The Secret Weapon of Every Top Eventer: Why Dressage Matters More Than You Think

Eventing is the ultimate equestrian triathlon – demanding courage, precision, and partnership across three thrilling phases: Dressage, Cross Country, and Show Jumping. For many eventers, the cross country is the heart-pounding passion, and show jumping offers that satisfying clear round. But let's be honest, how many of us secretly wish we could fast-forward through the dressage?

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone! But here's the truth: mastering your flatwork and improving your dressage score isn't just about pleasing the judge in the car; it's your secret weapon for success across all three phases.

1. The Invisible Edge: How Flatwork Elevates Your Jumping

Think of dressage as the ultimate gymnastics for your horse. Practicing flatwork consistently builds:

• Better Balance: A horse that is balanced in dressage will be more balanced on landing over a fence, making tight turns, and tackling tricky combinations.

• Adjustability: That ability to collect and extend within and between gaits directly translates to being able to put in that extra stride or take one out on a jumping course.

• Suppleness & Strength: Dressage exercises build the core strength and flexibility your horse needs to jump cleanly, efficiently, and safely.

• Control & Responsiveness: When your horse truly listens to your leg and seat aids on the flat, that responsiveness carries over to cross country, allowing you to ask for just the right amount of impulsion or adjust quickly before a challenging obstacle.

Ultimately, a strong dressage foundation doesn't just make your jumping look better; it makes it safer, more efficient, and often, clearer!

2. The Scoreboard Speaks: Why Dressage Can Win Your Event

You've put in the hours, nailed the cross country with a double clear, and then jumped a flawless show jumping round. You're riding high, feeling like a champion! But then the final scores come in, and you're not quite where you hoped on the leaderboard. Why?

In Eventing, if you manage to jump double clear on both the cross country and show jumping phases (which is the goal for many!), you finish on your dressage score. This means every single mark in that first phase is absolutely critical. A few extra points in dressage can be the difference between a top-three finish, a clear win, or just missing out on the placings. You want your dressage score to be as low as possible – sitting high up that leader board!

3. Smart Training for Smart Eventers: OnCentreLine Dressage Steps In

We understand the eventing budget struggle! Eventing competitions are expensive, and adding extra pure dressage competitions just for feedback can feel like an unnecessary additional cost you'd rather save for eventing entry fees.

This is exactly why OnCentreLine Dressage is proud to offer Eventing Tests across the levels!

Now, you can:

• Get Valuable Feedback: Receive expert judging on your flatwork from accredited officials.

• Without the Expense: Practice and get marked on your eventing dressage tests without the travel, stabling, or high entry fees of a traditional dressage show.

• Between Your Comps: Sharpen your skills and address weaknesses effectively in between your major eventing outings.

  
  

It's the perfect way to identify areas for improvement, boost your scores, and truly ace your next eventing competition without breaking the bank.

Invest in your dressage, and watch your entire eventing performance elevate!