabell, in a synthetic version with the added benefits of being lightweight, durable, easy-care and an amazing value for the money. World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle.My saddle is one of the proudest achievements of my dressage career. I believe we have created the perfect seat for the rider and unprecedented comfort for the horse. Isabell WerthFeatures: Supports a correct dressage position with an ultra narrow waist and deep seatA seamless transition from your seat through the length of your leg offers ultra close contactIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityIncludes an adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc SystemThe Isabell saddle is also available in BatesFeatures the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

ThinLine Dressage Girth $189 This girth has elastic in the middle with roller buckles on both ends. Girths are in stock in black and sizes (20 inches to 34 inches). Due to metric conversions, the girths actually measure 1inch shorter than listed. If your current size is a close fit, order the next size up. Breathable Anti-microbial No-slip/no-rub ThinLine lining makes this the best girth to keep your horse comfortable and your saddle in place. Easy to clean and very durable!

Ovation Acugel Dressage Square Pad $126 At last, a pad that conforms to both your saddle and your horse, and takes the shocks out of your ride! ,The natual latex rubber Ovation Acugel pad is loaded with features:-Quick Sweat Evaporation to keep the horse’s back cool and dry. -Messagio Technology to relax the most sensitive areas of the horse’s back.-Total Shock Absorbing System to protect the spines of both the horse and the rider from shocks and jerks.-E-Pressure distributes pressure evenly, reducing hot spots and pressure points.

(2011 Model) Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle with CAIR $2916.1 World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle. Effortlessly aligns rider position for superior performance. A deep and ultra close contact seat ensures improved communication. Maximizes freedom of movement and comfort for your horse. Innovations include uniquely positioned Ergonomic Stirrup Bar, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.

Equi-Prene Pro-Thane Lonsdale Dressage Girth $31.95 Pro-Thane Anti-Gall Girths. Rubberized fabric girths designed for the ultimate comfort of your horse. Anti-gall girths made from non-irritating, waffle weave poly-urethane foam that is strong, soft, easily cleaned and will not absorb sweat or bacteria. Stainless steel roller girth buckles. Washes easily in bucket of water and soap. Equi-Prene Lonsdale Dressage Girth. Nylon web facing, 3 1/4 wide.

(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with CAIR $1377.1 Experience the world’s leading dressage saddle, the Bates Isabell, in a synthetic version with the added benefits of being lightweight, durable, easy-care and an amazing value for the money. World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle.My saddle is one of the proudest achievements of my dressage career. I believe we have created the perfect seat for the rider and unprecedented comfort for the horse. Isabell WerthFeatures: Supports a correct dressage position with an ultra narrow waist and deep seatA seamless transition from your seat through the length of your leg offers ultra close contactIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityIncludes an adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc SystemThe Isabell saddle is also available in BatesFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

Ovation Klimke II Pro XCH Dressage Saddle $1203 Now with the XCH Interchangeable Gullet System.Designed by 5 time Olympic Gold Medal winner, Dr. Reiner Klimke, this saddle provides the perfect position and balance for any dressage rider. With contour panels to provide freer movement to your horse’s shoulders, synthetic wool stuffed panels, secure girthing system and a knee block that provides a secure position yet allows the rider freedom of movement. Made in a natural finish French leather of unsurpassed quality and durability. Lifetime warranty on tree.

Fritz Thiedemann Gripper Shock Pad – White – Dressage $43.95 Fritz Thiedemann Saddle Pads FRITZ THIEDEMANN Gripper Quilted Shock Pads. The world famous Fritz Thiedemann 1-1/4 diamond quilted saddle pad, made with non-slip small rubber pimple grippers on top of shock absorbong and back protecting center. Back comforting rubber is placed under the saddle panel to distribute the rider’s weight and shock without injury to horse’s back. Cotton twill cover, EQUI-FELT center, self-gripping billet straps and girth loop. Shaped and contoured back to fit perfectly under saddle. Dressage Shape Color: WhiteSize:  Dressage

Roma Leather Handle Dressage Whip $31.5 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Shimmer Diamonte Dressage Whip $20.55 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Golden Spiral Dressage Whip $22.35 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Shimmer Crystal Dressage Whip $11.7 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Leather Grip Dressage Whip $12.6 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Rubber Handle Dressage Whip $10.8 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Smooth Handle Dressage Whip $10.65 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

High Point Advantage Dressage Saddle Pad $55.8 Advantage Warmblood-size Dressage High Point Custom Saddle Pad. This is the perfect saddle pad for Large or Warmblood horses. It gives you the Advantage in the show ring, by making your leg look longer and keeping your horse cooler. It is made with two breathable layers which lie between the 7-ounce pre-shrunk poly/cotton top and the underside, which is made of 100% cotton. You will not find a custom pad of better quality! Many body, trim, and piping colors available! Average Pad 23L x 40W front, 31W rear. Large Pad 25L x 44W front, 35W rear.

Gymnastic Patterns with Leslie Webb Volume 1 – Influence: Training the Half-Halt, Bending the Jaw, Rhythm and Regularity $42.95 Pan-American team and individual Silver medalist Leslie Webb, has brought together her most effective gymnastic exercises. These exercises are systematically put into a three DVD series progressive series. Throughout the programs Leslie discusses the importance of rider position and the half-halt. Leslie will guide you through each pattern with easy to follow diagrams and straight forward ter…

Gymnastic Patterns with Leslie Webb Volume 2 – Alignment $22.00 Has eight patterned exercises to develop bending, the counter bend, balance, to align and straighten your horse. Correct round circles, proper bend and the development of the lateral movements are also covered….

Gymnastic Patterns with Leslie Webb Volume 3 – Engagement $22.00 Has six, more involved and intensive exercises that aid in creating impulsion, engagement, lateral movements and a step-by-step approach to the counter-canter. All the lateral movements are developed, with patterns to teach correct rider position and timing of the half-halts. Through these exercises horses will learn to become engaged and develop extra impulsion towards collection….

Petz Pony Beauty Pageant $19.95 Petz Pony Beauty Pageant DS…

101 Arena Exercises: A Ringside Guide for Horse & Rider $14.49 Horse trainer and instructor, Cherry Hill, presents recognized classic exercises, suitable for both English and Western riders, along with her own original patterns and maneuvers. Exercises range from simple to complicated and are useful for any riders interested in improving their own and their horses’ skills, and for instructors looking for new drills. Paperback book, 224 pages….

Themed Lesson Plans for Riding Instructors $14.34 Here’s a wealth of ideas, exercises and plans for group or individual lessons, for all abilities, all levels and all ages. Each lesson plan follows a natural progression, gradually building up the difficulty of the exercises as the ability of the pupil increases. The themes include such topics as first lessons, lead-line lessons, circles, school figures, work without stirrups and/or reins, transit…

The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse: Manege Patterns (Howell reference books) $29.95 The Howell Equestrian Library is a distinguished collection of books on all aspects of horsemanship and horsemastership. The nearly fifty books in print offer readers in all disciplines and at all levels of competition sound instruction and guidance by some of the most celebrated riders, trainers, judges and veterinarians in the horse world today. Whether your interest is dressage, show jumping or…

Do you know the difference between figures, movements and patterns when you ride dressage?

Many dressage riders ask me about the choreography of their freestyle pattern.
One of the confusions surrounding a freestyle pattern is what is
allowed and what is forbidden at a certain level. Before you can begin
to build a pattern you need to know the difference between movements
and figures so that you don’t try something that is on the “forbidden”
list at your level.

What is the difference between movements, figures and patterns?

According to the USDF rule book, dressage movements are leg yields, rein-back,
shoulder-in, travers, renvers, turn on haunches, half-pass (trot or canter), flying
change, pirouette (walk or canter), piaffe, and
passage.
• Test Movements: All of the elements that are scored in one box on a dressage test sheet.
• Figures: Geometrical component of a dressage test such as circle,
change of rein, and figure-of-eight. Many people use the word “figure”
interchangeably with “movement” which is incorrect.
• Patterns: Geometric design formed in the arena when movements, figures and transitions are combined.

Still Confused?
Think of it this way. If you are creating a first level freestyle, you must
include leg yields in both directions as a movement. The leg yield
itself, is a movement. Where and how you do the leg yield is a figure.
For example, you could do a leg yield from the center line to the wall,
or you could do a zig zag creating a more difficult figure and pattern
with the leg yield.

Here is another example. Counter canter is not a required component in a first level freestyle, however, it is
clearly allowed. Therefore, you can ride a counter canter in any figure
to increase the level of difficulty of your choreography and pattern.

Example three.
Let’s say you are riding a second level freestyle. You know the technical
requirements include free walk, shoulder in both directions, travers
and/or renvers at trot, medium trot, 10 meter circles in canter, simple
changes of lead and medium canter. You feel that you can do some of
these movements and figures in a harder sequence than is required at
second level. Can you do this? YES. The USDF rules under the artistic
requirements say: “Any figures, patterns, combination, or transitions
composed of elements permitted in the declared level are permitted.
There are
no limitations on shape or combination of figures, even if the resulting configuration is found in higher levels.”
That means you are allowed to create a pattern or figure that includes known
allowed movements (such as shoulder-in) in any form or difficulty that
you choose. This will increase your artistic degree of difficulty
score.

For example. Even though the shoulder-in in all second level tests is shown on the track you may show shoulder-in on the
center line, or anywhere else. You may even combine one shoulder in
left followed by a should-in right. This would be considered a
combination of figures and is allowed.

You are welcome to write and ask me about your own freestyle pattern!
Next month we will go over more examples of figures, movements and requirements for particular levels.There will be an ongoing monthly article about freestyles and choreography on my free monthly news letter if you would like to sign up. www.ruthhoganpoulsen.com

About the Author

Rider, competitor, author, teacher, trainer, freestyle composer,

First jumping show?

Ok, so coming up on the 22nd of March, I am going into a show. I am not exactly sure of how the classes are working, but I know I am going to do a walk/trot/canter dressage patterns (very beginner patterns though) in the morning and I’m going to do a hunter flat class and a hunter jumping class in the afternoon (I don’t jump very high, like 1′ 3″). I have shown before, but this is the first show I will be doing basic dressage patterns (which I have no experience with but my coach said she will work with me on them) and jumping.

So my question is, what can I do to prepare? Like to make sure my horse looks great and that I do too, any suggestions?

Thanks! I will add more details if needed.

First of all, you don’t want to have to rush on the day of the show…that will only hurt you. So, You’ll want to have all of your stuff in a bag/corner TWO days before, that way you can go over ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING the day before the show to make sure you have everything…I tend to bring extras of everything and pack them into the back of my car the night before…

Make a checklist, then copy it so that you a)know what and how much you need to bring with you, and b)know what and how much you should RETURN with.

For your horse, I’d keep an eye on the weather reports to make sure that I can pick as close a day to the day of the show as possible to give the horse a bath…if it will be warm enough the day before, that’s the ideal time…however, if it’s supposed to be cold, try to find some point where you could give your horse a nice, thorough bath without having to worry about temperature/weather.

Tack: I like to do my tack the day before the show if I KNOW that I will have time (you must always calculate how much time you’ll have). If not, maybe two days before, but that’s about it, as dust can build up quickly.

Boots: Make sure that you polish your show boots thoroughly…again, I would do this the night before if I have tons of time available…if not, especially since you will most likely not be using the same pair you ride with, you can do it in advance, then just do some touch-up the night before.

Horse: Take into consideration what kind of stall your horse lives in, do they tend to get dirty, and the color of their coat….I like to wrap my horse’s tail the day before, and possibly outfit him in a sleezy (horse pajamas) if necessary…I knew someone who even wrapped their horse’s legs the night before (though this horse was like a magnet for dirt and manure…we nicknamed her: the swamp thing), though I wouldn’t personally do that in case the legs got overheated.

DON’T LEAVE IN BLUE/PURPLE SHAMPOO: If you do, your horse will DEFINITELY stand out…color wise that is…I don’t think judges appreciate blue and purple ponies…

Wash all of your show clothes two or three days in advance, then cover them and put them aside so they stay clean…bring a lint roller.

BRING SWEATS!!! Sweats will allow you to keep any dirt, grime, or slobber off of your show clothes as you’re grooming your horse…I recommend waterproof/repellent ones…just in case…

BRING RAGS: You will want a rag to dust off your tack, your boots (AFTER you’re in the saddle, waiting by the gait…dust of the dirt from the soles of your boots as well so that they don’t spread dirt to your stirrups/side of the horse), your horse’s hooves, etc.

Don’t underestimate the use of a stable rubber….all you need is a soft, clean cloth. Then, wipe it all over your horse…this not only picks up dirt that brushes left behind, but also distributes the natural oils in your horse’s coat to bring out a healthy, slip-free shine (personally, I’ve never used the sprays, as I dislike how they sometimes leave behind a residue, and I like my horse’s coat to shine as naturally as possible…)

Clean the ears, eyes, and muzzle on the day of the show…use a slightly damp rag, and gently wipe dirt from these areas.

Don’t forget to trim pony’s whiskers!

Trim feathers (unless breed-specific)

While on course, unless instructed otherwise, I ALWAYS do an opening circle, and a closing circle…this allows the judges to prepare, and shows them that you are ready and also allows them to get a first impression. The closing circle helps to show your control while allowing your horse to come back smoothly and slowly.

Obviously, don’t waste the judges time…you want to be ready at the gate so that you can enter as soon as you are needed.

If your horse poops in the crossties, clean it immediately before he/she has a chance to spread it around…

If you have time between the classes, then you should dismount and loosen the girth, then take your horse to a nice, cool, shady area before the next class…give your horse a water break (though I’d put the horse in a halter first), then wipe his lips with another clean rag…make sure that you don’t allow your horse to drink too much, since that will actually lead to problems…just make sure he/she is hydrated and cool.

As for you, make sure you are eating all day and drinking lots of water…take foods that are light and easily digested such as a simple sandwich, fruit, and crackers…you can drink gatorade, but if it’s anything like coach tells us before track meets, you don’t want to drink anything except water until you’re done…Gatorade replaces electrolytes, but has tons of sugar, so it’s better for recovering afterward rather than leading up to.

Don’t eat a few large meals, but rather snacks in between small portions of meals…

SUNSCREEN

GET UP EARLY!! GO TO SLEEP EEEAAARRRLYY!!!!
To perform your best, you MUST be well rested and you MUST arrive with plenty of time to keep your nerves at a minimum…this gives you time to get your horse set up, have everything out and ready, memorize the course(s), and see some other classes to watch how other people winning the classes ride since they may have a certain pace or style the judges are looking for…plus, if they’re doing a similar course at different heights, it allows you to see how they ride the different fences, and which ride is best.

Finally, HAVE FUN!!!!!!! There’s absolutely no point in paying to go to a show if you’re just going to be miserable…take a deep breath, relax, hang out, listen to music…just enjoy yourself!

PS: I also recommend bringing a pair of walking shoes to keep your boots clean…just don’t forget your boots/to put your boots on! And always be within earshot, or at least as much as you can, in case they need to call you up to discuss your entry or if there’s a delay or change in class.

I’ve found that when I’m nervous, it helps calm my nerves to obsessively a)groom my horse, b)polish my boots, c)wipe my tack….just something to do with my hands…just don’t get yourself tired doing this stuff! And bring some entertainment to keep your mind off the show.

Last but not least: STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!!! Another thing that affects you AND your horse…sun completely drains your/your horse’s energy, without even realizing it…stay out of the sun.

Oh yeah, and when you’re in the warm-up ring, follow traffic rules, and don’t forget the ever-reliable “HEADS UP!” if you are unsure…say heads up outside, or heads up inside if you want to claim a certain side…but try to stick to the general flow as much as possible.

And DON’T argue with a judge after results or complain…If you thought you should have done better, see if you can talk to them after they’re done and politely ask them if they could tell you what you may be able to improve on for your next show…they make marks for each rider, so they’ll hopefully be able to tell you (just make sure you’re asking at a good time)…to me, the judge is always right, and it’s good to let them know that you’d like to improve…be courteous and give a good impression….