When a rider considers joining a horse club, what factors might make a person lean more toward a dressage club than any of the other many activities available for equine athletes? Maybe the pleasure class at the last horse show was overcrowded and not that “pleasurable”. Or maybe a person has wondered too often just what was on that judge’s mind; did he even take a look at my horse and me? Or maybe a rider is interested in delving into one of the Olympic sports, studying one of the equestrian arts or simply finding a sport with a proven systematic method of advancing horse and rider through many levels, from training to Grand Prix. These are all reasons for making a dressage club your horse club of choice.

There are a number of excellent equestrian clubs within Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, as well as throughout the State of Washington.

1. Dressage Shows are Different

In a class at a dressage show, riders work alone in a large arena with the undivided attention of at least one judge (and sometimes 2 or 3). The riders guide their horses through a series of movements at the walk, trot and canter, using mainly leg and seat signals. The judge scores each movement, and gives a comment on the performance. It is comparable to a private lesson. The judges are all accomplished competitors themselves and judge competitions all over the country and throughout the world. They offer many valuable insights and leave no doubt as to how the scores were earned.

2. Dressage Is One of the Olympic Sports

There are currently four equestrian events featured at the Olympics:

Jumping. This is Grand Prix show jumping performed in an arena. For information on this sport check:

United States Equestrian Federation

Washington Hunter Jumper Association

Central Washington Hunter Jumper Association

Combined Training. This is a demanding sport that includes stadium jumping, cross-country jumping and dressage. It is a sport that demands the most versatility and athleticism from the horse. For more information check:

United States Eventing Association

US Eventing Association Area VII (OR, WA, MT, ID and Alaska)

Kittitas Valley Pony Club

Dressage. This sport is gymnastics for horses. It improves the fitness and flexibility of the horse by a systematic series of gymnastic exercises. Horse and rider progress through movements that increase in difficulty, culminating with the Grand Prix Special test performed at the Olympics. Dressage is a sport to be enjoyed for itself. It also provides excellent cross training for the other Olympic equestrian events, as well as sports such as barrel racing Washington National Barrel Horse Association.

Reining. This is a new addition to international competition, to be featured for the first time in Athens in 2004. It could be called “Western Dressage”, or “Dressage at Speed”. Certain patterns and movements are performed as the horse and rider advance through the levels. The movements are much quicker and more exciting than classical dressage, but there are many similarities between the two sports. For more information check:

National Reining Horse Association

Intercollegiate Horse Show Association

3. Dressage Provides a Method for Training

Many riders are drawn to dressage because it provides a step-by-step training plan for their horses. The basics are learned in training level, and these basics are used as the building blocks for all other movements. The sport may appear boring, but appeals to people who enjoy studying a discipline that will be a lifetime quest. It’s impossible to describe; it has to be experienced!

These are some of the reasons why an affiliation with a dressage club can be rewarding. A good organization will provide its members with access to good trainers, monthly clinics and competition opportunities.