Oct 12, 2016HOW TO TRAIN A LAID-BACK DRESSAGE HORSEA laid-back horse is a great fit for people who want to share their horses with their families. There are also a number of disciplines for which a laid-back temperament is preferred. No matter what your reason is for getting a relaxed horse, an even-keel horse presents a number of…Horses3 min read
Oct 12, 2016DRESSAGE TIPS: MASTERING YOUR BODY ALIGNMENT WHEN RIDING BENDING LINESBody alignment is a key part of dressage. It’s imperative that your seat is in the correct position. This way, the energy can flow through your legs and travel to your hands in the proper way. The position of your seat and your hips makes a world of difference. But…Fitness3 min read
Jul 21, 20167 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Dressage LessonEvery rider, no matter what level of expertise, can benefit from a professional lesson, especially with the right preparation and attitude. These tips will help make sure your sessions are as productive and enjoyable as possible. 1. Ask what the lesson will entail It’s always advantageous to know what the lesson will entail ahead of time. Don’t…Horseback Riding3 min read
Jul 21, 2016Finding a More Engaged Trot & CantorIt’s important to maintain an engaged cantor and trot, but engagement takes practice. Polework can help encourage your horse to want to work, even outside the arena. Keep your training regime fresh with these exercises. First, set up 4 trotting poles approximately 4–5 toe to heel steps apart, depending on…Dressage2 min read
Jul 21, 2016Piaffe Performance Gets Ready for the 2016 Markel/USEF Young Horse and Developing Horse Dressage National ChampionshipsAfter months of developing exceptional young horses up the levels, Piaffe Performance Farm is ready to return to the 2016 Markel/USEF Young and Developing Horse Dressage National Championships at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois next month. Dr. Cesar Parra himself is an accomplished dressage competitor with experience as…Horses2 min read
Jun 24, 2016Perfecting the Walk, Trot, and CanterWalk ~ 3–5 mph, 1–2–3–4 Beat Trot ~ 8–9 pmh Canter ~ 11–17 mph When riders are first introduced to horse riding, they are taught three simple gaits at which the horse may move: walk, trot, and canter. …Horseback Riding2 min read
Jun 24, 2016Nutritional Supplements for Dressage HorsesNew research from the University of Surrey and the University of Nottingham suggests there is reason to believe that dressage and eventing horses may benefit from a daily dosage of nutritional supplements to prevent and treat a variety of ailments. …Dressage2 min read
Jun 24, 2016Horse Safety in High TemperaturesAs a responsible horse owner, it’s important to understand the effects different climates can have on a horse. As we enter summer, our horses become vulnerable to the most common ailment these animals experience: heat exhaustion. …Dressage3 min read
Jun 24, 20167 Ways to Boost That Dressage ScoreDressage is considered one of the most skilled forms of exhibition riding in the equestrian world today. With highly skilled competition comes highly skilled judging. It is obvious then that correct execution on even the littlest things in dressage can make a big difference. …Horseback Riding2 min read
May 24, 2016The Benefits of a Dressage Judge’s PerspectiveWhile riders usually want to focus exclusively on training, riding, and competing, becoming a dressage judge can offer many advantages, both in terms your own expertise and your contribution to the sport as a whole. The Impact on The Sport The benefits of judging stem from the fact that navigating through the numerous requirements and…Dressage3 min read
