Horse Supplies: The Dressage Event Essentials

1. There’s an endless supply of tack options for equestrians and their horses depending on riding style or event. The equipment ranges from basic to luxurious, and it can seem almost impossible to narrow down exactly what’s necessary for any given situation. One of the most popular equestrian disciplines is dressage, which is a form of riding that requires great skill and is at the center of many international eventing competitions. Dressage has strict requirements for the attire of the rider, as well as the tack of the horse.

2. Minimal tack is a hallmark of dressage, but you still need the correct style. English tack is the acceptable style, and varies considerably from similarly popular Western tack. The exact rules of what is and is not allowed are subject to change as more tack options become available. Today we'll discuss the basic horse supplies needed (both in and out of the ring) for success in dressage. An English saddle is required for dressage. This can be further broken down into smaller categories, including a specific dressage saddle for experienced riders and competitors. However, all of the styles that fall under the description of an English saddle have some main characteristic in common. English saddles are much smaller and lighter than Western saddles, and do not fit (or ever need) saddle bags. This is due to the fact that they need to allow easy and uninhibited movement for the equine and rider during the event. A smaller saddle also allows for more contact between them, which is essential for the subtle rider guidance that dressage requires. Another glaring difference between English and Western saddles is the presence of a pommel. While Western saddles have a pommel for the rider to hold, English saddles do not, as the rider has both hands on the reins. Regardless of the exact style of your English saddle, it is not complete without an English girth, or cinch for Western saddles. This is the piece that goes under the horse, against their barrel, that attaches to the saddle on both sides and holds it in place. You may also want a dressage saddle pad to maximize the comfort of your equine. While saddle pads are not necessary, they do provide padding and some have moisture-wicking properties to keep the saddle and sweat from bothering your horse. Typically, English saddle pads provide more cushioning than Western saddle pads. Dressage also has specifications for stirrups. While Western stirrups attach directly to the saddle, English stirrups are attached to separate stirrup leathers that then attach to the saddle. Unlike Western style riding and other English events, dressage does not allow the use of breast collars or breastplates. It also does not allow the use of Western spurs, only English spurs that are flat and blunt. There are a few different kinds of English bridles that may be used for dressage, but a snaffle bridle is common, especially amongst beginners. This is a bridle that uses only a snaffle bit, which is a bit without the shank, or cheekpieces. Snaffle bits have rings on either side of the joined bars that apply pressure to

3. the sides of a horse’s mouth so that the rider can direct them using the reins. In general, English bits are significantly shorter than Western bits. If a rider uses a bridle with a snaffle bit and a curb bit, it is called a double bridle. Double-bridles are often used by experienced dressage competitors as they provide more control by applying more pressure. In a competition, every bridle must have a noseband. While double-bridles must have a cavesson, snaffle bridles can have a drop noseband, flash noseband, or cavesson. The bridle (made up of the headstall, noseband, and bit) and reigns must be made mostly of leather or a synthetic leather-like material. Although common in Western riding, tie downs that run from the noseband to the saddle girth are not used in English riding. English riders typically used closed reins, also called loop reigns, unless their horse is wearing a double bridle, in which case they use double reins. Double reins are a combination of a curb and snaffle reins, like the curb and snaffle bits that are used. There are other pieces of tack and equipment needed for success in dressage events that do not even enter the ring. The comfort of your horse is an important part of having a good experience during a competition. Fly control is another important part of keeping your equine comfortable. Make sure to use a fly spray or insect repellent. Fly bonnets that do not cover the eyes are an acceptable fly control method that is acceptable to wear during competition. When not in the ring, fly boots are a good option to protect your horse's legs. At any event, chances are you will be moving around a good amount and spending time in warm up areas, and your horse will need to come with you. Be sure to have a leather halter and leash on hand as well as any leg wraps that you may want for travel or while waiting for your turn. While warming up, the use of a running martingale is permitted as long as it is only used with a snaffle bit and reigns. Hoof boots are also allowed during warm up, but must be removed before competing. You may also want to bring outerwear like a turnout blanket or fly sheet depending on the weather and duration of the event. Having a first aid kit on hand with liniments, poultices, and bandages for minor injuries is also a good idea.

4. It is also important that the rider and horse both maintain a tidy appearance at dressage events. This includes maintenance of a mane, tail, and hair. Use equine shampoos and conditioners to keep your horse's hair clean and shiny. Trimming the tail and thinning the top with clippers is a common practice that makes the horse's hind end look more powerful. After styling the tail, use a tail bag to protect it from dirt and keep it sleek until the event. Bring grooming supplies to events in a portable tote so that you can do touch ups as needed. Make sure that you pay close attention to your horse's health. Regular visits from the veterinarian and preventative care like wormers and vaccinations are necessary. Dressage, or any demanding physical activity, can be hard on your horse's body, so it may be beneficial to talk to your veterinarian about joint supplements and other products that will help your horse recover. It is also important that you or your farrier stay on top of your horse's hoof care and perform any trimming that needs to be done. Foot balance and even weight distribution help your horse perform their best. What to Buy First There are a lot of pieces of equipment involved in dressage, so you may be wondering what to buy first. Most tack, like halters, bits, and saddles are absolutely necessary for riding no matter the style or discipline. However, in order to get the best results, it is important to introduce training with the appropriate English tack as early as possible. If your horse is used to the feel of Western saddles and the length of Western reins, it may take awhile for them to adjust to English style tack. Most likely, you will gather all of the necessary tack, grooming, and stable horse supplies as you go about training and competing, and realizing what you need at each stage along the way.