Dressage
Dressage top stories
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Features
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News
‘He will always be my North Star’: farewell to classical trainer, mentor and horseman
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News
Olympic champion is expecting a foal: ‘We’re sure she will be a wonderful mummy’
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News
A trailblazer, a warrior, a true inspiration: farewell to multiple medal-winning rider aged 76
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Opinion
Carl Hester says: ‘We may not all agree, but we can be kind, respectful and curious’
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News
‘My enthusiasm for riding hasn’t changed’: Olympian Carl Hester silences retirement rumours with a double win at Addington CDI
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News
First official use of FEI’s new noseband measuring device in Britain described as ‘a bit of a non-event’
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News
Top young rider announces medal-winning horse is stepping down – and celebrates 18th birthday with surprise foal
Dressage opinion from H&H columnists
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Carl Hester says: ‘We may not all agree, but we can be kind, respectful and curious’
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Anna Ross: ‘Going round and round in circles won’t keep any horses sound and healthy – in mind or body’
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Carl Hester: an interesting new young horse class that rewards relaxation over pizzazz
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Pammy Hutton: ‘We need better marketing’
Tack and clothing
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From tweed to tech: 7 best men’s show jackets for style and performance in the ring
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12 ladies’ show jackets perfect for the ring
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Dress for success with Horse & Hound’s what to wear guide for dressage competitions
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New dressage rule banning certain headpieces described as ‘baffling’
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16 of the best competition breeches to wear in the saddle this season
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Technical stirrups — what’s on the market?
Training tips
All about dressage
The sport of dressage involves horse and rider performing a pre-set pattern of movements appropriate to their current level of training. In freestyle competitions riders have to perform set movements, but can do so in any order and at any place in the judging arena and this is set to the rider’s choice of music.
In order to compete successfully in dressage, the horse must be expressive yet obedient and able to maintain the correct body form without any signs of stiffness. The sport has been described by the layman as ‘equine ballet’ and ‘dancing horses’.
Competition in the UK, which is overseen by governing body British Dressage, starts at intro level, where only walk and trot movements are performed, right through to grand prix, which is the level seen at the Olympic Games.
There are dressage competitions available for disabled riders, although some of the top para dressage riders also compete in able-bodied competitions. Britain has an outstanding record in international para dressage championships.