Have you considered trying dressage in San Juan Capistrano?
What is the difference between equestrian and dressage?
If you have been thinking of learning more about horsemanship and equestrian techniques, you might have encountered the terms “equestrian” and “dressage.” These disciplines will get you to learn more about horse riding techniques, but some radical differences set them apart. Understanding the differences between them can help you choose the right field of expertise for your skills and preferences.
Equestrian
Equestrian, or equestrianism, is the umbrella discipline of horse riding. Equestrian practice refers to a horse’s training for a specific purpose, not always limited to competitions and sports. Indeed, schooling horses for police work or herd animal control fall under this category.
However, horses can undertake training to participate in competitive sports and shows along with their riders. These events include dressage, rodeo, polo, horse racing, and endurance riding, among many others.
The specific training the horse and rider undertake often depends on the discipline this schooling is aimed at. In some cases, such as for herd control, the training will aim at preparing the horse and rider to practical skills that can help in that specific job. In some other instances, such as for dressage, the skills should be mastered to win a competition.
Why Learn Equestrian Disciplines?
If you are moving the first steps toward becoming a horse rider, you might want to find out whether this sport is for you. Indeed, with the many branches of this discipline you could decide to master, it is essential to understand the basics of creating a relationship with the horse.
Learning to be an equestrian can be an excellent introduction to this discipline and offer you the chance to specialize in one or more techniques in the future. Such courses will help you understand the basis of horsemanship and caring for a horse, before leading your partner into more complicated and aimed exercises.
Dressage in San Juan Capistrano
Dressage is among the equestrian disciplines that are becoming more popular and appreciated and is one of the most loved Olympics competitions by expert equestrians and amateurs alike. The term dressage is an adaptation of the french verb “dresseur,” which means “to train.” If you are already familiar with the basis of equestrianism, you might decide to look into the dressage courses and training.
Through this kind of schooling, the horse will learn how to respond to the lightest of commands and execute elegant movement through a determined course. These kinds of extraordinary performances can take years of practice to achieve, from both your and your horse’s side.
The goal of this discipline is to develop the horse’s responsiveness, flexibility, and balance, among other skills. These abilities will then be put into use in official competitions, in which each rider will compete against others as well as against its previous score.
Some of the exercises you will be practicing within this discipline include:
- Balance
- Body awareness
- Coordination
- Flexibility
- Strength
Understanding how your horse thinks and moves, as well as what muscles it will be using during these exercises is essential. Therefore, you will have to train yourself to understand how to communicate your commands in a way that works for both parts.
While it might seem like training the horse is everything to do, most of the mastery remains in the rider’s hand. Indeed, communication, empathy, and control are essential abilities to learn through a dressage course.
Why Learn Dressage?
If you love competing and you like improving yourself and your skills daily, dressage is the right sport for you. Moreover, for horse riders who are comfortable with the art of horsemanship, this discipline can offer you a different, new challenge to face.
Deciding that this is the right path to pursue can be difficult, especially as other disciplines allow you to join competitions, such as showjumping. However, the difference exists in the fact that dressage aims at portraying the harmony existing between you and the horse.
If you have always believed in the special connection that bonds you, dressage can represent a captivating equestrian path that would suit your needs. However, even in this case, you should take into consideration learning more about equestrian disciplines and horsemanship before deciding on the right branch to dedicate to.
If you are interested in trying your hand at dressage, Equestrian in San Juan Capistrano offers thorough courses that are based on the rider’s learning preferences. Moreover, you will be able to find trainers that can coach and advise you on the best steps to take to enhance your career as a horse rider. Check out Reveal Equestrian today!
