Group riding
Group riding is not only a joint exercise of dressage lessons, but also serves to check the rider's training progress. In the group, the rider has to show that he can control his horse precisely in order to maintain distance, gait and speed. Therefore, group riding is especially valuable for young horses as well, both for checking rideability and obedience and as preparation for participation in competitions.
For team tasks and quadrille riding, knowledge of the commands and their execution is indispensable.
A distinction is made between "announcement commands" and "execution commands". Between the two, the commander takes a short break to give the riders enough time to prepare.
The execution command is given when all riders of the section have enough space and are at the corresponding position of the square.
The maintenance of equal spaces between the riders when they ride side by side and distances between the horses when they walk behind each other is a prerequisite for the proper execution of group riding.
Below are some examples where commands are used in groupal riding:
- Forming a division
- Change of gait and tempo
- Marching up
- Riding in after marching-up
- Change of direction and hand, schooling figures
