Equestrian Goods

How do u start training a horse with basic riding knowledge to do dressage?

In beginning dressage, it's really just about moving forward in good working gaits. The horse should willingly stretch down and reach for the bit and be free in his gaits- relaxed with an even steady rhythm. He should learn to balance on large circles and turns and move willingly off the rider's aids.

I live in Ireland and am looking for this test for a dressage competition soon but really don't want to have to pay for it. If anyone has it or knows where I can get a copy of it for free can you let me know please? Thanks in advance!

Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.pcuk.org/output/branches/240/Introductory1995-ThePonyClub.htm

I've been doing dressage for a while now, but there aren't many teens in my area who do it, so if your under 15 and want some1 to talk to about dressage and other horsey stuff, my aim name is blknwhte14.
I'm 13, just to let u know.

Are you a member of your local GMO (dressage group)? There usually are plenty of juniors that are also members.

Also– check out "ultimate dressage" or the "UDBB" bulletin board online– lots a great members of all ages, who know what they are talking about!!

I have just bought a barefoot treeless saddle for my 16.3 mw hunter, can I just use a regular dressage girth or do I need one designed specifically for a treeless saddle?

You can use any girth with roller buckles which is recommended.

I have been working on jumping, and some ground work to gain respect, because that's what my trainer told me to do.
I want to introduce him to dressage, and am wondering if there are exercises that I could do in the saddle or on the ground.

Great idea! Apart from anything else, the more you school your horse the more pleasant he will be to ride. He will also be safer and more fun for jumping and trail riding. The word "dressage" comes from the French for training, so all the work you have already done is contributing to his dressage. You don't say if you are interested in competing or not.
Start riding him in the arena. Work on transitions, making sure that he responds instantly to your aids. Concentrate on making your aids invisible. When your transitions are great, work on direct transitions, halt to trot, canter to walk etc. You can also look for some variation in the pace - see if he will lengthen his stride slightly in trot without speeding up.
Also work on loops and circles. Get your horse to bend from poll to tail, riding him from your inside leg to your outside hand. Think about getting him moving away from your leg. This leads us to lateral work. Do some leg yielding, first on a circle, then on the long side of the arena. Start in walk and progress to trot. Think about turns on the forehand and maybe some shoulder in or half pass if he is ready for it.
As you are new to dressage, you should aim to work your horse in a "long and low" frame. This means that he should be stretching his neck forwards and down to find the bit. He shouldn't be leaning on your hands and you shouldn't be fiddling with the reins. It's achieved by riding him forward into a good contact.
I've given you quite a lot of exercises here, but don't feel you should be doing them all at once. I don't really know what your level is, but you need to work through them at your own pace. Ask your trainer for some flatwork lessons. And enjoy this wonderful sport.

I want to get a pair of jointed stirrups, but I’m not sure what color I should get on the outside covering black or white? which would be better for dressage like for showing? is there a certain color?
like the ones with the chains in them, and they have a covering over them

black would be better, because it would be less noticeable. you don’t want something that will distract the judge’s eye from the rest of your ride. (c:

Instead of buying the expensive stakes plates or cones, what are some clever do-it-yourself ideas for dressage letter markers? Portable ideas preferred, as the arena I use has no wall to attach markers to!

Print them off on your PC on card ( A5 size is good) trim slightly and laminate them in the thickest laminate you can get. Should leave you with a border of about 1 inch around the edges. Punch holes in the laminate ( make sure you don't punch through the card - this way they will be waterproof) You can then fasten them with string or pins to posts, cones, walls etc.

i am currently jumping. but, i had an experience while jumping and broke my arm. i've always been interested in dressage and i'm thinking it may be somewhat safer. is it difficult to switch from jumping to dressage?

Kind of i mean i was alble to hit one of our local dressage shows, and i am a jumper, but i have also been riding western riding too because they are very similar. I did pretty good in it too, i think i got a 66% or something around there!

I am learning how to train horses and break them and everything and I thought it would be kind of cool to teach dressage. I don't have a lot of money for lessons in that kind of training but I was wondering if there was a website that would tell or if there was a dvd or book that had a professional trainer who would explain step by step like Clinton Anderson. Thanks.
I would like to learn to teach piaffe

Dressage takes many (many many) years of hands on experience and education. It would be impossible to have someone explain to you step by step since there is so much theory involved, as well as feel, timing, understanding, visually being able to see what is correct, etc. It has to become a second nature to you.

Instead, look into becoming someone's apprentice or assistant who has been in the discipline for many years (and truly understands it!). Basically become a working student so you wouldn't have to spend more than you can afford.

Training the Piaffe takes great skill and although it looks like a piece of cake (I don't know how it could, but I'm not everyone else), it takes the highest degree of collection, strength, suppleness, impulsion… and so much more. Not to mention understanding equine biomechanics, psychology, and the like. I hope you look into it more!

I am in search of a dressage saddle for my new horse since my old saddle does not fit her, She has a medium wide gullet, she is around 15.2hh and weighs about 827 lbs. She is a thoroughbred type appaloosa. I am 5'1" with a long femur and usually ride in a 16- 16.5" saddle.

If you are serious about dressage then get ready to drop some money. I would recommend a saddle that can be adjusted so you can keep it forever. I think that any of the Hennig saddles are a dream to ride. Also Schlese has fantastic saddles. I myself own one of their Jane Savoy models. If those are out of your price range try a more modest Passier. They are also very nice saddles and they are much cheaper.
Dressage is all about harmony and the saddle can really have am impact in both a negative or a positive way. That is why I always recommend saddles that I consider to be an investment. If the saddle fits both you and your horse very well your riding will be elevated from it. You should poke around a local saddle shop and see if they have any used saddles in the brands that I mentioned. Once you buy a saddle you should also always get it adjuster to your horse ASAP. Hope that helps.