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Question
Hi,
I have a 5 year old Arabian/Paint cross who I think would be very good at dressage. I'm new at dressage too though, so what would be a good way for me to start her on my own? Is there any special equipment I will need?
Thank you!
Hello Courtney,
Neither Paints nor Arabian are used extensively in dressage, although they may be used in lower level eventing and in International Pony Club work. They usually don't have the right sort of movement for it. However, you can always improve any horse of any type with dressage training; it all depends on how far you would want to go.
The first thing you would need is a qualified dressage instructor. You cannot learn dressage without a qualified dressage trainer, and herein lies the problem. There are many, many instructors who may tell you that they know the subject, but many of those only know about riding patterns. They do not have an understanding or the skill to teach you the basics of dressage. So my advice is first to contact a qualified dressage trainer. If she is close by, have her come and take a look-see. If there are no qualified instructors close to you, you may have to trailer for lessons. So first find that dressage rider/instructor and see if you can get lessons. She/he will tell you what sort of saddle to get, bridle, etc.
If you cannot locate one, let me know where you live and I will try to find one for you. OK? I would have to know your age, how long you have been riding, your level, etc.
Best wishes,
Dorothy
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Answers by Expert:
Dorothy Morris-Robinson
Expertise
My expertise is in training and rehabilitating horses, and training riders for combined training for over 40 years, in Virginia and California. This includes dressage, cross country obstacles and show jumping. In my many years of experience and endless study of Classical theory, and my hands-on retraining horses,I have accummulated much knowledge of the different personalities of horses and how to approach their rehabilitation. At my age, I do not ride as much as I used to, but I don't see why I have to waste the experience I have. Therefore, I continue to find horses to rehabilitate and then to find homes and riders for them, when they are ready to go on. I give each horse a thorough foundation in classical ground work. They are taught stable manners, lunging, word commands, rhythm. I currently work at my ranch in Kennewick, WA. I can answer certain questions about starting young horses in English riding: dressage, jumping, cross country obstacles and basic equitation. I can help with rehabilitation of spoiled or difficult horses; however, many problems require sustained riding instruction/training and I cannot do this online. Some issues need to be observed to come to a correct diagnosis. If your problem is of this type, please find a qualified instructor/trainer. I cannot give riding lessons via email.
Experience
Experience in the area: Over 40 years of English riding experience, including Fox Hunting in Virginia where I earned my colors with the Blue Ridge Hunt, training young horses for hunting and/or eventing. Coached a rider from her beginning at Training Level Combined tests through her competition at two Junior International competition Three Day Events. She rode my horse that I also started and trained her to ride. This combination competed in the World Championship Three Day in Lexington, KY in 1978. I trained another horse (TB) through 3rd Level Dressage and jumping. He eventually competed at Advanced level Three Day. I have reschooled several horses with difficulties ranging from running away to running backward, to not allowing a bridle to be put on, to kicking out at the farrier, being "too much on the muscle over jumps", barn sour, etc
Organizations
National Society Daughters of the Revolution (DAR)
Publications
Four novels (I am also a novelist)
Education/Credentials
Some college. Endless study of Classical Theory and training methods.
Awards and Honors
Who's Who of American Women, Who'w Who in America, Past Board of Directors FDIC-NACM
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