World Equestrian Games - Understanding Dressage at the World Championship Level

Dressage has long been seen as the most graceful of equestrian events and for good reason. The FEI dressage horses that compete at this level are trained to move gracefully across the arena performing complex maneuvers while the rider appears to give no cues and interferes very little in the actions of the horse.

The FEI rules describe dressage as "the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider." Dressage also means "training" in French and when properly trained, the dressage horse is capable of performing a variety of maneuvers while it appears that the rider is really just along for the ride. This level of harmony is best witnessed during the dressage competition at the FEI World Equestrian Games.

There are two types of dressage competitions at the World Equestrian Games. These are the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special. During the competition, each horse and rider will perform the same test that consists of specific movements and gaits to be performed at specific points around the arena. The FEI dressage horse will be capable of demonstrating a very high level of achievement and the performance of the horse will match the description of the FEI dressage rules.

Each horse is tested independently before a panel of five judges. Each movement of the test is judged independently as well. The horse and rider team with the highest overall score wins the competition. However, if you really want to see an amazing dressage performance while visiting the FEI World Equestrian Games, then you won't want to miss the Freestyle competition.

The Freestyle competition allows the rider to create their own pattern and choreograph it to music. There are specific movements that must be completed in the test, but the rider is able to determine when those movements will be performed and they can ride to the music of their choice.

You can witness dressage at nearly every equestrian horse show across the globe, but rarely do you have the opportunity to witness the best dressage horses at work. If you want to see what a truly professional dressage horse looks like, there's no better place than the FEI World Equestrian Games when riders and horses from around the world come to compete for FEI World Cup in dressage.

The dressage portion of the Alltech 2010 World Equestrian Games will take place September 27th-29th and October 1st, 2010.

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Why is Equestrian Training Knowledge Beneficial For You?

Enthusiastic people spend years on learning the skills from various trainers on horse riding, which helps them bit by bit to be prudent and an acclaimed equestrian trained horse rider. After successful completion of the equestrian training the person may display the skills learnt as an eminent rider and can enjoy the horseback adventure to the heart's core.

As an amateur, you may find a particular horse incapable of performing some trick, but the scene completely changes when an experienced trainer handles the very same horse. It would perform all those tricks which the experience personnel will make it to do. 

People, who know nothing of riding would put their boot into the ribs of the horses and even hit them to make the move. They even pull the rein desperately which irritates the horse and make them uncomfortable, still the horse would not move from their place. Equestrian training is the right option to tackle such an embarrassing situation.

The more time you spent under equestrian training, the more knowledge you gather about the horses and their behavior. You should apply the correct riding technique and the horse will accordingly pay respect to your commands.

During the early days of equestrian training, a proper trainer will provide you with relevant feedbacks after your training. They will regularly update you on improvements and make you practice again and again in situations that show weakness. The trainer will also provide clear and precise information to you and accordingly you have to follow those instructions sincerely and results will be evident soon. The trainer would measure your progress and keep you updated. You can even communicate with the trainer through emails and chats, discussing on the recent and future developments.

The equestrian training includes several disciplines among which few significant ones are English, Western Pleasure, Western, Reining, Cutting, Hacking and many more. Importantly, the equestrian training is extremely considerate catering different horse back riders and horses.

In cases where a horse suddenly stops and does not move any further, (this is quite usual in the equestrian training discipline), the trainer knows exactly in which state of mind the horses would do such things. He also knows which command will encourage the horse to move again. The trainers have this capability to read the body language of the horses which they slowly make you understand so that in future you can tackle such cases alone.

These specialized training skills are required by each of the trainee of equestrian training so that you can be a confident horse back rider, equipped with all the knowledge of controlling a horse. Practice and dedication in the field will help you to polish your skills and you can turn out to be a successful rider, making the horse dance to your instructions and enjoying the shower of compliments coming your way.

Writing is my life and I love it. I write a lot of Articles and Blogs to relay all of my Experience about horse riding. To know more about various equestrian tours Click Here.

What to Look For in Equestrian Real Estate

If you want to build a career as an equestrian, then you may be looking for a place ideal for horse rearing. You also want a place where you can ride everyday and practice the jumps over fixed obstacles, endurance riding and reining.

In looking for a equestrian real property, it is very dependent on what type of rider you are. An equestrian, who does riding as a professional, may have certain qualities and facilities that need to be present in their property, as opposed to those who just ride for fun.

However, if you are into equestrian real estate, here are the common things that you should look into:

1. The size of the land- Most equestrian properties are made of acres of land. It is vast and filled with greenery so horses can run freely within the property. Experts in horse rearing also mentioned it should also have trees because in warm days, horses would also need a shade to cool down in an afternoon ride.

2. Mild temperatures- The climate of the place is also important. Most of the equestrian properties are popular down south because of their mild temperatures. However, they are not limited to these kinds of conditions. Some people living in area codes with 4 seasons can also run these properties. If you want your open horse rearing and if you want to enjoy riding all the time, having a warm climate is quite an advantage.

3. Good Fencing- When you live in this property, you do not expect your horses to be caged all the time. You will probably let them wander around to be eating fresh green grass. That is why it should be properly fenced to keep your horses within the property. In case they wander around, you know where to find them. You are assured that they will be just there and no one would make a mistake in capturing them.

4. Water Source- A good equestrian property should have its own fresh water source. Since it usually has a vast land of greenery, there should be enough water to sustain the property. This is very important for irrigation. Water is also important for horses. They need it as much as humans do. If they are left dehydrated, they can die within 5 to 6 days, as opposed to having no food, which can reach within few weeks. So having infinite fresh water is a necessity.

5. Facilities- What good is an equestrian property if it has no facilities for horses, right? You can look into stables, outdoor schooling and many others. Just as long as you have enough facilities for feeding, exercising or rearing horse, it should be good. However, it should match your needs. If you are just starting out, you may want to find facilities enough for your ponies. Then expand later on. The severity of facilities present may have an effect on the affordability of the property.

6. Vehicle access- Running stables or equine properties may involve delivery of materials. It should have roads wide enough for a more convenient transporting. It should also be strategic and properly defined. This way it will not interfere with any activities. Properly built roads can actually serve as quarantine barriers, at times when there will be outbreak of diseases.

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The Equestrian Look

The aim is to get an equestrian look and what you can do is get the trousers and a suitable shirt and for one thing: high boots may not be necessary. You are aiming to be inspired by the equestrian look and a suitable bodice, and trousers/pants may be sufficient as well as the boots. The fabric/design of the bodice is important. A classic pattern ie patterns like argyle and plaid may not of course be necessary for the top. This is obvious but an argyle or plaid pattern certainly could aid in creating an equestrian look.

The equestrian look could be directly inspired from the "riding coat" look ie the riding coat worn with white jodhpurs. Thus instead of jodhpurs, white shaped pants/trousers could be used and since we are taking inspiration from the equestrian look, white shaped trousers are not the only choice. Perhaps black or grey too, maybe a specific charcoal grey are suitable colors. Maybe a red hue too is a choice too for shaped trousers,. What is meant by shaped relates to the way jodhpurs are structured with proper fabric and shape. Here the equestrian inspired look is only being influenced by the shape of the jodhpurs/breeches and one doesn't have to have jodhpurs.

In describing an equestrian look, it is worthwhile to look at coats/jackets to create the look, and remember the pea jacket, the navy jacket look too, as well as the actual riding coat look with a conservative lapel and collar going to hip length. In being inspired by the equestrian look, the black riding jacket can perhaps go to waist length but if one has chosen to wear a skirt/long skirt and one wants to get the equestrian look, then a jacket like the established hip-length riding coat is welcome.

In some way, to create the equestrian look, one can focus on that hip-length riding coat, or a coat that is styled like the riding coat as well as tight shaped pants. The fabric is important for the pants/trousers, perhaps a twill. The main thing re: pants is the shaping to look like jodhpurs and to get this perhaps cuffs are suitable as well as the full shaping around the waist to crotch to hip.

Remember those white tight jodhpurs. Does that mean white is a good color for the equestrian look? Yes probably. Then there is the jacket, maybe a hip length white jacket with black shaped pants. One can choose a bolero type jacket and the shirt inside whether sleeveless or not can be hip-length. And perhaps one can create an equestrian look with leather ! One can have a leather glam jacket with cropped twill pants, i.e. cropped pants inspired from jodhpurs. One needs a suitable fabric ie. Twill. Corduroy is perhaps suitable but certainly a cavalry twill. Cavalry twill is a good fabric for a formal trousers and if one has a cropped cavalry twill pants, this might help to create an equestrian look. One can have a waist length cropped leather jacket or hip-length. Maybe a glam designer jacket could complement the cropped cavalry twill pants. Instead of leather, choose a waist length "smart and chic" jacket inspired from the actual riding coat but obviously shortened.

These are suggestions for an equestrian look.

Inside the jacket a white shirt/blouse with black tie or a black choker can create a look Accessories are important. Think of other details like a lacy cuff area for the shirt and the jacket may just reach to elbow length to allow the lacy cuff to be seen. Thus one has a jacket with elbow-length sleeve or at least a sleeve that is tied or folded back to the elbow.

Remember too for a certain equestrian look red cropped pants are an idea. This can create an exotic type of equestrian look. Thus one has red cropped pants and a black short jacket i.e. waist length with an inside shirt. Maybe a black t-shirt is suitable. Thus black t-shirt, jacket and red cropped pants. If one wants to use plaid or tartan, one can perhaps create an equestrian look too- Maybe a plaid skirt with the black hip length jacket or a red hip length jacket with plaid skirt.

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Take an Equestrian Themed Vacation in Portugal

Looking for a location for the perfect holiday? Imagining a romantic setting where you can ride horses along a shoreline or drink wine in a ranch while watching the sunset? Are you an equestrian looking for a hideaway where you can relax while you immerse yourself in your sport?

Portugal, most famously known in the sports world for its soccer team, is also a country that appreciates equestrian or horse-riding as a sport. Horsemanship is an art that has been practiced in Portugal since the High Middle Ages. Though horses then were used more for transportation and military activities, horse Dressage has always been a part of Portuguese tradition. 

There are a number of excellent equestrian centers in Portugal, where you can take formal lessons with equestrian masters. If you are up for it, you can even opt to learn how to drive a traditional, Portuguese horse-drawn carriage. If you're more adventurous, you can indulge your outdoor whimsy by riding through scenic parks and meadows within the vicinity. In these equestrian centers, you will only be riding the best horse breed found in Portugal - the Lusitano horses - a breed specially reared for competitions and equestrian sports.

Because equestrian is such a popular sport in Portugal, there are also a lot of horse shows you can catch during your stay.

Finally, Portugal is also known for quality Portuguese equestrian equipment - saddles, bridles, riding boots and other riding apparel. That's why Portugal is a place a lot of equestrians like to frequent. It's like a one-stop shop when it comes to horse aficionados: they not only get to have a good and relaxing time during the holidays, but they also get to spend some time playing the sport they love the most - horse-riding. And, they get to shop for quality horse equipment to boot!

Planning a trip to Portugal go ahead and visit a Portuguese Equestrian event and witness the excitement.

Summer Show Riders - The Proper Equestrian Show Apparel That Scores Points

The high heat and humidity of summer in the show ring can leave you looking wilted and performing less than your best. Instead of the fresh, crisp, elegant look you were striving for, you and your horse can lose that winning edge. The right equestrian riding apparel makes all the difference in how well you ride and how good you look in the show ring.

Of course, looking and feeling your best doesn't start in the show ring. As athletes, you and your horse must train regularly, stay hydrated and eat properly. Assuming you have done all of the necessary homework, it is then up to you to acquire the proper equestrian riding apparel to ensure that you and your horse leave the ring as winners.

Show Clothes & Dressage Essentials

The components of classic equestrian show clothes can vary somewhat, according to your riding specialty. Hunt seat is slightly more casual than dressage, but both require elegance and classiness about them that expresses the cool, calm confidence the judges are looking for in the show ring. Regardless of the brand of your show shirt or show jacket, be sure that they are clean and neatly pressed.

Show coats should be dark or a shade of beige or gray, while show breeches are always light colored, usually white, tan or beige. Brands such as Tuffrider, Equine Couture and The Tailored Sportsman are all safe bets. Equine Athletics, Equine Couture and The Tailored Sportsman offer fine show shirts. Ladies should wear a ratcatcher and choker or stock tie while the gentlemen wear button-down shirts with a tie or stock tie. Your Tuffrider tall boots will either be field or dress style and always black. Black gloves will add a touch of elegance to your overall presentation. Additionally, you must wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet with a harness. Colors are usually black or charcoal-hued.

Details Make The Difference

Once you are dressed in your equestrian riding apparel, you need to take a second look and ask yourself what details could be added to your equestrian show clothes to make you stand out in the judge's eyes as the next Champion. Little touches, such as discrete make-up, neatly coiffed and beribboned hair or a crop that matches your gloves may not seem like important components of your equestrian show clothes, but the subconscious mind picks up many more details than the conscious mind is aware of, and judge's minds are quite discerning. These little touches can mean the difference between winning and placing second or third.

Cleanliness, neatness, style and decorum are all important aspects of the way you present yourself in the show ring. Be sure to bring extras of your equestrian show clothes, just in case something becomes dirty or torn. It is always a good idea to protect your equestrian riding apparel prior to entering the ring. One big horse sneeze and your immaculate presentation may look more like a barn brawl. Baggy T-shirts pulled over the top of everything can save you frantic moments of stress and grief just prior to entering the show ring.

Online Shopping For Show Clothes

There are many online equestrian riding apparel providers to choose from. To ensure that you receive the best service possible while shopping for your equestrian show clothes, look for interactive and informational services, extensive search and delivery options, easy to read sizing charts and products made with high quality materials and expert craftsmanship.

Your online supplier should provide you with information regarding the fabric, fit and style of your purchases. Online shopping offers the convenience of shopping from home, but be sure to stick with well known and highly respected equestrian riding apparel brands to ensure your satisfaction.

Looking And Performing Your Best

When you look good, you feel good, in or out of the show ring. When you look and feel good, and you carry yourself better with shoulders back, chin tucked and elbows in, giving you overall a better riding position as well basic good posture. Wearing high quality equestrian riding apparel will make you feel more comfortable, look and ride better and earn you higher points in the show ring.

You can be the greatest rider in the world and still do poorly in the ring if you are not dressed in the appropriate equestrian riding apparel. Each item of equestrian apparel should be carefully considered for its fit, look and feel. It is far better to pay a bit extra for something well made. Quality equestrian show clothing will help you to feel, look and perform your very best.

First impressions are powerful tools in your show arena. When you enter the ring, the judge will observe the overall image you and your horse create. The judge will look for neatness, balance, elegance and controlled athleticism. You can add to this crucial first impression by carefully considering each piece of equestrian riding apparel and riding equipment you will be using. Purchasing high quality equestrian show clothes and ensuring that you look your best in the show ring will significantly increase your likelihood of placing at the top of your class.

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality equestrian riding apparel and equipment featuring premier equestrian show clothes brands Equine Couture, The Tailored Sportsman, and Tuffrider.

Spring Equestrian Apparel - Choosing Horse Riding Clothing This Season

Winter is a great time to sort through your equestrian apparel, horse clothing, and riding equipment to check for damage, to see what needs to be cleaned, and to create a shopping list of necessities and fun new equestrian apparel items. New styles have just arrived, making this the best possible time to put that shopping list and those organizational skills to use. Your equestrian apparel serves many functions and needs to be in the best possible condition to work properly. Riding equipment, tack, and horse clothing fall into the same category. Broken buckles, worn straps, and ill-fitting apparel must be replaced, enabling you to look, feel, and perform at your very best.

The lined or fleeced horse riding breeches that served you well through the cold winter months are now too heavy to be safe or functional for intensive training or on long trail rides. Safety and comfort are paramount any time you are riding. You can ensure that you have the necessary freedom of movement while maintaining close contact with your horse and still look sleek and stylish with this year's latest styles.

Difference Between Spring And Winter Riding

If you ride on the island of Oahu, seasonal changes won't really affect you or your riding apparel. For the rest of us, winter means wearing layers of clothing, heavy jackets, lined gloves and boots, thick socks, turtleneck shirts and sweaters, and heavy horse riding breeches. As spring approaches, that wardrobe is no longer safe or functional. You can get overheated and you do not have the range of motion needed for more strenuous training sessions.

Riding in the spring frequently means longer rides, so comfort becomes more of an issue. While gloves are still needed, you don't want the bulky linings that were necessary during winter. Lighter weight apparel, more suited to spring and summer, provide you with attractive fluidity of movement, especially with all the beautiful new styles that have just arrived. Your horse will appreciate a lighter weight blanket or stable sheet as well.

Look For New Spring Equestrian Apparel Arrivals

Nearly all of the major equestrian apparel designers have released their latest styles of breeches, shirts, show coats, and horse clothing. Instead of making do with worn-out or ill-fitting equestrian apparel, you can take advantage of the latest spring sales on riding apparel and horse tack. Equine Couture, The Tailored Sportsman, Tuffrider, and Goode Rider have released their cutting edge collections for the upcoming Spring and show season.

Horse riding breeches now come in new materials and styles that take advantage of the latest in textile research, providing riders with improved breathability, increased comfort, and elegant details that will make you stand out from the crowd in and out of the show ring. Of course, the real purpose of well-designed breeches and jodhpurs is to protect your legs while maintaining clear communication between horse and rider. This year's breeches look and function better than ever.

Horse Show Equestrian Apparel

No matter how well you and your horse perform in the show ring, your appearance must win over the judges. Poorly fitting breeches and sloppy riding apparel can eliminate you from the standings just as fast as a fall or a refusal, sometimes even faster. While you may be able to hide a smudge on your ratcatcher, your show coat must be pristine, snug, and elegant, all while allowing you the freedom of movement you need to perform your best.

The newest collections from Tuffrider, and Tailored Sportsman all combine versatility with a sleek, elegant design that will help you catch the judge's eye and then keep it. The latest trend in breeches is the low-rise style waistband that doesn't cramp your style, or your breathing. Stretch fabrics add a new level of comfort and fit without binding or pinching. Designers have realized that the better you feel, the more likely you are to ride your best. Horse riding breeches have become a fashion statement for even the non-rider, providing a sleek outline, a comfortable fit, and a versatile wardrobe item.

Of course, color is always an issue when shopping for any type of apparel. While the show ring has specific requirements, there are plenty of new spring equestrian apparel choices that allow you a bit more freedom to express the inner you. Now is the perfect time to treat yourself to equestrian apparel and new horse riding breeches that will help you to look, feel, and perform your very best.

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality equestrian apparel and horse riding breeches that will help you look and ride your best.