The half pass is a fundamental dressage movement that clearly reveals the quality of a horse's training. In a half pass, the horse travels forward and sideways on a diagonal line, bent in the direction of travel. The forehand leads...

Travers and renvers are among the most confusing lateral movements in dressage. These two exercises are essentially the same movement viewed from opposite sides of the arena wall. The visual distinction is easy to mix up, and once understood, the aids...

Sitting trot is one of the most difficult skills for riders to master, but it is fundamental for advancing through the levels of dressage. Unlike posting trot, where the rider rises from the saddle on one beat and returns on...

Piaffe and passage are defining movements of Grand Prix dressage. Watching a horse trot in place with power and cadence, or float forward in slow, elevated suspension, is unlike anything else in equestrian sport. Piaffe and passage appear from Intermediate...

The turn on the haunches is one of those dressage movements that looks simpler from the rail than it feels in the saddle. This movement asks the horse to move its front end around its hind end in a small,...

The leg yield is a foundational lateral movement in dressage. To perform this movement, the horse travels forward and sideways at the same time. The body stays nearly straight, with a slight flexion at the poll away from the direction...