Movements / Exercises
What are the 4 gaits or gait variations that we see in USDF Training Level Dressage?
Medium Walk, Free Walk, Working Trot, & Working Canter
What is the Training Scale?
The hierarchical system that provides the progressive framework for developing a horse's physical and mental abilities.
What is alignment?
The imaginary lines that create balance in a rider that run through your spine and ear-shoulder-hip-heel.
If a ride is going poorly, maybe even tense or scary, what is the first thing you should do?
Get off and do Groundwork!
What is this week's hashtag activity to celebrate Valentine's day?
#iloveriding
What is the main difference between a leg-yield and a shoulder in?
Bend
What are the levels in order from bottom to top?
Rhythm, Suppleness, Connection, Impulsion, Straightness, Collection
What are the levels of the rider position scale?
Alignment, Seat, Legs, Hands
What is ARRR?
Aid, Reaction, Release, Repeat
Where are the next Equestrian Olympics going to be held?
LA 2028
What is Counter Canter?
When a horse canters on the opposite lead to the bend or direction for balance, strength, and straightness development.
Where is Roundness on the Training Scale?
It is part of Connection. Roundness is the shape the horse's body creates when you have connection.
What is an independent Seat?
A seat that 1) absorbs the horse’s movement using core and seat alone and 2) Both hand and leg aids can be applied without influencing balance or other body parts
What is the difference between Rhythm and Tempo?
Rhythm: The purity and regularity of the footfalls of the gait (the beat)
Tempo: The speed of the rhythm (how quickly the beats follow). Think of a metronome where you can adjust the beat faster or slower.
Which breed of horse can't do Grand Prix Dressage?
None! Every horse can do Dressage at the highest level!
If someone refers to riding "3-4s", what are they referring to?
Riding tempi changes or flying changes, they would be riding three flying changes every 4 strides.
At what point in a horse's training do you know when you're done with the Training Scale?
When your horse is physically and mentally able to do the work that is being asked of them in harmony, easy, and balance. // You're never really done!
What do we mean when we say 'sequence of aids'?
Leg, Seat, Hands
How do we know when a horse is ready to move up a level in training or try new movements?
When the horse can consistently respond to the aids in the correct manner with ease and all the required elements of the training scale.
Who is currently ranked #1 in Dressage in the World?
Justin Verboomen, who is known for riding Zonik Plus