Now that Right From the Start is out, I find it interesting that
there are so many who like what I say because they believe it explains
dressage, and almost as many that like my approach because they are sure
it has nothing to do with dressage. Clearly this begs the question,
what is dressage?
The word does cry for definition - a concise explanation of it's meaning. To be certain it has a translation, "dressage" comes from the French word for "training." However, dressage is only one form of training, and the translation does nothing to explain what it is about dressage that separates it from the other methods. This makes the origin of the word an interesting bit of trivia to clutter up the minds of aspiring young riders, but absolutely useless in helping us to understand Dressage.
The official explanation is not much help either. Article 1901 of the USA Equestrian Rule book , describes the objects of dressage in 496 words, many of questionable definition themselves. Hardly concise! In fact, the language used is so technical it is only useful if you've been fortunate enough to ride a properly trained horse under the tutelage of skilled instructor. In the event you haven't been so lucky, these words are more likely to confuse than clarify.
Explaining dressage in general terms also doesn't work. Saying it's "systematic" or results in "harmony" between horse and rider, ignores the fact that all good training is systematic and results in harmony between trainer and trainee. These statements are only true of dressage - not unique to it. The phrase "ballet on horseback" could be applicable to a well-ridden horse in any discipline, and, to be frank, the modern dressage horse reminds me more of Astaire's grace than Baryshnikov's leaps.
The real problem with these attempts to explain, describe, or compare dressage is that they allude to its advanced form. However, dressage does not have to be advanced to be useful - knowledgeable proponents rightfully proclaim it provides superb basic training for all riding disciplines. So, rather than refer to its advanced concepts, a proper definition will point to the basic principles, explain exactly why dressage is beneficial to all, and declare what it is that makes it unique. Further, it will do this in just a few simple, clear words. Indeed, having such a definition will go a long way to avoiding the many misinterpretations that often lead people to think dressage is exactly the opposite of what it is.
So then, what is it about dressage that is unique and makes it excellent training for all riding disciplines? The answer, it turns out, is extraordinarily simple - the most basic and fundamental element of dressage is that it teaches horses how to carry their riders correctly.
That's it. Dressage teaches a horse to carry his rider by stretching over his topline to the bit and to engage his hind legs - bring them under his body and use their power to lift instead of just push. Stretching to the bit and engaging the hind legs will cause a horse to round and raise his back. This method of lifting a rider is the equine equivalent of you learning to pick up heavy objects by bending at your knees and lifting with your legs instead of bending at your waist and straining your back.
While all other disciplines will benefit from a horse that carries his rider this way, no other discipline has carrying the rider correctly as a primary goal. Other training programs may end up with a horse that uses his back correctly, but none have a plan designed exclusively to teach this skill to the horse.
Now for those readers who would like to know whether or not Right From
the Start is about dressage, I can only tell you it does explain how to
teach your horse to carry you correctly. So, I guess the answer to
this question depends on what your definition of dressage is.