Welcome to Shasta Chapter Dressage

 The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with the rider. These qualities are demonstrated by: a. The freedom and regularity of the gaits; b. The harmony, lightness, and ease of the movements; c. The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originating from a lively impulsion; d. The acceptance of the bit, with submissiveness/throughness  without any tension or resistance. The horse thus gives the impression of doing, of its own accord, what is required. 

 There are lots of ways to learn about dressage. Spend some time watching dressage either through online videos or going to some shows. Going to a larger rated show will give you an opportunity to see upper level horses and rides compete and demonstrate what you can aspire to in the sport. dressage horse show to see some good riders and good horses compete. Then go home and visit and watch local dressage intructors giving lessons. See their methods, listen to their instruction to the rider, watch to see if the horse and rider improve. Find an instructor who teaches in a style you can respect and feel you could learn from. Most of all have fun. Dressage is a journey of communicating with your horse in a way that Improves their physical body and mutual respect between rider and horse. It’s a partnership.

Healthy feet, healthy gut and healthy mind are three things to consider if you want to have a happy athlete that is capable of meeting the demands of any sport. Nutrition plays a large role in all three of those areas  and just like every person, every horse's requirements are unique. But there are some solid nutritional basics that can apply to all horses.  Horses should receive between 1.5-2.0%  of dry matter based on their body weight. Long stem forage should make up the primary source of their diet.  Individual nutrient and energy requirements will be based on the level of work, age and other health considerations.  For more in depth information you can visit https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-horses/nutritional-requirements-of-horses-and-other-equids or your local agricultural extension office.  Considering nutrition as the foundation of your equine management program can go along way to creating a happy athlete.