A dressage
saddle
Dressage horses are shown
in minimal tack. They are not permitted to wear boots (including hoof or bell
boots) or wraps (including tail bandages) during the test, nor are they allowed
to wear martingales or training devices such as draw or running reins or the gogue
anywhere on the showgrounds during the competition. Due to the formality of
dressage, tack is usually black leather, although dark brown is seen from time
to time.
An English-style saddle is
required for riding dressage, specifically a "dressage saddle" which
is modeled exclusively for the discipline. It is designed with a long and
straight saddle flap, mirroring the leg of the dressage rider, which is long
with a slight bend in the knee. The saddle is usually placed over a square,
white saddle pad. A dressage saddle is required in FEI classes, although any
simple English-type saddle may be used at the lower levels.
At the lower levels of
dressage, a bridle includes a plain cavesson, drop noseband, or flash noseband.
As of 2006, drop nosebands are relatively uncommon, with the flash more common.
At the upper levels a plain cavesson is used on a double bridle. Figure-eight
nosebands are rare, and usually only seen in the dressage phase of eventing. Riders
are not allowed to use Kineton nosebands, due to their severity.
The dressage horse is only
permitted to be shown in a snaffle bit, and the rules regarding bitting vary
from organization to organization. The loose-ring snaffle with a single- or
double-joint is most commonly seen. Harsher snaffle bits, such as twisted wire,
corkscrews, slow-twists, and waterfords are not permitted, nor are pelhams, kimberwickes,
or gag bits. Upper level and FEI dressage horses are shown in a double bridle,
using both a bradoon and a curb bit with a smooth curb chain.
Dressage horses are turned
out to a very high standard, as competitive dressage is descended from royal
presentations in Europe. It is traditional for horses to have their mane
braided. In eventing, the mane is always braided on the right. In competitive
dressage, however, it is occasionally braided on the left, should it naturally
fall there. Braids vary in size depending on the conformation of the horse, but
Europeans tend to put in fewer, larger braids, while horses in the United
States usually have more braids per horse (possibly from the influence of hunter-style
riding in the country). Braids are occasionally accented in white tape, which
also helps them stay in throughout the day. The forelock may be left unbraided;
this style is most commonly seen on stallions.
Horses are not permitted to
have bangles, ribbons, or other decorations in their mane or tail. Tail
extensions are permitted in the United States and Australia.
The tail is usually not
braided (although it is permitted), because it may cause the horse to carry the
tail stiffly. Because the tail is an extension of the animal's spine, a supple
tail is desirable as it shows that the horse is supple through his back. The
tail should be "banged," or cut straight across (usually above the
fetlocks but below the hocks when held at the point where the horse naturally
carries it). The dock is pulled or trimmed to shape it and give the horse a
cleaner appearance.
Excellent
dressage turn-out, with braided mane, banged and pulled tail, trimmed legs and
polished hooves. Rider wears a shadbelly and top hat, with white gloves, tall
boots, and spurs.
The bridle path is clipped
or pulled, usually only 1-2 inches. The animal's coat may or may not be
trimmed. American stables almost always trim the muzzle, face, ears, and legs,
while European stables do not have such a strict tradition, and may leave
different parts untrimmed.
Hoof polish is usually
applied before the horse enters the arena. The horse should be impeccably
clean, with a bathed coat and sparkling white markings. Foam should not be
cleaned off the horse's mouth before he enters the arena.
Quarter marks are sometimes
seen, especially in the dressage phase of eventing, however they are not
currently in style for competitive dressage.
Dressage riders, like their
horses, are dressed for formality. In competition, they wear white breeches,
that are usually full-seat leather to help them "stick" in the
saddle, with a belt, and a white shirt and stock tie with a gold pin. Gloves
are usually white, although less-experienced riders or those at the lower
levels often opt for black, as their hand movement will not be as noticeable. The
coat worn is usually solid black with metal buttons, although solid navy is
also occasionally seen. For upper-level classes, the rider should wear a shadbelly
with a yellow vest or vest points, rather than a plain dressage coat.
Riders usually wear tall
dress boots, although field boots may be worn at the lower levels. Spurs are
required to be worn at the upper levels. A whip may optionally be carried,
though its length is regulated.
If the dressage rider has
long hair, it is typically worn in a hair net. Lower-level riders may use a
hunt cap, derby, or helmet with a safety harness. Upper-level riders are
required to wear a more formal top hat, matching their coat.
Scribing is the writing
down of the scores and comments of Judges at dressage events, so that the Judge
is able to concentrate on the performance. In addition to this the scribe
should check the identity of each competitor, and ensure that the test papers
are complete and signed before handing them to the scorers. The scribe should
have some knowledge of dressage terminology, be smartly dressed and have
legible handwriting. The scribe should also be professional in manner, neutral
and not engage in small talk or make comments. It is permissible to use
abbreviations provided they are accepted and intelligible - See [2] and [3]
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dressage&action=history
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html