Dressage tests are a formalized sequence of movements, with transitions between the three gaits (walk/trot/canter) at designated points along a 20 by 60 meter arena, marked by letters. For instance, the rider and horse enter the arena at A, proceed to X (the center of the arena), halt,… Continue

Dressage competitions are comprised of a series of levels, and tests within each level increase in complexity. The "official" starting level (in the U.S.) is Training Level, though there is an "unofficial" Introductory Level for those who want to get their feet wet with a simpler test, without cantering. After Training Level comes First Level, and this is the earliest stage at which you can qualify to perform Musical Freestyle. Let me get one thing clear: I have no illusions about my abilities,… Continue

Dressage is often compared to dancing with your horse. I soon learned that with a young horse, the choreography involves two steps forward, and one step back, if you're very lucky.



My dance with Sammie had us tripping over our feet a bit at first, but we soon established a rhythm. As I mentioned at the end of my last post, once I adopted a more confidant attitude (even if I had to fake it), we started making progress. Lisa was very happy with my improved longeing skills, and… Continue

So if you've been following along, you know that I brought Samba home to her stall in Clancy's 2 acre backyard on February 12, 2009. Based on her stellar behavior during our introduction, the vet check, and the transport home, I had boundless optimism. Sammie was, I was certain, not just a great horse, but the perfect horse for me. Visions of flawless musical freestyles danced in my head. (OK, I know the expression is "visions of sugarplums" but I have no idea what a sugarplum looks… Continue