Dressage Library
Studying dressage is all about learning. For information about the sport and to further your education, check out these books and DVD. USDF's Ultimate Guide to Dressage by Jennifer O. Bryant
Author Jennifer Bryant is editor of the USDF Connection magazine and an active participant in the sport of dressage. If there was a textbook for American dressage, this would be it.
Dressage from A to X, by Barbara Burkhardt
This book covers it all, including showing, training and nutrition.
Centered Riding, by Sally Swift
This classic, originally published in 1985, uses image and analogy to help the reader become a better rider.
USDF's On the Levels, DVD
This DVD goes through actual tests and dissects the required movements of each level.
Dressage shows have an entry window created by set opening and closing dates, meaning you'll have to plan ahead. Because shows are scheduled right-down-to-the-minute in advance, there's no day-of-show entering. Once you're entered, you'll receive your ride times-one of the many wonderful things about dressage. Instead of waiting around all day for your classes, you know almost exactly when you'll enter the arena (unless the show runs late). You'll have to be on time, warmed up and ready to ride.
And, just a note about the atmosphere at dressage shows. It tends to be quiet and serious-much more golf than football. So, don't expect a cheer and whistles from the crowd when you're done riding, and warn your family and friends to use their golf claps.
The Test
Each level of dressage has multiple tests. For example, Training Level offers four tests, with each test progressively harder than the one before it. You'll want to be familiar with your test before a show. But another plus is, at the lower levels, you can also have a reader who calls out each movement as you're riding. Dressage tests are ridden in specifically sized arenas with letter markers to help guide you.
Each movement of an individual test is scored from 0 to 10, with 10 being high. The judge scores each movement individually, with a scribe taking down notes and comments for the judges. At the end of the ride, the show office tallies the scores and computes a percentage for the ride. For example, scoring a 160 out of a possible 260 results in a 61.54%.
Now, wait, you may be thinking. Isn't a 62% a D? Not in this sport. In dressage, scores of 5 equal a good or average, and 10s are perfection-and nearly impossible to obtain. A final tally in the 50%-60% range is absolutely admirable.
After scores are tallied and posted, you'll collect your test. In exchange for your entry fee, you get this little paper full of tidbits of wisdom from the judge. Take it home, review your scores, and use them to train and improve for next time. You and your horse will keep climbing the pyramid, and that's what dressage is all about.
Dressage Information
United States Dressage Federation: www.usdf.org
United States Equestrian Federation: www.usef.org
