To me there is a difference between a “dressage horse” and dressage training methods. A “dressage horse” is like one you see at the Olympics: sensational scope and movement, high levels of training, ability, aptitude, and athleticism. In the gaited dressage world, I would consider Champaign Watchout ridden and trained by Jennie Jackson to be that of a “gaited dressage horse.”
A “dressage horse” is trained using dressage methods; however, you don’t need a “dressage horse” to realize that dressage training methods effectively improve the natural movement of any horse—gaited and non-gaited alike. And dressage training methods can transform the horse and rider relationship into one of a beautiful dance.
For me dressage training is a pursuit for improvement, and schooling dressage shows provide a learning environment. I show my gaited horse regularly at schooling dressage shows to get feedback from a qualified judge about where we are at in our training—what’s working and what needs improvement. Dressage training methods will likely never shape my gaited horse into an Olympian, but it will direct us to the next level of collection, balance, impulsion, harmony, and teamwork as we pursue a more smooth and enjoyable dance.
This video highlights how dressage benefits naturally gaited horses including improving the quality of smooth gaits.
Dressage Demonstration with a Gaited Horse
By Jennifer Klitzke
In 2011, my seven-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse and I were invited to a non-gaited dressage ride-a-test clinic. We were asked to demonstrate how dressage benefits naturally gaited horses. We showed walk, flat walk, running walk and canter. No trot.
Dressage improves the quality of gaits whether the horse naturally trots, tolts, fox trots, or flat walks. Dressage is more than trot!
I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.
My naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse and I took a stab at Western Dressage, and we weren’t the only gaited horse entry!
Western Dressage for Gaited Horses
By Jennifer Klitzke
Both tests required a 20-meter circle at a flat walk allowing the horse to stretch.
My naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse mare, Gift of Freedom, and I took a stab at Western Dressage for the first time. A stable in Cambridge, MN offered classes in traditional dressage, western dressage, gaited dressage and western gaited dressage. I was thrilled because this was also the first dressage show we’ve attended in which we weren’t the only gaited dressage entry! There was another gaited horse and rider team who rode FOSH Intro A and FOSH Intro B tests.
Since no Western Gaited Dressage tests are currently available, Makana and I rode the NWHA tests. We received a 68% on NWHA gaited first level test one and a 65% on NWHA gaited training level test one. Highlights were receiving a “9” on our centerline/halt first level test and “8’s” on our free walk on a long rein.
We scored “8” on our free walk on a long rein.
Improvement areas are finding a well-fitting western saddle. We are working on getting this resolved soon. The saddle I rode in, even with shims, hindered her shoulder movement. Although we received “7’s” for impulsion and quality of gaits, Makana felt reluctant to step deep and maintain a fluid canter in this western saddle. My gaited horse moves best in a dressage saddle, but I can’t ride western gaited dressage in an english saddle! I wonder if there is a saddle maker who produces a western looking saddle on a dressage tree?
The schooling dressage show encouraged western entrants to ride in snaffle bits. Our next schooling dressage show at another farm in Foley, MN allows western dressage using curbs or snaffles.
For the NWHA tests which are similar to the USDF tests and replace trot with flat walk and running walk. The rider is required to maintain a contact in all gaits (walk, flat walk and canter) while riding in a mild snaffle bit.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.
As I explore this rider’s seat concept of “knee to knee and everything in between,” I’m discovering the effectiveness my thighs play in directing the horse through circles, lateral movements, canter, forwardness in flat walk, and straightening the horse when popping the outside shoulder.
In regards to rider’s position, what do you think of when you hear the dressage term “inside leg to outside rein”? For decades I had applied this term by using my inside calf as my leg; my thigh had never played a part of this equation. Consequently, I had developed a bad habit of riding with my thighs and knees off contact with the saddle and my calves on contact with the horse’s sides.
This bad habit of “calves on” and “knees and thighs off” has several consequences. First of all, it places the brunt of my weight poking into my horse’s back with my seat bones as three pressure points. To remedy this discomfort, I had added back pads. It had never occurred to me until now (thanks to Mary Wanless and Larry Whitesell) that my thighs and knees play a huge supportive role in distributing my weight along my horse’s back. This repositioning of my seat as “knee to knee and everything in between” has made my horse more comfortable, rounder through the back, and naturally more forward.
Secondly, riding “calves on” and “knees and thighs off” has desensitized my horse from responding to my calves in lateral work and as a gas pedal because I had always ridden with it pushed to the floor!
Thirdly, riding “calves on” and “knees and thighs off” has made me rely too much on my reins for steering my horse. I’m now discovering the effectiveness my thighs play in directing the horse through circles, lateral movements, canter, and forwardness in flat walk (thanks to Jennifer Bauer). My reins play a supportive role instead of being the only means of directing my horse.
The thigh connection to the saddle is also helping in the instances where my horse pops the outside shoulder. How many times have I tried to correct this crookedness by pulling on the inside rein? Too many to count. And it never worked! My horse only became more jack knifed. Now when I apply inside leg to outside rein in efforts to bend my horse and the horse evades by popping the outside shoulder, I apply more outside thigh to straighten my horse along with turning my shoulders into the direction I want the horse to travel and a slight lifting of the outside rein. At the same time, I slightly open my contact of my inside thigh and inside rein to give my horse a place to go.
Next time you ride, think of steering your horse from the withers instead of the mouth and apply the thighs as part of the bending and directing equation.
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