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Beginning dressage lessons next month..

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  mummygirl81 
#1 ·
Any tips? I have loved jumping, and when I lived on the west coast, I learned the basics and how to jump. When I moved to the east coast, basically all they had here were hunter/jumper barns which is just not the sport for me. There I did do maybe 1 (informal) dressage lesson as well as several cross country lessons. I would really love to get into eventing, so I am including dressage training on my resume now! I will begin taking them every other week (due to cost) and I basically know NOTHING. How did you start out/tips/is it easy to get a hang of? I have been told that I should be a dressage rider mainly because I keep my stirrups so low sometimes when jumping :P
 
#2 ·
You just come there, get on horse, and listen to the instructor. That's how I started and keep going now. :D So no real tips. The only suggestion from me, if you gonna do dressage on your own horse look into getting dressage saddle (I found A/P saddle to be quite uncomfortable for that purpose).
 
#3 ·
As KV said, no tips, just go and listen to the instructor.
Do not go there thinking you know it all because you've read a book ;)

And no it is not necessarily easy to get the hang of - some people have a natural feel on a horse, others don't and seem to need to have their hand held continuously. Much like some people are naturally gifted at mathematics and others are not!
Having long stirrups really has nothing to do with being a natural dressage rider! It's all about your sense of balance, timing, feel and patience. Without these, you cannot be a successful dressage rider.
 
#4 ·
Hi, I'm sort of in your shoes, just started doing dressage about a year ago, and had been riding hunter/jumpers for about 17 years before. My big thing I've had to work on is my seat and hands. The position of your seat changes a little, which will easier for your to get with a dressage saddle. My hands have also been a challenge, I'm used to riding with my hands lower, and closer to me, but to get my horse stretching downward into the bit, I've had to put them higher and more forward to allow stretching. It is a big adjustment, but is so worth it!! I've enjoyed learning how to do dressage and develop a great connection with my horse, in fact we are going to our first show next month, doing training level 1 & 2. Good luck!!
 
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