HOSTED by the Western Cape Dressage Council, the South African National Dressage Championships take place at Stellenbosch District Riding Club next week, from November 2-6.
The International Equestrian Federation defines the sport as “the highest expression of horse training” where “horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements”. While the world of dressage can seem somewhat exclusive, this event is free to attend so if you’ve ever wanted to see dancing horses, here’s your chance.
The phrase might seem a bit flippant and circus-like but in dressage the movements are always set to music so it is in essence careful choreography between horse and rider.
Show secretary Tjarla Norton said: “In each level there are a 10 to 15 movements competitors have to do which are set to music and then they get marked on it. It’s always set to music. The rules for that have changed. Traditionally you weren’t allowed any singing or vocals but to make it younger and fresher, this is now permitted. Some people do hip hop, others do Spanish. It’s really cool because you get enveloped in what’s going on in the arena.”
Each stride of the horse has a beat: walk is four beat, trot is two beat and canter is three beat, she said.
“So what you essentially have to do it find the music with that beat, film yourself riding the test and choreograph to music. Where it gets difficult is, you’ll see the rider putting their hand up for the music to begin. You’re dealing with an animal so as soon as the rider gets nervous the horse picks up on it so it’s important not to get ruffled.”
What makes this event different from every other weekend dressage event is that there will be international judges coming out for this Fédération Equestre Internationale, or FEI, level competition.
The freestyle event will take place on the Sunday, which Norton thinks is the most exciting.
To encourage new spectators to the sport and educate them about what they are seeing there will be volunteers on hand to explain and answer questions and some of the riders – and their horses – will be doing meet and greets.
Dressage is a social and lifestyle occasion, with strong fashion connections.
A market will provide food and wine as well as retailers. Societi Bistro is a sponsor and owner Peter Weetman does dressage himself. “On a personal note it, is my midlife crisis,” he confessed. “I used to ride as a junior but stopped riding 25 years ago and retired both my horses.
“Thanks to a really strong team at the restaurant and a loyal public I finally have the time again.”
Having returned to the sport just under a year ago, Weetman said of all the equine sports dressage is the most expressive, and the kindest. “I think it really encapsulates the true spirit of horsemanship which requires real skill and empathy for the horse. It’s understated, it’s elegant, and it’s got that kind of relaxed feel to it so it’s a good fit for us at Societi.”
Entry to the event is free but there will be exclusive VIP marquees like the L’Ormarins MCC Grande Marquee on Saturday, November 5 from 11am till 4pm. Tables of eight are available at R700 a person which includes unlimited bubbly and canap é s. On Sunday, November 6, a seated lunch will be served in the Blaauwklippen Pony Express Pavilion. Profits from both the events will go to the Carthorse Protection Association. To book email [email protected].
SPECTATOR'S GUIDE
AS with any sport, watching dressage is more interesting the more you know about it. Dressage tests used at shows are divided by graduated levels, from the most basic walk/trot to the grand prix test that is the same test that is used in the Olympics.
The tests are divided into separate movements and the judge gives a score for each movement.
The score sheets are then totalled to determine class results. It will help you understand what is going on if you can get a copy of the test you are watching, plus here are some additional thoughts:
1. Less is more
In dressage, the less you see the rider do, the better, because that means he is communicating with his horse quietly and his horse is attentive – they are working as a team.
2. Good figures
Circles are round and lines are straight, a precept true in geometry and dressage. A 20m circle should go from one side of the arena to the other, a 10m circle only half way across. A horse should not weave on a straight-line movement.
3. Tempo and rhythm
Rhythm is the repetition of footfalls. A sound dressage horse has only three correct rhythms – a four-beat walk, two-beat trot, three-beat canter. Tempo is the speed of repetition of strides. Every horse should have a consistent tempo throughout the test that is controlled by the rider, a tempo so obvious you could sing a song to it.
4. Naughtiness
Horses, like people, have good days and bad days and days. Naughtiness in horses can be exhibited in bucking, rearing, tossing of the head, or even jumping out of the dressage ring.
5. Tension
During a test, the horse needs to remain calm, attentive and supple. If the horse gets tense, he gets rigid through his neck and back, which can exhibit itself in stiff movement, ears that are pinned back and a tail that swishes constantly and doesn’t hang arched and quietly swinging.
6. Rider seat and position
The rider should sit upright quietly and not depend on whip, spurs or voice to have a nice test. Riders who use their voices have points deducted from their test scores for that movement.
7. Whipped cream lips
When a horse is relaxed in his jaw and poll (the area just behind his ears), he releases saliva; you might see white foam around his lips and mouth. That is a good sign as it means he is attentively chewing on his bit and comfortable in his work. The amount of white foam varies from horse to horse.
8. Horses and flight
Horses have two main mechanisms for protection from danger: they run and they kick. Remember to always allow plenty of room for the horses at a show and never approach any horse without first alerting the rider that you are doing so.
9. Scary stuff
Horses have the strangest aversions: plastic grocery bags can remind them of Satan’s minions and an opened umbrella can cause bolting. Again, use caution at horse shows and think before you open an umbrella or put on and take off plastic rain ponchos or blankets in the stands.
10. Sssshhhh!
Focus is important during any test, from training level to grand prix, so remember to be courteous and follow the rules by staying about 15m back from the competition ring and remaining as quiet as possible during rides. If you have any questions about where you may stand or sit, check with the ring steward.
TIPS FOR NOVICES
What to wear: casual with a touch of sophistication.
Flat shoes, or high heels with caps as it is on grass.
An elegant straw hat or Panama hat to keep the sun at bay.
The show colours are red, white, and blue – and the theme is spring.
For more information see www.sadressagechamps.co.za.