Dressage "Feel"

Dressage "Feel"

DEFINITION

  • How the rider observes the horse while riding (horse’s balance, connection, thoroughness, acceptance of the aids).

  • How rider responds to horse at any moment and applies aids.

  • How rider communicates with horse at any moment with aids (knowing when to aid, which aid to use).

  • Harmony between horse & rider.

  • Difficult to explain and teach others - done by intuition = “feel”.

GOAL

  • Harmony between horse & rider.

  • Almost invisible aids with perfect timing.

  • Very beneficial to ride different horses - allows rider to develop a different “feel” for every horse.

  • It all starts with self awareness & learning to observe your horse.