Dressage basics are often taught while using and English bridle and western saddle. Just because your in a western saddle doesn’t mean the maneuvers are any different. You’re just schooling. Relax and enjoy the ride! It’s fun to think about it as a square dance performance. There’s a series of well executed steps and maneuvers which are also memorized in a pattern or sequence. These basics such as two- tracking, shoulder in and shoulder out, stopping at a halt while all four feet are square, meaning in line with the parallel leg. This shows balance and control. If you watch a horse and rider going through their pattern it’s as if they are dancing! Riding the pattern feels as if you’re communicating completely by mental telepathy! The feeling of being in sync with a horse 10x your size is unmatched! All horses can benefit from dressage basics to help gain better body control and balance. It’s a workout for both horse and rider so be ready! “I could have missed the pain but I would have missed the dance”- Garth Brooks
J Randol horse training 