A Classical and Western Dressage Demonstration

Blue Rose Equestrian and Lena Stipkova team up to demonstrate some of the differences between Western Dressage and Classical Dressage.

German FN Trainer Margaretha Broekman, Instructor for Blue Rose Equestrian is speaking on behalf of the Classical Dressage portion.
Her protege, Rebecca Rosell, Rider for Blue Rose Equestrian is riding Fakher el Farid the talented Egyptian Arabian.


Speaking on behalf of Western Dressage is Sandra O. who is part of the Western Dressage Association and representing Trainer/instructor, Lena Stipkova.

Dressage movements shown include: Half pass - lateral movement with the horses bend in the direction of travels.
Extension - a ground covering trot. The horse continues in the same rhythm but extends his legs to his upmost ability. To do this he must have his poll at the highest point, nose in front of the vertical, diagonal pair of legs must extend at the same distance (the front legs should not be higher than the hind) and the hind legs should support more of the weight of the horse than the front legs.
Passage - a high form of collection that develops into piaffe. The horse will convert his forward energy into upward energy giving his trot lift and suspension.
Pirouette- is a collected canter where the horse keeps his haunches and bends his forehand around in a circle. In the movement the horse really has to sit and is good practice for the levade.

Western Dressage: Leg Yield - A lateral movement where the horse is bent in the direction OPPOSITE of his travels. It is good preparation for the half pass and haunches in.

Lengthening- Is a ground covering trot where the rhythm stays the same as working trot. The horses head stays lower and slightly more stretched out. The horse is not yet lifting his legs to the highest potential.
Spanish Walk - is trick that is helpful in teaching the horse to open it's shoulders to create a larger extended trot. In the Spanish Walk the horse lifts its front legs as high as possible while walking. The horses head should be slightly above the vertical.
Counter Canter - Cantering on the opposite lead of travels. Can be cantering on the wrong lead to an uneducated eye. The horse should be bent in the direction of his lead, so opposite of his travels. The movement helps to strengthen and control your horse for flying lead changes.