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What is Dressage?A complex sport that nonetheless stresses the fundamentals, dressage teaches a horse to be obedient, willing, supple and responsive. The horse freely submits to the rider's lightest "aids" or body signals, while remaining balanced and energetic. The object of dressage is the harmonious development of the horse in both mind and body, and every horse, regardless of its type or use, can benefit from this training. The graceful movements performed in competition may look effortless, but are the result of years of training. Dressage requires the horse and rider to combine the strength and agility of gymnastics with the elegance and beauty of ballet, and the result is truly the best of sport and art. The highlight of dressage competition is the Musical freestyle in which the rider creates and choreographs to music an original ride of compulsory figures and movements. In the prestigious World Cup Qualifying Class, riders compete to represent the US in Europe at the World Cup Final in 2001. What Are Dressage Basics?Dressage principals are solidly based in 3 basic concepts: forward, straight, and calm. Training will not progress properly without establishing these basics. Forward:The horse's willingness and ability to move freely forward in all paces and throughout all movements. Straight:The horse's ability to remain straight through its body while moving on straight lines and evenly bent along curved lines, with equal flexibility and development on both sides of the body. Calm:The tendency of the horse to be relaxed, submissive and attentive in body and mind. Just as the young gymnast learns the simple forward roll or balancing on one foot, the young horse must first learn to carry itself and its rider in balance on straight lines, through corners, and around circles. Dressage principals are a logical, step-by-step progression from simple to increasingly complex movements. More and more is asked of the horse as it becomes mentally and physically ready to respond to these demands.
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