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General Training - Dressage Today

General Training

Cindy Ishoy teaches Kahla Ishoy on Viva La Vita, her 5-year-old Canadian Warmblood.

How to set up an organized, effective program for your dressage horse.

By Cindy Ishoy
Mar 24, 2017

Credit: Courtesy, Jacque Werner Jacque Werner and her 7-year-old Friesian, Caspian, compete at Training Level.

Susanne von Dietze critiques Jacque Werner at Training Level

By Susanne von Dietze
Jul 21, 2016

Credit: Gil Makover Carmen Deville Makover and her young PRE stallion, Quinones Mac, compete at First Level.

Suzanne von Dietze critiques Carmen Deville Makover and her PRE stallion at First Level.

By Susanne von Dietze
Jul 15, 2016

Credit: Amy K. Dragoo The United States has excellent programs for the education of its dressage judges. At the same time, the process of judge education should be no mystery to competitors and trainers, because they can themselves get the same education at the basic level.

Margaret Freeman

A look at how the U.S. judging system is structured and how it differs from Europe

By Margaret Freeman
Jun 14, 2016

Lauren Sprieser and Karateka III, an 11-year-old Pura Raza Española (PRE) stallion, prove that a tailored training program can result in an all-around mount capable of producing a zippy Grand Prix test or going on a quiet hack.

Get the most out of your cool-tempered dressage horse with these exercises and tips.

By Lauren Sprieser
May 3, 2016

Credit: Courtesy, Hannah Jensen Hannah Jensen and Rosabella, her 7-year-old, Shire/Dutch Warmblood-cross mare, compete at First Level.

Heather Blitz critiques Hannah Jensen at First Level.

By Heather Blitz
Mar 1, 2016

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Courtney King-Dye critiques Denise Serreti at First and Second levels.

By Courtney King-Dye
Feb 1, 2016

Credit: SusanJStickle.com Lauren Sprieser prepares for the season.

Plan ahead for a less-stressful year.

By Lauren Sprieser
Feb 1, 2016

Sarah Geikie rides the shoulder-in on Waterhouse, her Hanoverian gelding.

A judge explains the importance of bend in riding the venerable shoulder-in exercise.

By Sarah Geikie
Oct 11, 2015

Credit: Courtesy, Kimberley Reynolds Kimberley Reynolds rides Bella Luna, a 7-year-old Morgan–Haflinger cross, at First Level.

Susanne von Dietze critiques Kimberley Reynolds at First Level.

By Susanne von Dietze
Jul 2, 2015

Credit: Diana De Rosa Photography Steffen Peters—the correct position.

Courtney King-Dye explains why position matters.

By Courtney King-Dye
Feb 25, 2015

Credit: Amy McCool Sarah Pinney on Rohan, a 10-year-old Oldenberg gelding (right), and Joy Rothe on Rolex (left), Rohan’s 11-year-old full sister, have been performing pas de deux since 2011. They currently compete at Prix St. Georges.

Learn the basics on this equestrian art that is also a great training tool.

By Sarah Pinney
Feb 5, 2015

Credit: Courtesy, Stacey Knox 1. Stacey Knox rides her 6-year-old American Trakehner, Amonet KGO, at Training Level.

Biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques Stacey Knox at Training Level.

By Suzanne von Dietze
Feb 1, 2015

Credit: Betsy LaBelle The Youth Dressage Festival focuses on rewarding those who have a well-rounded equine education with a three-phase competition that includes a written riding-theory and stable-management test, a group equitation class and a dressage test.

Junior/ Young Rider

Lendon Gray explains her methods for helping kids reach their full potential as riders and as horsemen.

By Lendon Gray
Jan 28, 2015

Credit: Courtesy, Chloe Hatch Young Rider Chloe Hatch is riding Shela Lark, a 13-year-old Quarter Horse mare.

Biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques Chloe Hatch and offers tips to help you breathe naturally in the saddle.

By Suzanne von Dietze
Jan 28, 2015

Credit: Richard Malmgren Notice thisrelaxed and supple horse’s fully stretched neck on an obviously light rein. The lumbar back thrusts the pelvis forward and lowers the croup. The horse’s supple joints articulate well as he sinks down on his right hind leg. The rider demonstrates an adhesive seat. JJ Tate rides Donnermuth, a 2001 Rhinelander gelding (by Don Bedo) owned by Candace Tate.

Learn the true meaning of the term "forward" and how to put it to use in your dressage training.

By Charles de Kunffy
Dec 18, 2014

Credit: SusanJStickle.com

Riding / Training How-To

Courtney King-Dye explains how to use the pirouette canter to improve self-carriage.

By Courtney King-Dye
Dec 16, 2014

Cadence: The marked accentuation of the rhythm and (musical) beat that is a result of a steady and suitable tempo harmonizing with a springy impulsion. —USDF Glossary of Dressage Judging Terms.

Equestrian Team rider Kathleen Raine discusses how to make your horse move with better rhythm and more expression.

By Kathleen Raine
Dec 2, 2014