Live show reference pictures - Part 1 - Dressage

Hi, I apologise for being the worst blogger in the world, but I am doing a series this December of live show reference pictures of different disciplines and the 1:9 models that you could use for this purpose. Today's post is dressage.

Dressage roughly translates as the word "training" as it shows off just that - the trainability of the horse and rider. The combination are asked to perform a memorised test (or in some cases, the test can be read out) of movements, like circles. The movements can be as easy as a canter circle and as difficult as a turn whilst performing piaffe, which is trotting on the spot with the hindquarters engaged.

However, a horse who is responding to his rider and looks happy and contented, but has its head in an undesirable place, would win over a horse who's head has been forced into a desirable position and does not look happy.

In a live show, lots of models can be used for dressage, as they can be easily adapted for each separate level. For a higher level you might use Breyer Totilas but for a lower level you might use a horse like Strapless.

Here are some of the movements that can be used in dressage:


A lovely square halt

Passage



Valegro's gorgeous extended trot



 

These are just some of the very wide range of dressage movements. Now we will look at suitable models for dressage.

 

The Breyer Pinto Sportshorse: A good model for the lower levels: could also be used for show jumping.

 

The Breyer RCMP horse: Also a good model for the lower levels of dressage.

 

 

 

 The Breyer Prince Jester: Again nice for the lower levels, as he is striding out freely and happily.

 Breyer Trooper: A gorgeous model for the lower levels.

 

 

 Breyer Northern Dancer: A lovely looking model in walk.

 

 Breyer Totilas: The greatest dressage model, the one I used for my dressage set up.

 

 

Breyer Valentine: A lovely model for the lower levels. Here she is pictured with her foal.

 

 

Breyer Mistral Hojris: A great dressage model for the topmost level.

These are definitely the best models for dressage set ups, however there could be rarer ones so have a look!

 

Here are some reference pictures to guide you through the main features of dressage set ups.

 

I hope you benefitted from this - just to let you know all of these pictures are not mine.

 

Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

 

Bye!