Q: Every time I halt, my dressage horse will stop square and then immediately swing his hindquarters to the right. I always get points taken off for my halt. How can I fix this? Asked by Niel Noppe A: This problem is described as a technical mistake in a dressage test. In fact, it is caused by…
Q: What is 'Soft Feel' in Cowboy Dressage? A: 'Soft Feel' (or 'Fresh Rein') is the guiding principle of Cowboy Dressage® World. It is the wordless, intimate and, for some, spiritual communication between horse and rider. 'Soft Feel' is not only sending a message, but having the sensitivity and awareness to feel and receive the message the…
Q: What is Cowboy Dressage®? A: The discipline of Cowboy Dressage® was born in 2013. For a short period of time, Western Dressage and Cowboy Dressage® shared a common foundation. When Western Dressage decided to join the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), Eitan and Debbie decided to go their own way, and to follow the dreams…
Q: I just can't sit the sitting trot. How can I improve this? Answered by Elena Jankowitz A: The sitting trot is challenging for everyone and there are numerous factors that can make it difficult to sit. The important point to remember is that the trot has a moment of suspension when none of the hooves are…
Q: Why do dressage riders often lose marks for lengthening? A: You need to show the judges obvious changes between your gaits. Marks are often allocated for this your test. We often lose marks here due to not showing enough difference from movement to movement. For example, the movement may say 'HP lengthen the canter, P…
Q: How can you keep a horse straight and balanced on a circle? A: Oddly enough a circle is actually a very good tool for assessing the straightness of your horse. It highlights if a rider has the horse between the outside rein and inside leg aids. In order to be 'straight', and therefore balanced,…
Text: Jan Tucker A neatly plaited horse looks professional when he enters the ring, and in many disciplines plaiting is compulsory. But is it always necessary and what constitutes the perfect plait? Certain styles, for example the use of white tape for dressage, go in and out of fashion, but for showing classes in particular, very…
[Q] What is the best way to get a horse who is very on the forehand onto his hind end? He sometimes snatches the reins forwards. He has been checked by the saddle fitter and physio and we have ruled out any pain. Asked by Adri Alberts [A] A horse who is very on the…
Calling all horse lovers from far and wide! Kyalami Equestrian Park will proudly host the country’s premier horse show with world class competition on offer across all disciplines as well as entertainment for the whole family. Now in its 10th year, the Nissan Easter Festival is an equestrian extravaganza - a calendar highlight that welcomes professional as well…
A Warmblood is the result of cross-breeding between pure-blooded horses such as English Thoroughbreds and heavier farm horses to produce a horse for a specific function and purpose such as showjumping or dressage. Careful breeding programmes are carried out to produce a horse ideally suited to the breeders' needs. Much of the world's Warmblood…

