Regional and Social Dressage Competition

Dressage is one of the equestrian events at the Olympics. It involves demonstrating the level of training of the horse and rider by performing a specific series of exercises in the arena. What is dressage? Dressage is “horse gymnastics”—it evaluates the harmony, precision, and lightness of the horse-rider partnership. The horse should move freely, rhythmically, and with engagement of the hindquarters, while the rider guides it with almost imperceptible aids. Competition Format Competitions take place in the arena: 20 × 40 m (lower classes) 20 × 60 m (higher classes) Letters (A, K, E, H, C, etc.) are placed around the arena to mark the locations where specific elements are performed. Each pair performs the program (routine) specified in the rules—always in the same order. What do the judges evaluate? Each exercise is scored on a scale of 0–10, where: 0 – not performed 10 – performed perfectly The judges take into account, among other things: the rhythm and regularity of the gaits (walk, trot, canter), the horse’s suppleness and contact with the bit, impulsion and engagement of the hindquarters, collectedness and straightness, accuracy of figures and transitions, the rider’s posture and effectiveness. In higher classes, the horse’s gaits and overall artistic impression are also evaluated (especially in freestyle programs—kür).