Selecting a Suitable Dressage Horse - Part 2
Temperament & Conformation
While temperament and conformation play an important role in the success of your horse as a dressage athlete, one must realize that the perfect horse does not exist. It is equally important to understand that all horses can benefit from dressage training. That being said, not all horses will possess the characteristics necessary to be an elite dressage horse. The rider must first assess his own goals in order to effectively evaluate his horse’s ability to achieve those goals. The following outlines the characteristic of the dressage horse as they pertain to temperament and conformation.
First we will consider the horse’s temperament. Because dressage is equally challenging mentally and physically, the horse must be a willing and eager partner. Some horses will become sour as the training becomes more difficult, whereas others enjoy the challenge. Furthermore an obedient horse will make schooling sessions much more productive. Finally, it is important to note that horses that are slightly more spirited or “flashy” have a presence about them especially in the show ring. This presence commands attention and will often result in higher marks for expression.
Next we’ll address the topic of conformation. Ideally, the dressage athlete has an “uphill” appearance and is the picture of strength, balance and symmetry. A dressage horse should be proportionate when looking at the length of the front end, back and hindquarter. Ultimately, the horse’s conformation affects his soundness, quality of gaits and balance. As the horse progresses in his training, conformational defects become more of a factor. The picture below interactively illustrates the desirable physical traits of the dressage horse. Click the parts below to view their description and desirable traits.
The hindquarter is probably the most important aspect of dressage horse conformation. One should be careful to avoid significant conformational defects in this area because dressage horses are required to carry a majority of their weight here especially in the upper levels. Any defect will be magnified when the horse begins his collected work.
The hooves should be large and round with distinct heels.
The forelimbs should possess large joints and hooves, moderate pasterns and short cannon bones. The pasterns are slightly sloped. This slope should be similar to that of the shoulder and will assist with cadence and suspension. It is important to note that minor defects of the forelimbs are easier to overcome than those of the hind because most of the horse’s weight at the upper levels is carried on the hindquarter.
The chest and shoulders should be moderate in size with the shoulders being unrestricted by the saddle and the elbows free.
The hocks should be large, strong and well-angulated to maximize impulsion.
The haunches are “the engine” of the horse. They should be symmetrical, muscular and well-developed when viewed from behind.
The croup should be long and slightly sloping. It should sit below the level of the withers.
The back of the dressage horse should be of moderate length and be surrounded by an oval-shaped barrel. These are key factors that will minimize gait and saddle fit problems. The body should be no more than 3 times the length of the pelvis.
The neck should be well set and be higher than ½ way up the shoulder line. It should be wedge-shaped – thinner at the head and thicker at the shoulder. This will generally help in the quality of the stride by influencing back movement, especially at the walk.
The withers should be well set, distinct, long and laid back to assist with correct saddle placement. The withers and shoulders should sit slightly higher than the horse’s croup.
A dressage horse’s head is generally long with a large, high-palated mouth. This becomes more important when the double bridle is introduced. If the mouth is too small, the addition of a second bit can cause discomfort and tension in the horse.
In The Moves -
Click here to view this video online Additional Videos for Schooling Half Pass |
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Half Pass Defined
The horse bends slightly around the rider's inside leg with the forehand moving slightly in advance of the hind quarters as the horse travels across the diagonal. The outside legs pass in front of the inside legs and the horse is looking in the direction in which he is traveling. The horse should maintain his elasticity, cadence and impulsion throughout the execution of the movement.
How to Execute Half Pass
Begin travelling to the right in collected trot
Half halt upon leaving the corner
Look slightly in the direction of travel
Place right leg at the girth
Weight the right seat bone and heel
Left leg is behind the girth pushing rhythmically with each trot stride
Left rein controls the bend and maintains the balance and rhythm
Notes:
- The horse should be almost parallel to the long side.
- It is advantageous to practice this movement in the walk until you become familiar with the aids.
- The horse should be able to consistently perform the leg yield, shoulder fore & travers prior to executing this movement.
Purpose of the Half Pass
To supple the horse evenly on both sides
To develop straightness
To develop
balance
To develop collection
To
strengthen the inside hind leg
Common Errors in Execution
The horse's hindquarter leads
The horse is not actually bent around the rider's inside leg
The angle of travel is too steep
The rider over bends the horse in the direction of travel
The rider's hand crosses over the mane to opposite side of travel