What is Ranch Dressage?
Ranch Dressage is using the literal meaning of the word "dressage", which simply means "training". Ranch Dressage is a series of simple patterns that all levels of riders can practice on their horse to improve all aspects of riding. This is a way of learning training techniques that trainers have used for generations to improve their horses, but are very rarely used in a show situation.
The goal is to train your horse to respond to body, leg and seat cues, with minimal input from your hands, and to be able to control your horse's hip, rib, shoulder and head independently. By using body, leg and seat cues to control the speed of your horse, you can create soft forward, lateral and backward movement with minimal contact. teaching your horse to travel with an elevated rib and shoulder, which reduces the stress on your horse's back.
Horse shows began as a way for people to compare their training techniques with others trying to achieve similar goals . In creating Ranch Dressage shows, we're creating a platform where people can be part of a horse community, and can learn and grow in a positive environment, comparing and competing with their horses in one of the 7 divisions with people with similar skills and horse education level. Learning these riding skills will transfer to whatever other type of showing you choose to do .
The show consists of 6 classes:
- Performance halter
- Ranch Dressage on the Rail (group class). In this class you will be asked to travel around the rail and at certain points in the arena perform hip in and shoulder in at walk and trot.
- 4 patterns. Download the patterns by clicking on the link below. For each pattern there is a walk/trot pattern as well.)
The goal is to train your horse to respond to body, leg and seat cues, with minimal input from your hands, and to be able to control your horse's hip, rib, shoulder and head independently. By using body, leg and seat cues to control the speed of your horse, you can create soft forward, lateral and backward movement with minimal contact. teaching your horse to travel with an elevated rib and shoulder, which reduces the stress on your horse's back.
Horse shows began as a way for people to compare their training techniques with others trying to achieve similar goals . In creating Ranch Dressage shows, we're creating a platform where people can be part of a horse community, and can learn and grow in a positive environment, comparing and competing with their horses in one of the 7 divisions with people with similar skills and horse education level. Learning these riding skills will transfer to whatever other type of showing you choose to do .
The show consists of 6 classes:
- Performance halter
- Ranch Dressage on the Rail (group class). In this class you will be asked to travel around the rail and at certain points in the arena perform hip in and shoulder in at walk and trot.
- 4 patterns. Download the patterns by clicking on the link below. For each pattern there is a walk/trot pattern as well.)
| ranch_dressage_pattern_1.pdf |
| walk_trot_ranch_dressage_pattern_1.pdf |
| ranch_dressage_pattern_2.pdf |
| walk_trot_ranch_dressage_pattern_2.pdf |
| ranch_dressage_pattern_3.pdf |
| walk_trot_ranch_dressage_pattern_3.pdf |
| ranch_dressage_pattern_4.pdf |
| walk_trot_ranch_dressage_pattern_4.pdf |
We will have a buckle series, consisting of 3 Ranch Dressage shows in 2024:
- May 19
- August 31
- November 17
EDIT: the show on March 24 was canceled because of all the rain. We will set another date a bit further in the year soon. So, our first Rach Dressage Show of the series will be on May 19.
The points of these 4 shows will get added up and the High Point winner in each division will win a Breakin Hearts Ranch buckle.
At each show there will be High Point and Reserve High Point prizes and ribbons to 6th place.
Divisions are:
- Walk/Trot Youth
- Walk/Trot Adult
- Youth
- Novice Rider
- Green Horse (Novice horse)
- Amateur
- Open
There is no dress code.
Western, stock or English saddle are acceptable.
We want people to achieve their best results, so you can ride any age horse in a snaffle, shank bit or hackamore, 1 or 2 handed.
- May 19
- August 31
- November 17
EDIT: the show on March 24 was canceled because of all the rain. We will set another date a bit further in the year soon. So, our first Rach Dressage Show of the series will be on May 19.
The points of these 4 shows will get added up and the High Point winner in each division will win a Breakin Hearts Ranch buckle.
At each show there will be High Point and Reserve High Point prizes and ribbons to 6th place.
Divisions are:
- Walk/Trot Youth
- Walk/Trot Adult
- Youth
- Novice Rider
- Green Horse (Novice horse)
- Amateur
- Open
There is no dress code.
Western, stock or English saddle are acceptable.
We want people to achieve their best results, so you can ride any age horse in a snaffle, shank bit or hackamore, 1 or 2 handed.
Click the button below to get to the entry form.
For a smooth check in, please come prepared and bring the following papers with you:
| horse-health-declaration.pdf |
| waiver.pdf |
For any other information, please contact Mal on 0421 012 815.
