Horse Dressage Training

For any equestrian lover, a potential career as a horse groom seems on the surface the dream job. And it can be a hugely rewarding profession – provided you’re willing to put the hard work in. The job can be both physically and mentally draining, so if you’re not prepared for long hours and sometimes testing conditions, it’s not the right career move for you.

The benefits of this kind of role are endless; constant daily interaction with different horses will help you learn everything you need to know about equine behaviour and, with permission from owners, sometimes you’ll even have the chance to ride them. It’s not hard to see why horse groom jobs are instantly attractive for those with a love for the animal. But before you submit an application form for a role in this area, you’ll also have to weigh up some of the obvious cons – these include early mornings, battling the elements when the seasons change, and the extensive learning process that you’ll need to undertake to improve your knowledge of equine health and routine.

Anybody looking for work as a horse groom needs to go in for the job with an open mind, with versatility the key attribute for any new recruit. You’ll be assigned a variety of tasks, so it’s essential to be a quick learner. Common morning tasks will include mucking out, feeding and watering. Remember, the requirements of individual horses may differ so keep this in mind as you do your rounds.

Of course, as the job title suggests, it’s the grooming process where you will really be given the chance to shine. The owner will want the horse looking in prime condition for when they leave the riding stables, so it’ll be up to you to carry out essential grooming duties. These will include brushing, dressing, trimming and tacking up. Try and find out which horses are required for exercise first each day to give you time to prepare them in the correct order.

Once the horses are ready for action, collect any used tack and clean it thoroughly – if you neglect this part of your duties, you’ll have to replace accessories more regularly. After all the horses are in for the day, finish off any final grooming or feeding before mucking out again just before you leave.

Finally, seize the opportunity. Hard work tends to bring its own rewards, so showing dedication and enthusiasm could lead to extra opportunities to ride your favourite horses or even promotion to a position of higher responsibility.

If you have the land to spare, a dressage arena could prove a good long-term use for the space – after all the horse can only benefit further from extra dressage work even when the test is consigned to the history books. You can use a dressage arena to teach sensible training techniques that will keep the horse disciplined and encourage good riding practice.

Although the prospect of building a dressage arena might give you sleepless nights worrying about finance, there’s no need to make cost an issue, as a dressage arena can be as simple in design as you like – you don’t even to physically build anything if you don’t want to.

First of all, mark out an appropriate ‘zone’ in which to build your dressage arena. Ask the organiser of the local dressage competition about the size of the arena being used for the test and try and replicate these conditions so the horse does not become overwhelmed on the day of the competition. Generally, the arena should be roughly 20-40m in length and 20m wide – these are the standard measurements for most horse dressage arenas.

Obviously, when you are practicing with your horse, you’ll need to have full awareness of the arena’s perimeter. Mark this out clearly as you map the design out – special grass spray paints and poles can help replicate the shape of a dressage arena. Another condition of the dressage test that needs to be mirrored in the arena is the lettering that indicates a new skill demonstration. Specialist supply shops may sell dummy test letters, but it’s probably just as simple to provide your own versions. Search around your house and garage for items such as old tyres or other harmless markers that can substitute as letters. Study the layout of the dressage arena in test conditions so you can practice separate manoeuvres in the appropriate part of the arena.

After you have seen your dressage arena transformed from a dream into a reality, it’s important not to rest on your laurels. The arena will need regular maintenance for it to be suitable for regular, disciplined training. Re-spray the perimeter every couple of weeks and keep ground conditions at a sensible level. Although your horse dressage arena might not quite live up to the real thing, it can be an extremely useful tool in ensuring you pass with flying colours on test day.

At which level should I start competing?
The level you compete at is restricted by the number of points your horse has won. If your horse has no points, you do not have to start competing at the lower levels, but to compete in a prix st georges class, you must have scored 60% or above in an advanced test.

Do I need to plait my horse when I compete in affiliated classes?
There are no rules to say you must plait your horse, but most people do.

Can my horse wear boots and bandages?

They are allowed while warming-up, but not during a test.

Can my trainer warm up my horse?
Yes, except in winter, summer, music regionals and championships when no-one other than the competitor may school the horse from the saddle for the duration of the show, except for disabled classes grade I and II.

Do I have to leave the arena at A at the end of a test?
No, you may leave the arena on a long rein where appropriate.

Is rising trot allowed?
You can do sitting or rising trot during all tests up to and including elementary level.