I want a dressage saddle but all the girth i see don’t look right. some have a leather overhang that makes sure the buckles don’t touch some are made out of cotton and the buckles look like they would touch. can any one inform me about what kind is best and what is standered size and all that stuff.
thanks
Dressage saddles and girths were made to be so that the buckles are lower down and do not interfere with the rider’s leg. As a result, the girths usually have (And should have) a flap of material between the buckles and the horse’s skin. If it doesn’t, I would’t use it- I’ve never seen a dressage girth used that doesn’t have them. If you do end up with one like that, I’d get (Or make- it’s basically just a tube) a girth cover. Make it a little long, so you can pull it up over the buckles. That should protect the horse from rubs or getting pinched sufficiently
If you can, get something leather. It should match your saddle in color. If you get neoprene or something, keep in mind that some horses (Like mine) are allergic to it, so you want to make sure yours isn’t be fore you buy. Get one in good repair- As for sizing, I can’t tell you. Here’s a little chart that is an extreme GUIDELINE. A 15 hand Arab has ha different body type than a 15 hand Draft cross, and a chubby horse will need a larger girth than those said on these charts: http://www.saddleshop.com/extras/conversion_girth.htm It would be best to borrow a friends girth, or perhaps a trainer’s, to see what size fits your horse, especially if you are buying online.
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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!
like shows that have just gaited horses doing movements that are breed specific
the TWHBEA has it inthe Versitlity part of there shows.
below is a description fro mthe TWHBEA versitility page
Dressage TOP
Dressage has been approved as a versatility division and competitors may accrue points toward the year end high point award. Points from this division will not count toward the achievement of Champion, Supreme or Superior Champion.
Points accepted from any recognized dressage competition under a licensed judge, such as AHSA, USDF, Trophaeum Mundi International; or from open or TWH shows at which TWHBEASM approved dressage tests are used and a licensed judge presides.
English tack and attire are acceptable, either hunt seat, saddle seat or traditional dressage attire. Snaffle bits are required. Exhibitors should check with other organizations for their rules before competing.
Exhibitors must turn in a copy of their score sheet along with a copy of the class sheet and the test used when submitting their point book.
Complete dressage rules will be available from TWHBEASM for their recognized tests. For rules from other organizations, exhibitors should contact those officials.
In the event a show does not offer separate classes for youth and adult competitors, a horse may be shown by only one youth and one adult in any event.
Does anyone out there use gaited horses for dressage? Obviously you wouldn’t use their special gaits, but I just wonder why I hear a lot about, say, Lusitanos in the dressage arena but not Paso Finos.
EDIT – Sorry, I didn’t make myself clear..I know Lusitanos aren’t gaited. But I was of the impression that Pasos and Lusitanos are both a Spanish "baroque" breed.
Lusitanos are not gaited, Pasos are ( neither are Andulusians, which are closely related to Lusitansos.) It’s difficult to compete in dressage with a naturally "gaited" horse ( such as a paso or a fox-trotter) because thier natural gaits do not correspond to the gaits desired for Dressage competition ( flat four beat walk, four beat cadenced trot etc) and since they are natural gaits for these breeds, they are difficult to "train" out.
Just a general question, but are their any arabian horses that do top dressage, and if so who?
Just wondering as i can’t see why they couldn’t but i’ve never seen any. Just allot of warmbloods and what not.
Thanks in advance 
Arabs can do dressage but it takes 10 times more patience then a warmblood, because arabs are very springy and hot headed. They don’t have the self discipline to "cool down" and focus. I’ve started my TB in dressage but its proving difficult because of his breed, I probably will go far because I have the patience to work with him. Some people just don’t.
do you think KWPN (Dutch) horses are the best for dressage. I think so noticing all the horses in the past that have won, most are KWPN!
They are doing well at the moment but many of the top dressage horses are Hanoverians and other warmblood breeds. KWPN’s have been noticed lately because riders from the Netherlands are now good enough to be at the top level. Most of the top sires are actually Hanoverian/Oldenburg/Holsteiner and KWPN uses many of these outside sires to create their horses so it’s hard to say that one particular breed is "the best". There is a lot of bloodline sharing.
I like style of Dressage horses, but I really enjoy with jumping.
So I would like to know that which Dressage horse can jump the best?
Between Hanoverian and Friesian (In this time, I am goin’ crazy with Friesian, but I also like Hanoverian 555+)
There are many warmbloods, particularly Hanovarians in the professional jumping world as well as in the professional dressage arena. Take your cue from them, if it’s good enough for the professional rider it’s good enough for us
how do you get a horse to perform a leg yield, what signals do you use and how do you keep the movement flowing? Also the same questions for pirouette. I’ve just started dressage and I’m having a little trouble, I’ve been riding for more than 6 years but only basic dressage.
hard to explain but here we go
First, begin at a collected trot, horse must be on the bit (if you cannot maintain being on the bit, as the horse will fuss with you when you attempt this that is ok, but do try your best to improve in that area as to achieve a very good mark), with the fence of the ring on your left side
gently, using your body weight, and a SLIGHT turn of the head, go down the center-line from C (or A)
(you will be going to your left, your whip on the right)
at about 3-5 paces, keeping horse collected, and on the bit, making sure your seat bones have an equal balanced weight, and you are sitting perfectly straight in your saddle with your arms gently tucked against your waist, leaning gently back, you must be relaxed for this, as in anything,….
press with your left leg downwards in the stirrup, WHILE your right seat bone presses down on the right side of your saddle
this step, while difficult, is crucial, it takes much practice
while leg-yielding your whip can be gently tapping your horses right hind-quarter, your right foot (with spur is preferable at this stage) gently tapping horse’s side (without losing the grip of your saddle and thigh), slightly back than normal, keeping left leg pushed down
DO NOT TURN HEAD OF horse TO LEG YIELD!!!!! the horse must remain STRAIGHT, the horse will want to either drag his/her haunches you need to correct this with the equality of your weight and your whip tapping
it is also essential that you look forward, straight forward, not down, but up, and YOUR SHOULDERS MUST BE SQUARE TO THE HORSE’S
the horse needs to be kept at a consistent tempo and maintain good composure and frame (as do you!) you can do this with whip, leg and seat drive
your leg yield, depending on the size of the ring, with a proper Olympic sized ring the leg yield should end at or just before F (starting at C)
at F use body weight to shift back onto the rail and resume
your reins during this must be steady, clam, and remain at your waist
of course, I’m sure you know what a leg yield should look (if not look it up) in terms of what the horses’ legs are doing, so remember: the larger the extension of crossing your horse and you perform the higher the marks
this takes much time and practice, remember to reward your horse! it helps to watch yourself in a mirror if you have one and also video yourself to help improve on things
if you have any questions about this or any dressage movement add onto this or add me as your contact and i will look for your questions
i would suggest completing this before your move onto pirouettes
pirouettes require much leg work from both you and your horse during the movement and collected canter, try this first.
i hope this helps you! good luck!
I have a jumper/dressage horse and I’m now at a barn who has trails / does trail clinics at other barns so I thought this would help keep work more fun for my TB.
My question is, what type of boots is best for trail riding (and not like the trail rides at state parks, these will be longer and more demanding)? I currently have open front boots and some old galloping boots (that need replacing). My horse is barefoot it that helps any.
Thanks!
depending on the terrain on how good/bad your horses fet are you may want a pair of easy boots or eventually shoes depending on how often and long you will be riding your horse on the "demanding" terrain. my horse who normally has great, rock hard feet had to get shoes once i started trailing more often with him.
also, depending on what kind of terrain you will be one and if it will be tall grass/rocks/dirt/mud/sand etc. you may not want boots. they may cause rubbing from stuff getting into the boots etc. you will also want to avoid boots with fleece etc. so they dont get heavy with water and so that stuff doesnt "stick" to them. try a pair of neoprine boots or these, by davis.
fit well, nothing fancy, good price, wont weigh down with water etc.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=690
here is the easy boot link as well….
http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=4845
if you decide to keep him barefoot because he can handle it i would still try and apply iodine or something similar to keep his soles tough and to prevent stone bruises, lameness, etc.
as the above answerer said…i LOVE the SMB boots for arena etc. but on the trails…EVERYTHING STICKS TO THEM. like…EVERYTHING. and if wet they will add some weight. i prefer the smb elites. they are AWESOME for my dressage horse my hunter my jumper and my eventer.
I need some ideas for a dressage competition (a horse event thing) where you have two people wear crazy costumes with matching music while doing a routine on a horse? It’s called Pas De Deux.
For example, a pair could wear tutus while music from ‘Billy Elliot’ plays (you know that ballet movie?!)
Fun, interesting costumes with matching music would be great… any questions, just ask in your answer and I’ll get back to you. Thanks so much.
How about using some of the music that’s popular for reining? Riders on the Storm. Ghost Riders in the Sky. Then, you could dress up like cowboys (can you do Dressage in a western saddle?) or desperados and be really different.
Another thing: some of the Beatles music has great possibilities. Eleanor Rigby. Sgt. Pepper. You could have a great Sergeant Pepper type uniform, or just dress up like hippies.
How about a Broadway thing? Do a song from "Cats", and dress up like cats (I’d love doing that). Or dress like operatic divas, with lowcut gowns and massive hair.
Play square dance music and dress up like square dancers. Or flamenco, with flamenco costumes.
Sounds like a lot of fun! Good Luck.