Dressage is a French term, (most commonly translated to mean "training") is a highly skilled form of riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an "art" sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery. Dressage is "the highest expression of horse training" where "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements."
Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games. Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, the horse responds smoothly to a skilled rider's minimal aids. The rider is relaxed and appears effort-free while the horse willingly performs the requested movement.
Working terrain
Most commonly on artificial arenas
Rest place/daily stay
Box or paddock
Horse characteristics
Large framed warmblood horse with a pronouncd gait when walking, trotting and galopping. The dressage horse tends to belong to the rectangular horse type in order to be able to express its energy and elasticity in the exercises. Their intensive usage in a restricted environment means that these horses often do not demonstrate strong nerves in unfamiliar surroundings.
Horses behaviour
Normally, when in their familiar surroundings, dressage horses are uncomplicated to shoe. A well lit, adequately large and even shoeing area are the basic requirements for good, safe work.
Shoeing location
Dressage horses can be shod at the usual shoeing places.
Advice
Because of the intensive usage of the dressage horse, often on very soft sand and synthetic surfaces, these horses should be shod using wider web shoe, giving appropriate heel support.
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