Dressage

Dressage is the basis of athleticism in a horse, regardless of discipline. It is the foundation from which all of the riding disciplines within Pony Club evolve. Strictly speaking, the word means “training.” Originally applied to the training of a warhorse, it has been applied to all forms of horsemanship throughout the ages. The objective of dressage in the Canadian Pony Club is the education of our riders and creating a confident, relaxed horse who is happy in its work.

It is offered as a separate discipline and as part of other disciplines like Rally. Competitions are typically held at the Regional level and also offered at the National Level for the Regional qualifiers. In a competition, technical tests are ridden in either a 20x40m or 20x60m dressage ring with letters assigned to positions around the arena to specify where movements are to be performed.

CPC tests begin with Entry level, very easy tests containing very few figures at the walk and trot. Starter and Pre-Training level, Pas de Deux, Freestyles and Drill Team tests are also offered.

All COR Pony Club members riding dressage should be familiar with the following:

Criteria for technical and special tests can be found here.