Dressage |
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Dressage means conditioning of the horse's mind, timing his responses giving the impression that horse and rider are a pair working as one. It is the foundation from which all of the riding disciplines within Pony Club evolve. Dressage builds flexibility, obedience and gymnastic ability in the horse, which is also very important for jumping as well as for Dressage competition Dressage is a system for training horse and rider. The rider learns proper use of the natural aids - hands, legs, and seat to guide and control the horse. The horse learns balance, straightness, rhythm, impulsion, extension and collection. Early levels emphasize walk, trot, and canter on a straight line and in circles A very popular feature of Dressage competitions is the Kur. In the Kur, horse and rider perform the required movements to music, in a pattern choreographed to fit both the horse's best features and the music. The horses often seem to enjoy performing Kurs, coming to life and really sparkling as if they were dancing. At the early levels, riders can ask someone to read the test to them as they perform. As they go up the ladder of difficulty, they are expected to memorize the tests. Dressage competitions are held in rings of regulation sizes: 20x40 metres for the lowest classes, rising to 20x60 metres for the higher classes. The outside limits of the ring are marked, and letters are placed at standard positions on the outside.
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