Quite simply, dressage means “training” or “preparation”. As described by the FEI: “Dressage, the highest expression of horse training, is considered the art of equestrian sport and is used as the groundwork for all the other disciplines.” In modern day dressage competition, the horse and rider perform a test for a number of judges (up to five) to reflect the horse’s way of going and level of schooling. Competitions are ridden in a flat arena usually measuring 60m x 20m and surrounded by a low barrier behind which 12 lettered markers are placed from where specified movements start and end. Each movement is awarded a mark out of 10, & some more difficult movements have a coefficient X 2, the scores are totalled and shown as a percentage.

It is the aim of the competitors to produce a harmonious, elegant performance where the horse moves rhythmically with suppleness in a calm, confident way.

“If one induces the horse to assume that carriage, which it would adopt of its own accord when displaying its beauty, then one directs the horse to appear joyous and magnificent, proud and remarkable for having been ridden." (Xenophon - 430 – 354 BC)

Over the last fifteen years, dressage in South Africa has grown significantly in popularity and stature. In recent years the number of riders participating in international competition has grown, national freestyle to music championships have been introduced and more recently the individual championship of South Africa has been upgraded to FEI Intermediate 11. FEI Grand Prix will follow in the foreseeable future.

Dressage appeals to all age groups and South Africa has about 500 horses competing at higher level.

The elegant musical freestyle has a special appeal for general audiences. It is similar to freestyle dance, gymnastic and ice skating competitions in that horse and rider perform required movements within a set time, selecting music and choreography to complement the paces and character of the horse. The performance offers an artistic presentation and musical interpretation of the horse’s technical skill together with his rhythm and fluency.

South Africa has a number of riders with national colours for Dressage. There are a number of new names amongst pony riders, young riders and adults whose current performances indicate exciting prospects in the future.

To this end, a number of riders have been identified with a view to at least one riding at Kentucky WEG 2010 and a team competing in the Olympics in 2012. Riders’ rankings at the higher levels are being recorded to keep abreast of the present, as well as up and coming talent.

International competition offers opportunities such as the annual FEI World Challenge (Group1) against Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. There is also the Tri-Nations Competition between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa when borrowed horses are ridden, as well as invitations for younger riders to compete in Australia and New Zealand. South Africa hosts the Inter-Africa Team Competition which attracts participation from several African states and Mauritius (FEI Group IX Countries).

We have had regular visits from the world’s influential and Olympic FEI judges. Currently we have two candidate FEI judges – Liz Day and Caroline Potts – as well as FEI ‘O’ level judge, Ernst Holtz who is now retired from international judging.

Top international dressage instructors visit regularly to run training clinics to improve the level of South African dressage and instruction. Stallions, with significant dressage breeding lines, have been introduced into this country over many years and there are a number of studs breeding successful dressage progeny. In addition, dressage horses imported from Europe are competing in South Africa. A few South African dressage riders are based or have their horses based in Europe.