What is dressage for a horseback rider?

Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport that involves the rider and their horse performing a choreographed sequence of movements in an arena. The goal of dressage is to develop a well-trained and obedient horse that is able to perform a series of precise movements such as walk, trot, canter, pirouette, passage, and piaffe with grace, power, and accuracy.

Dressage is often referred to as the “ballet of horseback riding” because of the emphasis on the horse's balance, rhythm, and suppleness in executing the movements, as well as the harmony between the rider and their horse. Dressage requires a lot of training, dedication, and patience on the part of the rider and their horse, as well as a deep understanding of equine biomechanics and communication.

Dressage is one of the few sports in which both men and women compete on equal terms, and riders of all ages and levels can participate in competitions. There are different levels of dressage competitions, ranging from introductory levels for beginning riders and horses to the highest levels of international competition.

In dressage competitions, riders are judged on a number of criteria, including the accuracy & execution of the prescribed movements, the horse's suppleness and obedience, and the rider's position and aids. Dressage is a highly respected and elegant sport that requires the rider to have excellent riding skills, as well as a deep understanding of their horse's movement and behavior.