Equissage For the Dressage horse.

Dressage competitions are judged subjectively, on the aesthetic quality of gaits and the expressiveness of the movements.

To accomplish this a horse and rider combination must demonstrate control, accuracy, flexibility and be extremely sensitive to the rider’s aids. The nature of the work involved in this discipline requires great muscle control and co-ordination on the part of the horse. The key to the training and development of the dressage horse from novice through to International Grand Prix is gymnastic exercises that aim to strengthen the muscles, and a care regime that assists to avoid injury to joints and soft tissue associated with increased workload.

The elite dressage horse is expected to perform movements which display rhythm and impulsion at 3 paces.  They must demonstrate collection, power and engagement. The horse is required to show suspension, cadence and elevations in its movement, whilst also demonstrating relaxation, submission and suppleness most dressage movements are performed from the hind quarters, so it is very important that these are sound and powerful.

Common recorded problems related to Dressage horses that Equissage can help with are;

· Engagement and collection of the hindquarters forces strain along the back and hindquarters

· Prolonged sessions decrease energy and cause behavioural disorders due to muscular fatigue

· Increased production of lactic acid compromises the normal muscular function, thereby forcing stress onto tendons, ligaments, joints and bones (increasing the risk of injury)

· Repetitive training of dressage figures causing acute muscle spasms, dysfunction and trauma

· Collection training triggering tension in the horses jaw and neck thus reducing flexion, bend and suppleness

Does your Dressage look more like this?

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When you would like to achieve something closer to this?

Then maybe Equissage can help! 

Equissage is being used by many top Dressage riders in Australia and indeed worldwide, to ensure that their horses are performing at their peak every day for the gruelling requirements of training for a quality performance.

Riders such as our own Mary Hanna pictured above riding Mary and Umbro to 6th in GP Special at the Hamburg Derby in Germany, find the benefits of daily use of Equissage for their horses, if you would also like to have a look at what Equissage can do for your horse contact us today and we can arrange a FREE demonstration.