Introductory Level Archives - Dressage Today https://dressagetoday.com/category/instruction/introductory-level/ Dressage Today is the training and educational resource for dressage riders at every level. Videos and instructional articles offer tips. Tue, 05 May 2026 17:22:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://s3.amazonaws.com/wp-s3-dressagetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/09180459/DT-Favicon-150x150.png Introductory Level Archives - Dressage Today https://dressagetoday.com/category/instruction/introductory-level/ 32 32 The Golden Rules of the Dressage Warm-Up Arena https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/the-golden-rules-of-the-dressage-warm-up-arena-29955/ Tue, 05 May 2026 17:22:33 +0000 http://ci0202779c80032586 Four top dressage instructors offer their tips and insights on the rules and etiquette of the dressage warm-up arena to help you stay sane amid the pre-test chaos.

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]]> Dressage 101: How to Create a Lesson Plan for Each Training Session https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/dressage-101-how-to-create-a-lesson-plan-for-each-training-session/ Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 http://ci0202779f90022693 It's easy to lack focus when you're not under the direction of your trainer. Hilary Moore Herbert teaches you how to design beneficial lesson plans that will help you and your dressage horse ride with more purpose.

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]]> Adult Amateurs: Biomechanics To Correct Your Leg and Seat Position https://dressagetoday.com/plus/adult-amateurs-biomechanics-to-correct-your-leg-and-seat-position/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:43:06 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=18255 In Part 2 of this series on rider biomechanics, Stephany Fish Crossman stresses "knees to the ground" and "carousel pole" to help an adult amateur find the proper leg and seat position to fine-tune her aids and better move with her horse.

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]]> Adult Amateurs: Use Biomechanics to Improve Balance and Communication https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/adult-amateurs-use-biomechanics-to-improve-balance-and-communication/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 21:44:12 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=18170 Stephany Fish Crossman evaluates an adult amateur to explain how rider biomechanics are key to a successful partnership with your dressage horse.

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]]> George Williams: How Horses’ Hind Legs Work https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/george-williams-how-horses-hind-legs-work/ Tue, 23 Jul 2019 16:41:49 +0000 http://ci0202779ce0062586 A horse's hind legs work in three ways: thrusting power, reach and carrying power.

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]]> Dressage Basics: The 20-by-60-Meter Dressage Arena and 20-Meter Circles https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/dressage-basics-dressage-arena-and-20-meter-circles/ Tue, 23 Jul 2019 00:39:07 +0000 http://ci020277a150032693 Learn about the measurements of the large dressage arena and how to apply them to your riding.

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]]> Selecting an Appropriate Dressage Instructor https://dressagetoday.com/lifestyle/selecting-an-appropriate-dressage-instructor/ Thu, 07 Jun 2018 15:39:09 +0000 http://ci0202779cf0022693 FEI dressage rider and instructor Judy Kelly gives advice on choosing the right instructor to get you started in dressage.

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]]> Understand Your Center of Dynamics in the Saddle https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/understand-your-center-of-dynamics-in-the-saddle/ Thu, 07 Dec 2017 05:00:00 +0000 http://ci0213093a40002434 Susanne von Dietze critiques Katherine Shelton at Introductory Level.

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]]> A Long Neck Equals a More Rideable Horse https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/a-long-neck-equals-a-more-rideable-horse/ Tue, 29 Aug 2017 19:10:25 +0000 http://ci0202779c70112586 Successful riding at the upper levels of dressage begins with teaching your horse to come through his back with a long neck and go to the hand.

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]]> What Is the Purpose of Posting the Trot on the Outside Diagonal? https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/purpose-posting-trot-outside-diagonal-heather-mason/ Fri, 09 Jun 2017 12:00:00 +0000 http://ci0202fe7e800026e5 Heather Mason answers this reader question, explaining the purpose of posting the trot on the outside diagonal and discussing which hand should carry the dressage whip.

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