Dressage is not just an equestrian discipline. Neither is it the boring “rounds in the sand” chain or the miles of shoulders in it rebarbating, sterile.
Dressage is above all a desire
.
The desire for every rider to discover the joys of riding and share intense moments in safety with horses. On foot like in a saddle.
The desire to establish a dialogue with our horses, based on light and pleasant communication, a relationship of trust and mutual exchange in which everyone thrives in contact with the other.
Whether one is a competition or a leisure rider, training, working on the plate is this desire for fine riding, discreet and delicate aids. Listened by a volunteer horse, attentive, participating in the work and adhering to the goals.
The desire to develop the athletic qualities of our horse. Improve her flexibility, muscle, locomotion. In respect of his physical integrity, age and possibilities.
Training is to work tirelessly the basics with a certain desire for perfection of simple things, achieved simply.
It’s the urge to hear that we are very lucky because our horse “does it all, by himself”. And, remembering the countless hours of work, answering with a smile that yes, it’s a priceless chance to have him by our side…
Dressing is above all the possibility for us horsemen to fully express the potential of our horse. And at some point, we step back to let it shine.
Ultimately training is working to make our dreams come true. May they become it because of him, to his desire to do it for us, him and us. Training is jumping higher, galloping faster on the cross, succeeding your TREC course more easily.
But first of all, training is sharing.
Take the time to listen to yourself, to understand yourself, to tame yourself.
Training is neither forcing, nor forcing, but inviting and persuading…