Draft Horse World All Horse SuppliesWorld wide horse supplies

Young Horse Dressage Competitions

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

(2011 Model) Bates Pony Dressage Saddle $1343.2 Make A Statement In The New Bates Pony Dressage Saddle Developed Specifically For Ponies And Their Young Riders Featuring The Latest In World Class Saddle Design And Technology. Comfortable Seat, Anatomically Shaped For The Younger Riders. Optimally Fitting Tree For A Broad Range Of Pony Confirmations. Ergonomic Stirrup Bar Facilitates Closer Contact. New Generation Easy-Change Gullet System Makes Adjustments Easier Than Ever. Cair Panel System Facilitates Greater Communication And Offers The Ultimate Comfort For Your Pony.

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.

Finishing Touch Oval Locket With Dressage Cabachon Gold $26.95 Dressage cabochon 25 x 18mm size on oval locket with 18 petite rope chain 14kt gold platedFinishing touch takes a great deal of pride in offering a high-quality product at a low price, and they stand behind their products. Finishing Touch is a 34-year-old Lexington Kentucky corporation located in the heart of Horse country and Horse Jewelry is their specialty. Finishing Touch Jewelry is all costume jewelry and is plated in either durable karat gold or imitation rhodium (gives a nice silver finish without the problem of tarnishing) over white metal or brass. Many items are manufactured right in Nicholasville, KY. Jewelry from The Finishing Touch of Kentucky withstands the test of time when cared for properly.

Finishing Touch Finishing Touch 25 X 18Mm Cab With Para Dressage Horse In Gold Frame $21.95 The artist demonstrated his thorough understanding of the Para Dressage event as he captured the beauty and the trust that exist between the horse and rider in this discipline. The 25 x 18 cabochon is mounted in a beautifully polished setting that is plated 14kt gold. 18 petite rope chain.Finishing touch takes a great deal of pride in offering a high-quality product at a low price, and they stand behind their products. Finishing Touch is a 34-year-old Lexington Kentucky corporation located in the heart of Horse country and Horse Jewelry is their specialty. Finishing Touch Jewelry is all costume jewelry and is plated in either durable karat gold or imitation rhodium (gives a nice silver finish without the problem of tarnishing) over white metal or brass. Many items are manufactured right in Nicholasville, KY. Jewelry from The Finishing Touch of Kentucky withstands the test of time when cared for properly.

Dressage in Detail Part 3 with Dr. Reiner Klimke: The Training of the Young Horse At Elementary Level in a Double Bridle $30.00 Volume 3 of the series: Training young dressage horses at elementary level at the double bridle: the correctly buckled double bridle, getting horses used to the double bridle, work at the double bridle. Dr. Reiner Klimke was one of the most successful dressage riders worldwide. He trained his horses in accordance with the principles of classical equitation – and this is more than ever an up-to-dat…

Star Stable (The Autumn Riders) Care, Train, Compete and Master the Art of Horsemanship $1.95 Autumn, Summer sheds its skin and the landscape to prepare for winter. The trees shift their colors from summer green to fiery red, warm yellow and sparkling orange. In this time of change and opportunity a young girl arrives at the stables. All her life she has loved horses. She has dreamed of being around them, caring for them, nurturing them and feeling the freedom of riding horseback. It i…

Time To Ride 2: Saddles And Stables $9.56 Groom practice and pete ~ all in one great horseadventure for girls!Product InformationYour family has just moved away from the big city to a farm nestled in the vastcountryside.  Sad to have left all of your friends behind your fatherpromises you a new friend… your very own horse!  Experience all of thethrills and excitement of looking after training and racing your truststeed.  …

Lets Ride: Champion’s Collection $94.00 Let’s Ride: Champions Collection features three exciting games for girls. Give the young lady in your life a new gift – the experience of taking care of their own horses. They’ll know the pride and love of the magical world of equestrian sports. They’ll also get teh thrill of competition, as they participate in Show Jumping, Dressage and Cross Country events throughout the world….

Profile of a Tongue-Hanger

Rubesca was given to me for free, a petite eighteen-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred with a host of bad habits, one of which was tongue hanging. That big muscle lolled out of the left side of her mouth almost non-stop: she looked ridiculous.

Who would have thought she’d become the best horse I ever owned, winning countless one day events, dressage and show jumping competitions?

Approximately one year into our relationship, she’d kicked the tongue-hanging habit, which made me wonder why horses hang their tongues and whether my way of ‘curing’ Rubesca is common?

Reasons For Tongue-Hanging

In her article “Help for Tongue Resistance” Jessica Jahiel, PhD, clinician and lecturer, states that ‘tongue-lolling is usually a reaction to pain.’

Teeth Problems

Causes of mouth pain vary. Brenda Imus, of Brenda Imus Gaited Horse Services suggests getting the teeth examined and floated, as it’s possible the teeth cut into the horse’s tongue when the bit is inserted. The animal hangs it to avoid the pain.

The Bit

Both experts point out that a horse’s tongue is very thick. There is little or no room for the bit, a contraption which causes him to salivate. He must be able to swallow that saliva comfortably. If the bit is too large, held too strongly or the nose band shuts his mouth too tightly, he will need to get his tongue out of the way in order to swallow.

Horses’ mouths differ, but Dr Jahiel recommends finding “the thinnest, smoothest bit that will be the most comfortable for your horse.”

My own experience supports this. Early on I changed Rubesca’s thick jointed snaffle to a thinner, smoother Happy Mouth. I used this soft rubber bit even though she was enormously strong cross country. Because it didn’t hurt her, she listened, and I think this contributed to her eventually forgetting to loll her tongue.

I ride her son in a fairly thin French link, which Dr. Jahiel recommends for horses with thick tongues and low palates. He’s happy with it and not hanging his tongue.

Rider’s Hands

Once the teeth have been checked and the correct bit inserted, we riders must be careful with our hands. Dressage judges treat tongue hanging as ‘resistance’ because it’s so often a reaction to the rider’s hands.

It’s important not to use the horse’s mouth for balance. It helps to imagine how we would feel if someone rested on a shaft inserted inside our own mouths.

Dr. Jahiel stresses the importance of maintaining even contact with both reins: sometimes tongue lolling is a reaction to too much pressure on one side of the mouth.

Stress

Brenda Imus includes stress and boredom as causes for tongue hanging in horses, and suggests varying their work in areas with room for them to stretch and move. To this I would add turning the horse out as much as possible with friendly companions, and reducing his idle time in the stall.

Ms. Imus also says the habit may be “so ingrained that even after all the stressors are removed, (the horse) will need to have his tongue physically held in place until he becomes accustomed to it.”

That is a viewpoint I cannot share.

Don’t Obsess

I plied Rubesca with daily TLC and rode her as if she had no quirks. Her workload was varied, with several trail rides a week.

I didn’t obsess about her tongue hanging (or head-wagging, bit-snatching, etc.) and concentrated on riding her as sensitively as possible, with consistent contact and even rein pressure. I took it slowly.

Over time I noticed her tongue staying in her mouth for longer periods. As Dr. Jahiel says, this problem doesn’t go away overnight. But it did go away. I’d removed everything that might cause my mare pain, stress or boredom and stopped worrying about her tongue.

I talked to trainers who’ve tried various ways to stop horses from hanging their tongues. After addressing possible physical issues, they found artificial attempts to restrain the horse’s tongue exacerbated the problem.

These horse-men and women use the same simple method I stumbled upon: keep the horse happy, ignore his habit and it will go away.

Resources:

Jessica Jahiel, PhD Help for Tongue Resistance

http://equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/english/dressage/eqjahiel3496/

Brenda Imus, My Horse is Hanging His -horTongue Out of His Mouth

http://www.gaitsofgold.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=453:my-horse-is-hanging-his-tongue-out-of-his-mouth&catid=24:gaited-horse-training-articles&itemid=5

Hilary Walker is English, living in Maryland with her three horses, four dogs, schizophrenic cat, perfectly normal American husband and typical teenage son. She loves teaching people to ride, taking them to shows and watching them win ribbons. She also enjoys training her young horse and is winning ribbons with him at First Level dressage.

Her other love is writing. Hilary’s humorous memoir “The Horse Bumbler: Getting It Right By Mistake” describes the times when things haven’t gone quite so smoothly in her horse life. “A Step-by-Step Guide to Entering Your First Dressage Competition” is her handy manual for those wanting to begin riding in dressage shows. Both books are available at amazon.com.

She is the Equestrian writer for the DC Examiner.com and – like every self-respecting horse-woman – expends much effort avoiding housework.

Questions about buying, training and feeding dressage horses?

Right ok I have a project that I have to do for my stables. I have to find out about the horses in my favourite riding discipline – dressage I have to imagine I’m buying a young horse to train to be a dressage horse. I need to find out

1. Breed – I did some research and found that Hanoverians are very popular as dressage horses, with riders like Anky van Grunsven and Carl Hester competing hanoverians. can anyone tell me what makes them so good and suited to dressage?

2. What to feed my hypothetical dressage horse – during training and then during competition.

3. How to train a dressage horse! I have never trained a horse before so I have no idea what you do, let alone what you do to train a high level dressage horse capable of crazy dressage movements!
As much info as possible on this one if possible, I’m totally bewildered D:

Thank you for any help

Although some people like Hanovarians there are many different breeds and cross breeds used forthe sport. Others prefer the Trakehners. Most of the warm bloods used for dressage have a certain amoung of TB in them. Carl Hester also has KWPN and Oldenburg horses.

What makes a dressage horse is its movement which, from a foal, should be free, forward and the ability to move with its hocks under it and open the shoulder. They need to be built slightly uphill in that when they more their quarters are slightly lower than the withers this encourages them to have their hocks under them more.

As for feeding your hypothetical dressage horse is like asking how long is a piece of string! Each horse is different and as such should be fed differently. Some might be a bit lazy and need higher amounts than a ‘gassy’ type horse. Also growth comes into it. A three year old will need different nutrients to a grown horse.

The first thing that top riders will ask of a young (ridden) horse is free forward movement, this is allowing them to adjust to a rider being on them by going forward with their head lower than would normally be expected. Then as the horse strengthens and builds up the head will raise naturally and it will come onto the bridle. For the first couple of years there is very little collection asked for. movements are performed at working paces. As the horse learns the basic movements, strengthens and is stronger and is working collected so, the higher movements are asked for.
It all takes many years to teach.