Re: Endurance and Dressage

["kristine hammond" <tinka@reno.quik.com>]

Tamara,
I am one of those people who does both endurance and dressage.  I love
endurance for the beautiful scenery.  I love dressage because it can be so
beautiful.  Yes, my horse can tell by the tack I put on him what we are
going to be doing.  He seems to like both styles of riding.  But, I often
ask for dressage moves when out on the trail.  I have the type of horse that
I must keep occupied mind wise the complete  time........or he will choose
his own method of keeping himself occupied i.e., shying, bucking,etc.  I
find that dressage exercises a completely different set of muscles.....kind
of like cross training for us human athletes.  Good luck and have fun!
Kriss

----- Original Message -----
From: <twoodcock@lendleaserei.com>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2000 9:04 AM
Subject: RC: Endurance and Dressage


>
>
> I know some of you take dressage lessons on you endurance horses...
>
> My dressage coach saw Roo for the first time Saturday.  (Previously I rode
her
> Percheron(!) for my lessons)  She thinks Roo is "wasted in endurance" and
wants
> to actively start campaigning him in Training Level this fall.  She thinks
he is
> the smartest horse she's ever seen.  (I wanted to tell her that it's
because she
> usually only works with WB's and draft crosses, but I didn't. <g>)  I want
to
> "do" endurance as our priority, but would be more than willing to do the
> dressage circuit if it doesn't interfer with endurance.  And if I can find
a
> dressage saddle, white breeches, etc. in my extremely cheap price range.
>
> Anyone actively show dressage on their endurance horses?  Does the
required
> "ring" time interfer with conditioning?  I don't like to do a bunch of
schooling
> on the trail.  The trail is supposed to be fun for both of us, and very
low
> stress.  And contrary to what the local dressage riders think, the hour in
the
> ring is not enough cardio work for either Roo or me. <g>
>
> Those of you who do this, have you noticed your horse being able to tell
(by
> what tack you use or something else) if this is a dressage day or a trail
day?
> And do you just let them go in whatever "frame" they want on the trail,
and
> still get them to collect/extend/come on to the bit/etc on demand in the
ring?
> I would hate to have to worry about form all the time on the trail as I
ride
> with completely loose reins and just let the horse move in whatever mode
is
> comfortable for him.
>
> Tamara
>
>
>
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