Horse_Illustrated_-_October_2019

[ 28 horseillustrated.com|october 2019 ]

MoveMent

Thewesterndressagehorseshoulddemon-

stratea full,swingingstrideinallgaitswith

thehindfeetcomingforwardandlanding

undertherider.Heshouldmovewithimpul-

sion,a forward-thinkingattitude,engagement

andlooseness.

Thegeneralassumptionis thata western

dressagehorsemovesslowly,butthisisn’t

necessarilythecase.A horsethatmoveswell,

asnotedabove,is moreimportantthanhow

rapidlyorslowlyhejogsorlopes.Slow-moving

gaitsarenotanendgoaluntothemselves;

theyshouldbeproofofbalance,theresult

ofcorrecttrainingthatincludesschoolingin

livelyworkinggaits.

A correcttempoforeachwesterndres-

sagehorsediffersaccordingtohisindividual

conformation,limblength,andabilitytoflex

hishindquarters.Asyourhorse’sbalanceand

strengthincreaseandhe’sablethereforeto

carrymoreweightonhishindquarters,his

tempowillnaturallyslowdown.Whathe

gainsinloftinessandjointflexionanda softly

swingingback,hetradesforthequickergaits

ofanundeveloped,unbalancedhorse.

CoMpetition notes

As you prepare for a western dressage test, it’s

important to keep in mind that this quality

of movement is what you will be primarily

evaluated on. A successful test is not just the

ability to ride an accurate pattern, though

that is a component of what judges look for. A

much larger part of the evaluation comes from

consistent, high-quality gaits and movement

demonstrated throughout the pattern.

For competitions, working western attire

and equipment are the norm, as opposed to

flashier show-ring styles. A clean pair of riding

jeans and plain long-sleeve shirt will get you

started in the sport. Chaps, chinks, and hel-

mets are optional.

Western dressage was officially branded in

the U.S. in 2010, and in 2013, the U.S. Eques-

trian Federation named the Western Dressage

Association of America (WDAA) an affiliate

organization. At whatever level you choose to

participate—locally, regionally, or beyond—your

horse’s athleticism and longevity will bloom. n HI

JEC A. BALLOU is the author of 101 Western Dressage

Exercises. http://www.jecballou.com

A fluid,
swinging
stride and
correct
tempo are
what the
judge is
looking for.