Dressage
Nosebands: New Zealand votes to amend rules
August 2018
At their recent National Conference, Dressage New Zealand (DNZ) voted to amend the noseband rule which now states: "It must be possible to place one finger comfortably between the noseband and the nasal planum (front of the nose)". Whilst not quite the two-finger spacing that was originally submitted by North Island Riders Representative Alicia Zeludlko and Jody Hartstone with the support of area group Dressage Bay of Plenty, changing the place where noseband tightness is checked is a huge step in the right direction towards welfare improvements in their sport.
Much Too Tight! On the Effects of Nosebands
May 2018
The following paper is an approved translation of a study first published in the German equine science journal Pferdeheilkunde titled: Kienapfel, K.; Preuschoft, H., 2010: Viel zu eng! Über die Verschnallung der Nasenriemen. Pferdeheilkunde 26, 178–185. 'Much Too Tight! On the Effects of Nosebands' Kathrin Kienapfel* & Holger Preuschoft *corresponding author: Kathrin Kienapfel/ Kathrin.Kienapfel@rub.de Abstract
Rein Dependency Syndrome
February 2017
In previous articles, I discussed two issues that seem prevalent in dressage horses today - the compressed throatlatch and the lack of self-carriage (See May and September 2016 issues). In this article, I would like to present a case for what could well be the primary cause of the incorrect schooling and riding of the dressage horse.
Reflections on Self-Carriage
October 2016
In the May issue of Horses and People, Allan Buck wrote about the decline in judging and training standards in relation to the horse’s head and neck frame. This month, he talks about another quality that is clearly stipulated in the dressage rule books, yet is less prioritised by today’s riders and judges. Dressage is a dance between a rider and the horse. As human dancers, we do not constrain our partners, nor interfere with their freedom of movement. As dancers interact and support each other, they also allow each other their own self-carriage.
Poll High and Lowering of Judging Standards
July 2016
Dressage is a dance with a horse. The beauty of the horse rhythmically moving through movements with arched neck and vertical forehead is watched by horsemen and non-horsemen with great emotion. Currently, riders including lower level and novice riders, strive to attain the stylised forms they see winning in the competitive dressage arenas by emulating the riders and trainers who are considered successful and applauded.
Boost Your Dressage Scores with Learning Theory: Part 14
June 2016
Dressage judges play an important role in the education of both riders and their horses. The marks and comments they provide can inform rider and coach of the level of training achieved, and any areas that need more work. But, can you turn them into clear training strategies and boost your dressage scores? In this series, Dr Andrew and Manuela McLean, founders of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC) and Directors of Equitation Science International, explain dressage training and judging against the backdrop of learning theory and the equitation science training scale.
Poll High and The Lowering of Judging Standards
June 2016
Dressage, is a dance with a horse. The beauty of the horse rhythmically moving through movements with arched neck and vertical forehead is watched by horsemen and non-horsemen with great emotion. Currently, riders including lower level and novice riders, strive to attain the stylized forms they see winning in the competitive dressage arenas by emulating the riders and trainers who are successful and applauded.
Boost Your Dressage Scores with Learning Theory: Part 10
June 2016
Dressage judges play an important role in the education of both riders and their horses. The marks and comments they provide can inform rider and coach of the level of training achieved, and any areas that need more work. But, can you turn them into clear training strategies and boost your dressage scores? In this series, Dr Andrew and Manuela McLean, founders of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC) and Directors of Equitation Science International, explain dressage judging against the backdrop of learning theory and the equitation science training scale.
Boost Your Dressage Scores with Learning Theory: Part 13
May 2016
Dressage judges play an important role in the education of both, riders and their horses. The marks and comments they provide can inform rider and coach of the level of training achieved and any areas that need more work. But, can you turn them into clear training strategies and boost your dressage scores? In this series, Dr Andrew and Manuela McLean, founders of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC) and Directors of Equitation Science International, explain dressage training and judging against the backdrop of learning theory and the equitation science training scale.
Boost Your Dressage Scores with Learning Theory: Part 12
April 2016
Dressage judges play an important role in the education of both riders and their horses. The marks and comments they provide can inform rider and coach of the level of training achieved and any areas that need more work. But, can you turn them into clear training strategies and boost your dressage scores? In this series, Dr Andrew and Manuela McLean, founders of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC) and Directors of Equitation Science International, explain dressage training and judging against the backdrop of learning theory and the equitation science training scale.
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