Deirdre Dressage

14/01/2025

Are you feeling frustrated because things are not going right with your horse? We've all been there. Whether it's a training issue, a behavioral problem, or a lack of progress, sometimes it's necessary to hit the reset button to get back on track. One effective way to reset the narrative with your horse is to go back to something that they can excel at before addressing the issue at hand.



Horses, like humans, can become overwhelmed and frustrated when they are constantly faced with a challenge they're struggling to overcome. By allowing them to succeed in something they are good at, we can rebuild their confidence and create a more positive mindset before revisiting the original problem.
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Are you feeling frustrated because things are not going right with your horse? We've all been there. Whether it's a training issue...

13/01/2025

Transitions in dressage refer to the smooth changes between different gaits (walk, trot, canter) and within the gaits themselves. These transitions are a test of the horse's obedience and responsiveness and a key component in developing the horse's musculature and suppleness.

One of the key concepts in dressage is the idea of the horse being "through" and "on the bit," which essentially means that the horse is working in a round and connected frame, engaging its hindquarters and allowing the energy generated from the hind legs to flow through to the bridle. Achieving this level of collection and engagement requires consistent and well-executed transitions.



Riders are encouraged to perform a significant number of transitions during each ride, often aiming for at least 100 transitions in a single session.

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In dressage, transitions play a critical role in training the horse for engagement and activity. A well-executed transition is a beautiful display of harmony between horse and rider and a fundamental building block for developing strength, balance, and obedience in the horse. Transitions in dressage...

13/01/2025

13/01/2025

Premier Boarding in North Austin. Lighted Dressage and Jumping Arenas, Large Airy Stalls, Round Pen, Turnout, and MUCH MORE! Visit us today! Join the “Farmily”
https://www.ddressage.com/facility-1

12/01/2025

Every equestrian knows that riding can sometimes lead to unexpected and sticky situations. Whether it’s a sudden spook, a moment of tension, or a refusal to cooperate, these challenges can be daunting. However, with the right mindset and techniques, you can navigate these situations with confidence and grace. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for dealing with sticky situations while on horseback, from ground techniques to quick relaxation methods.
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Every equestrian knows that riding can sometimes lead to unexpected and sticky situations.

12/01/2025

Starting in 2025, Deirdre Dressage will be accepting more horses and students at our new location 2195 County Road 105, Hutto, Texas. Want to join the team?
https://www.ddressage.com/facility-1

11/01/2025

Longeing a young horse is an essential skill for any equestrian, providing a foundation for communication, trust, and partnership. However, the purpose of longeing goes far beyond simply wearing them out. Instead, it is an art that focuses on gaining your horse's attention through constant transitions and the practice of spiraling the circle in and out. We will delve into the nuanced approach to longeing, emphasizing the importance of engagement and connection with your young equine partner.

Understanding the Purpose of Longing

The primary goal of longeing is to establish a dialogue with your horse. It is an opportunity to teach them to respond to your cues, understand your body language, and develop their focus. Unlike traditional training methods that may emphasize physical exertion, effective longeing prioritizes mental engagement and connection. This approach creates a more harmonious relationship between you and your horse.
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Longing a young horse is an essential skill for any equestrian, providing a foundation for communication, trust, and partnership.

11/01/2025

www.DDressage.com/boarding

11/01/2025

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10/01/2025

The Core Connection: How Your Core and Pelvis Control the Tempo of a Dressage Horse

In the world of dressage, the relationship between rider and horse is a delicate dance of communication, balance, and control. Many riders instinctively reach for the reins to slow down their horse, but this approach can lead to tension and resistance, particularly in the horse's neck and back. Understanding the role of your core and pelvis is essential in achieving a more effective and harmonious way to control your horse's tempo. We will discuss how your core is responsible for slowing a horse and why relying solely on the reins can hinder your horse's performance.

The Role of the Core and Pelvis

The core is often thought of as the muscles around your abdomen and lower back, but it encompasses much more than that. It includes the pelvis, hips, and even the diaphragm. Together, these muscles create a stable foundation that allows a rider to communicate effectively with their horse.

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n the world of dressage, the relationship between rider and horse is a delicate dance of communication, balance, and control.

10/01/2025

The Power of Repetition in Dressage: Building Muscle Memory for Horse and Rider

Repetition is a foundational element in the world of dressage, serving as the key to unlocking precision, harmony, and partnership between horse and rider. It is not merely about drilling movements; rather, it is about building muscle memory, establishing expectations, and refining the skills necessary for executing more complex movements. We will explore the reasons for repetition in dressage and how it benefits both the rider and the horse.

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Repetition is a foundational element in the world of dressage, serving as the key to unlocking precision, harmony, and partnership between..

08/01/2025

The leg yield is a fundamental movement in dressage that serves as an excellent exercise for developing the horse's suppleness, responsiveness, and balance. However, many riders struggle with the correct application of aids during this movement, often leading to confusion and ineffective ex*****on. One common mistake is the incorrect placement of the inside leg. In this blog post, we will discuss the proper aids for executing a leg yield, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the correct position of the legs and the rider's weight.

Understanding the Leg Yield

The leg yield is a lateral movement where the horse moves away from the rider's leg while simultaneously maintaining forward momentum. This exercise is not only useful for improving the horse's lateral suppleness but also serves as a straightening exercise that helps establish the connection between the horse's front and hindquarters.

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The leg yield is a fundamental movement in dressage that serves as an excellent exercise for developing the horse's suppleness.