What is Dressage?
Dressage is a sport where horse and rider perform a series of predetermined movements set out in a dressage test with precision and grace. It emphasises the harmony between the two, showcasing the horse’s athleticism and the rider’s skill in communication and control.
A judge marks the test. They give you a mark out of ten for how well you carry out each instruction. At the end of the test the marks are added up and the winner is the horse and rider with the highest score.
How Do I Get Involved?
The good news is that you have probably already started doing some Dressage! When you are riding at home and getting the pony to do the things that you want him to do you are already practising the basics of dressage.
To improve you and your pony, you might want to have lessons with an instructor. This includes the lessons that you have at a rally, where you will get help with your riding which will make the pony behave better and listen to you more.
At Meynell Pony Club there are many opportunities to get involved in Dressage. There are regular flatwork, polework and dressage rallies aimed at developing horse and rider. Keep your eyes on the calendar!
Meynell Dressage Contacts
Liz Ovendon Tel:- 07590 017958 E- Mail:- eovenden07@gmail.com
Greg de Mello Tel:- 07826843455 E mail – gdemello@me.com
Liz is the dressage manager for the Meynell Pony club and Greg provides support.
For detailed information on competition rules please refer to the Pony Club Dressage Rulebook 2024 but here is a summary of some relevant information you may find helpful:-
Spurs –
Spurs that have a smooth rotating ball on a shank, or blunt spurs without rowels or sharp edges are permitted.
Hats –
They will need to have this year’s hat tag on
A hat must be worn at all times when mounted with the chinstrap done up
It must also be worn for the prize giving.
Pony Club Badge –
Your metal pony club badge must be worn on the left lapel of your jacket with any felts underneath.
Jodhpurs –
Must be cream or beige for Grassroots and novice, white for other classes.
Jackets –
Traditional jackets must be worn with either a Pony Club or hunting stock for both Grassroots and Novice tests.
It is permitted to wear a wear pony club stock with any jacket.
Jackets must be worn during the test, but maybe removed when working in as long as they are wearing a shirt with sleeves.
If the jacket is removed your number must still be worn.
Gloves –
All competitors must wear gloves.
Jewellery –
For safety reason no jewellery (including sleepers) may be worn other than a watch, stock pin – worn horizontally, or a tie pin
These may be worn, and if you choose to wear an air jacket, they must only be used in addition to a normal body protector.
In the event of a fall the air jacket must be fully deflated or removed before continuing with the test.
You may have a whip during your test, it may be of any length – but if dropped during the test CANNOT be picked back up. It may be used in either hand…but must be in the rein hand when saluting.
Please plait for pony club dressage competitions.
Please make your self familiar with the rules for tack in dressage
Consider the bit your using.
Martingales are not permitted.
Please use a white numnah, ideally a Meynell PC one (these can be purchased via the link on our website if required.
Numbers are required for area dressage competitions. These can be printed off from pony club results and used in a cross country bib.
Summer Area Competitions and Championships
Any member can compete in the Area competition providing they have a current membership.
Members who enter will be organised into teams.
Selection is never down to one person, decisions are made by a combination of relevant committee members and Meynell instructors, subject to DC approval.
This year this the area dressage competition is scheduled for 30th June 2024
Please note that tests at area competitions are no longer commanded. Riders will need to know and have practiced their tests.
Tests:-
Level | Area Test | Championship Test |
Preliminary PC70 | Preliminary PC70 Dressage Test 2022 | Preliminary PC70 Dressage Test 2022 |
Grassroots PC80 | Grassroots PC80 Dressage Test 2018 | Grassroots PC80 Dressage Championship Test 2024 |
Novice | PC Novice Dressage Test 2020 | PC Novice Dressage Championship Test 2017 |
Intermediate | PC Intermediate Dressage Test 2024 | PC Intermediate Dressage Championship Test 2023 |
Open | PC Open Dressage Test 2020 | PC Open Dressage Championship Test 2018 |
Images courtesy of Imogen Moon