BURBANK, Calif.—The prestigious Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank hosted a Concours Dressage International (CDI) dressage horse show Feb. 25–28. The CDI classes are recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to provide the scores from which to choose the rider and horse teams to compete in the 2011 Pan American Games.
Dressage is a riding discipline that originated from the movements and training of war horses and has become an art form. One has to have a very refined sense of rhythm and tempo to be able to ride and train the intricate and precise movements required of the sport.
At the top of the art form, dressage is a relationship between horse and rider based on mutual trust and confidence as well as athleticism. The best dressage riders are finely tuned like dancers to help the horse produce movements, which are more akin to dancing with the horse rather than just riding. This requires incredible subtlety and finesse, as it has to look effortless and relaxed with great power and precision.
Cornerstone Event Management and the Los Angeles Chapter of the California Dressage Society organized and ran this exciting event.
Despite rain and deep mud, the show was held. The Equestrian Center made available its large covered EquiDome arena. The spirit of the competitors was cordial and not dampened by the weather and the difficulties it posed.
Dressage is a riding discipline that originated from the movements and training of war horses and has become an art form. One has to have a very refined sense of rhythm and tempo to be able to ride and train the intricate and precise movements required of the sport.
At the top of the art form, dressage is a relationship between horse and rider based on mutual trust and confidence as well as athleticism. The best dressage riders are finely tuned like dancers to help the horse produce movements, which are more akin to dancing with the horse rather than just riding. This requires incredible subtlety and finesse, as it has to look effortless and relaxed with great power and precision.
Cornerstone Event Management and the Los Angeles Chapter of the California Dressage Society organized and ran this exciting event.
Despite rain and deep mud, the show was held. The Equestrian Center made available its large covered EquiDome arena. The spirit of the competitors was cordial and not dampened by the weather and the difficulties it posed.
There will be several shows in all riding disciplines between now and the October 2011 Pan-Am Games to be held in Guadalajara, Mexico. At this time the Equestrian portion of the Pan-AM Games, is scheduled to be held from Oct. 16-29 at the Guadalajara Country Club (dressage and jumping) and Hipica Club and Santa Sofia Club (eventing).
To qualify for the Pan-Am Games, the top three scores from several qualifying shows are averaged and the highest averages are chosen; these rider/horse combinations form the teams:
