What are the key terms used in Dressage?
Dressage uses a unique set of terminology to describe movements, techniques, and training principles. Here are the 25 most important terms:
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Half Halt – A subtle cue to rebalance the horse and prepare for a transition.
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Collection – The horse shortens and lifts its frame while maintaining impulsion.
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Extension – An elongated stride showing forward reach and power.
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Shoulder-In – A lateral movement where the horse’s shoulders move inward off the track.
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Travers (Haunches-In) – The hindquarters are brought in off the track while the horse moves forward and bent.
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Renvers – The opposite of travers, with the shoulders on the outside and the haunches on the inside.
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Half Pass – A diagonal, sideways movement with bend in the direction of travel.
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Flying Change – A canter lead change done mid-stride without breaking gait.
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Pirouette – A 360-degree turn executed in collected canter around the hindquarters.
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Piaffe – A cadenced trot in place, showing extreme collection and balance.
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Passage – An elevated, floating trot with pronounced suspension.
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Rein Back – A controlled movement of several backward steps.
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Rhythm – The regularity and tempo of each gait.
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Impulsion – The thrust and energy generated from the hindquarters.
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Contact – The feel of the reins when the horse is correctly accepting the bit.
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Frame – The outline of the horse’s body and posture in motion.
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Suppleness – The flexibility of the horse through bends and transitions.
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Submission – The horse’s willingness and obedience to the rider’s aids.
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Free Walk – A relaxed, extended walk where the horse stretches forward and down.
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Working Trot – A forward, balanced trot used at basic levels.
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Collected Trot – A short, elevated trot with more engagement from the hind end.
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Counter-Canter – Cantering on the outside lead to improve balance and control.
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Diagonal – Refers to which leg pair a rider posts with in trot; important for balance.
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Letter Markers – Letters around the arena indicating where movements begin or end.
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Test – A prescribed sequence of dressage movements used for competition scoring.
