Diving into Disciplines: Dressage

Switching out of our cowboy boots and into our tall boots, we are heading to the world of Dressage. If Dressage had to be defined with one word, it would be training. The concept of Dressage dates back to 350 BC and was used to produce obedient, supple, and responsive horses for battle. As humans shifted away from using horses in war, Dressage started to evolve and different cultures and people helped shape it into the sport we know today.

Dressage is an English discipline that can be done with any horse, and there are levels from Introductory all the way to Grand Prix. Each level tests different stages of the Dressage pyramid, which are rhythm and regularity, relaxation, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. Not performed in competition are the aerial trainings such as the capriole and levade. These higher-level "classical" Dressage movements are only performed in training programs such as that of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

Dressage is performed in an arena. The horse and rider pair are judged on a series of movements on a scale of 0-10, with 10 being rated as excellent. Unlike Eventing, the goal of Dressage is to earn the highest score. Each movement is given a score. In addition to this, judges are also looking at the horse in regards to the training pyramid as well as the rider and their cues/aid given to the horse. Great Dressage pairs appear to be working harmoniously together in a happy and comfortable manner. The higher the level, the harder the movements the horse and rider are tested on.

In the upper levels of Dressage you will see more difficult movements such as the piaffe, passage, flying changes, and pirouettes. Dressage competitions also have "freestyle" classes where tests are performed to music of the riders' choosing. Judges look for all the components they would in a normal dressage test, but also score on the selection of music and how well it matches the test and movements of the horse. These are the competitions where casual observers often remark that the horse and rider look like they are performing a dance.

In recent years, Dressage has become increasingly popular among riders. The sport has also seen increased media coverage since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when US Olympian Steffen Peters and his horse Suppenkasper, nicknamed “Rave Horse” by social media users across the world, helped introduce Dressage to a new audience. This new crowd included the now-iconic commentator from the 2024 Paris Olympics, Snoop Dogg. Other Dressage stars such as Adrienne Lyle and Laura Graves continue to bring Dressage into the public eye!

For riders with physical or visual disabilities, Para-Dressage allows them to compete on a national or international level. These horse and rider pairs still must complete a test with a set series of movements, and are judged on the same points as able-bodied riders. Para Dressage riders are separated by grades based on the severity of their disability and only compete against riders within their grade to make the scoring fair. The classification runs from Grade 1, where the athlete has the most physical impairments affecting all four limbs and trunk, to Grade 5, where the athlete has the mildest impairments  

Before the competition, each rider is assessed to make sure they are competing in the correct grade. Each grade has a different set of tests. Grade 1 tests are shown at the walk only, Grade 2 and 3 are shown at the walk and trot, and Grades 4 and 5 are shown at the walk, trot, and canter. Para Dressage horses are considered some of the best athletes in the sport. They must not only be able to complete the movements, but they have the added job of being able to keep a steady rhythmic gait to make sure their riders, most of whom have a hard time with balance, are safe.

Western Dressage has also become increasingly popular in the last few years. This sport combines the principles of Dressage with Western tradition. Scored in the same way as Dressage, Western Dressage horses and riders demonstrate rideability, willingness, safety, lightness, calmness, and steadiness. The partnership should be happy and harmonious. With many levels available, Western Dressage is something any horse and rider combination can do!

Over the years Breyer has immortalized many dressage horses of all different breeds and levels. One such dressage superstar was Verdades. His portrait model was created on the Salinero mold (#704), sculpted by Brigitte Eberl. This handsome bay gelding, ridden by Laura Graves, helped secure the USA team bronze in the 2016 Olympics and went on to win the Grand Prix Special in Aachen!

Who is your favorite Dressage horse Breyer has immortalized?