i am currently jumping. but, i had an experience while jumping and broke my arm. i’ve always been interested in dressage and i’m thinking it may be somewhat safer. is it difficult to switch from jumping to dressage?
Kind of i mean i was alble to hit one of our local dressage shows, and i am a jumper, but i have also been riding western riding too because they are very similar. I did pretty good in it too, i think i got a 66% or something around there!
April 28th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
I don’t think so, and do jumping and dressage its not big transition from either one.
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April 28th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Not really but if your horse likes jumping more than flatwork-it will take some work but no both of you can change quite well
GO FOR IT
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April 28th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
All jumping is is Dressage with Obstacles..
If your moving from a hunter o/ fences discipline to dressage,you may find that it will be a bit of work encouraging your horse to carry himself more correctly,off of his forehand and create correct impulsion.
I took my show hunter,who spent almost all of his life as a AQHA hunter horse into a 3rd level dressage horse.
Our biggest issue, or concern was what was stated above.
For you as a rider,you will need to probably work on lengthening your leg,straightening your position to create more of a vertical line – head shoulders hip heel – so that your sitting straight.I grew up riding hunters,and switched after my jr. years to riding dressage pretty seriously.I found it easy, but that was just me.
I would reccomend finding a coach that teaches centered riding and go from there.
You may find that as you get stronger that you may become so secure in your position and in your riding that jumping will be an option for you again. Good luck
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April 28th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Your horse may not like it as much but if he does then you are set to go. You will need to alter your postion a little. Jumpers tend to sit forward a little with you will have to sit taller and really learn how to use that seat and your legs. It is really fun to learn and perform all the manuvers. I taught my paint some and I was so proud and I love to show them off to people. Your horse should have all the basics.
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April 28th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
It’s not hard to switch- I did the same thing after a nasty jumping accident in college which caused me to lose my nerve over fences. Dressage is safer in the sense that you are not putting as much stress on the horse’s joints, but in other ways it can be more dangerous, because you will be moving from a sport where helmet use is required at all levels to one in which it is permitted only until you reach 4th Level. Once you and your horse get above that, you must wear a silk top hat ( no derbies) at shows, and these provide NO head protection whatever. Also, there is a myth that exists in dressage which says that the better trained a horse is, the less need the rider has for a helmet and other safety equipment. This is just that, a myth- the reality is that ANY horse can spook, buck, rear, bolt, spin, sunfish, crowhop, or just about anything else at any time, and usually this will happen with no warning. This applies to dressage horses as well as jumpers, but it’s something which people in the sport usually don’t want to admit to. No matter how well trained the animal is, the element of unpredictability is still there. Otherwise, changing disciplines will not be difficult for you, because whether you realize it or not, you already use dressage in your riding. For jumpers like your horse, dressage is what gives you the steering, brakes, manners, and rideability that you need in order to win at shows. To change from that sport into dressage, you will need to start emphasizing the manners, collection, control, straightness, forwardness, etc., and back off on the speed elements, because dressage is about impulsion, not speed. You may have to change the way you sit on your horse’s back- and learn to sit very deep in the saddle and ride with a very long leg while sitting up straight. Your horse may not like what you are doing at first- it takes time to acquire the muscles to allow him to canter and trot in a collected way, and he will have to learn how to rebalance himself in a new position. If you are patient, and practice regularly, he will become more comfortable and able to do as you ask. My current mare is a retired polo horse- I started working with her a little under two years ago, and she is working at Training Level and can also do some First Level work. If she can make the change from polo to dressage, then I am confident your horse can make the switch from jumping to the sport as well.
Good luck, have fun, take some lessons with a good coach, and enjoy your new sport !!!
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Horse owner, horse professional ( I used to work for an "S" level dressage judge, and I have spent over 20 years in the business) turned medical coder, a riding instructor, and a classical dressage enthusiast.
April 28th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Kind of i mean i was alble to hit one of our local dressage shows, and i am a jumper, but i have also been riding western riding too because they are very similar. I did pretty good in it too, i think i got a 66% or something around there!
References :