piaffe
Well-Known Member
Ok, so we have BD. Does anyone know much about how dressage is run in france?
short and sweet!
Ta.
x
short and sweet!
Ta.
x
Dressage in france?
- Thread starter piaffe
- Start date
GDB
Well-Known Member
piaffe
Well-Known Member
Thanks! Will have another look. did have a brief look but my dial up is so slow, i gave up!
siennamiller
Well-Known Member
I think I am right in saying you have to pass a test to compete in europe. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong
Weezy
Well-Known Member
You are correct
Certainly for jumping anyway (in France, not in Spain BTW unless they have changed that recently!)
GDB
Well-Known Member
In dressage, its by invitation of the selectors.... and you have to have consistantly high marks for one or two seasons.. you can expect at least a 5% drop in scores in Europe in comparison with scores gained here.
Hx
Hx
piaffe
Well-Known Member
But what about if you live there???
Weezy
Well-Known Member
Thats FOR residents - it is to show you are competent - not difficult to pass
GDB
Well-Known Member
If you live there, i presume it runs the same as BD... or FEI
Hx
Hx
piaffe
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Thats FOR residents - it is to show you are competent - not difficult to pass
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh god that sounds a bit scary!
Thats FOR residents - it is to show you are competent - not difficult to pass
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh god that sounds a bit scary!
Weezy
Well-Known Member
I will see if I can find some info for you !
Weezy
Well-Known Member
This is all I could find now:
HOW THE FRENCH LEARN TO RIDE
The Federation Francaise d'Equitation (FFE) has established a complete curriculum for learning to ride, which is taught in every major equestrian center. The syllabus is divided into a series of "Galops" numbered from 1 to 8. Students can choose to take exams when they have prepared a Galop level, covering their working knowledge of physical and psychological aspects of the horse, feeding, grooming, care, rules for safety, trailering, show preparation etc., as well as the actual practice of the various equestrian disciplines such as dressage, jumping and cross-country.
A French person starting out at Galop 1 has a very rigorous, structured and well-rounded riding education that prepares them to participate in dressage, jumping or cross country/eventing competition. Those who go through to Galop 8 may work towards a state qualification for teaching riding (BEES 1: moniteur, BEES 2: instructeur, BEES 3: professeur etc.). Parents may want to consider putting their children into the poney club programs here which are excellent, and follow the same Galop curriculum.
Riding schools (centres equestres or clubs hippiques) structure their activities around the school year, offering three terms (trimestres) of group lessons at the different Galop levels with class time divided between dressage and jumping/cross. Some establishments provide more specialized group lessons, for example Galop 8 Competition or Galop 5/6 Dressage. Some offer adult (over 18) classes once or twice a week.
FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
Before you contact a riding school, do your homework. To "talk Galop" intelligently with school directors, take a look at the printed Galop manuals in your local bookstore (FNAC usually has a decent inventory in the Loisirs/Sports section). See, for example, the "Maloine: Preparer ses Examens" series or the "Lavauzelle: Etre Cavalier" series (about 100F each). They are targeted to a young audience, but if you can get past that, there are abundant diagrams with labels for all the parts of the horse, tack, etc., and excellent descriptions of the theory of equitation espoused here in France.
The books are, of course, in French, but then if you join a group lesson, it will be in French! You will need to take the plunge and risk a bit of embarrassment when you misinterpret instructions at first, but if you've read the Galop manual, you'll have a major head start.
Next, make a list of several riding centers that interest you. (Some Paris-based schools are listed below.) You can find them in the yellow pages or Minitel looking under "Equitation: centres equestres ou club hippiques." (Some are called Haras, which means they are also a breeding stud farm). Alternatively, the Union Equestre d'Ile de France (30 Avenue d'Iena, 16th, telephone 53.67.43.68) puts out a very helpful booklet, listing all schools with their specialties, facilities, instructors, etc. called "Cheval En Ile de France."
Plan to go in person at least twice -- first to get information and then to observe a class and participate in one -- to each riding school that interests you. On your first visit, go during the day (but not at lunchtime). Things are calmer and you can get more personal attention. You will undoubtedly be asked what Galop you are at. Say that the Galop system doesn't exist in your country, and that you'd like to observe a few classes and then get an evaluation of your level. (Watching classes is also an excellent way to get up to speed on vocabulary.) For the evaluation, you will probably be asked to attend a regularly scheduled class, and may be charged about 100F. Have the instructor recommend whether you should stay there or go up or down a level.
BARN & RIDING ETIQUETTE
Expect to groom, tack up and untack your horse. Bring your own grooming supplies, and if you prefer to groom outside the horse's box, your own lead and halter. Many schools don't seem to furnish these basic supplies for student use. If you have this stuff already, take it with you anytime you expect to do a test ride. You can buy cheap, low-quality supplies and apparel at sports chains such as GoSports or Decathlon. There are also specialist tack shops. Look under "Equitation: sellerie et equipements" in the yellow pages, or on Minitel. If you have your own helmet and crop, take them with you. The barn may have a motley assortment, but don't count on it. Arrive with lots of time to spare before class because you will not be hand-held, and will probably have to take the initiative to find the instructor or director to get a horse assigned, then ask somebody where the horse is, then locate its tack and so on.
Be aware that arena etiquette may be different in France than where you have ridden before. Always ask the existing riders in the arena if you may enter (Permission d'entrer, s'il vous plait?). Pass right shoulder to right shoulder, unless the horse coming toward you is at a faster gait, in which case you cede the track.
Many group lessons (reprises) seem like a fairly one- way exchange, with instructors shouting directions, and students wordlessly complying. I was disappointed to notice in some cases that instructors didn't take notice of individual students, or offer much feedback. This is not universally the case. Sometimes, smaller, less prestigious schools are more interactive. Sometimes, it's just a particular instructor or the fact that most students are insecure adolescents! So keep looking.
When you find an instructor who is comfortable responding to questions, take advantage of the fact that you are not French and speak out. Once other students and the instructor know that your French isn't perfect, they'll be more understanding and forgiving of your mistakes. I know, believe me. Once I caused a pileup of horses in what had moments before been a militaristically perfect dressage reprise, because I mistook a command. I cheerfully apologized in mediocre French, and everyone just laughed. Don't be shy, talk to the other students who most likely won't talk to you first, and strike up conversations while grooming.
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
You join a riding school by paying an annual subscription (usually between 500-800F), and then enroll in a specific weekly lesson for a "forfait" or flat fee (usually 800-1200F per trimestre). In addition, the state requires you to take out a License Federale for around 250F a year, which provides you with insurance in case of accident. Your club will process this for you. Some clubs permit students to pay for a certain number of classes, and to attend whichever "reprises" on the schedule they wish, giving you a bit more flexibility as to how often you ride and with which instructor.
PRIVATE LESSONS
So much for the official system. Supposing, however, that you are very focused on getting a particular sort of instruction, or that you want a private lesson. What are your options? As with everything in France, your chances of success are much greater when you present yourself in person, build a relationship and take time to explain why you need something special. If you have your own horse, you will probably find things much easier, but if you don't, be tenacious, look beyond the obvious, and be willing to be flexible at first.
IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...
My personal story may give you a sense of what's possible. I took up riding three years ago at 30 years old. When I learned I was moving to France, I could hardly contain my excitement. What a great opportunity to learn dressage from the masters of the art! Being an, ahem, "mature" student, and an overly analytical one at that, I had set my sights on a private dressage lesson, where I could ask all my zillion and one questions and really work hard, away from the curious eyes of the oh-so-gifted 12-year-olds I imagined would be in a group class, lightly half-passing around while talking about pop stars and platform shoes.
I was in for a shock. The first three schools I visited exhibited a high degree of unwillingness to accommodate my request. Two flatly refused to give any private lessons at all. The third grudgingly agreed, if I would settle for an instructor still qualifying for her exams, but never called me back as promised to arrange the lesson.
So I got out my map (the Michelin ones have little horses indicating centres equestres on them), and drove around until I found two clubs that were more flexible, out in the country, a bit further away from the suburbs. I arranged appointments with both to try out a private lesson. At the first, the instructor sent me out into the arena while he completed a jumping lesson. Forty-five minutes later, he still had not paid attention to me, and his jumping students were careering around dangerously with no helmets. I walked out.
Finally, on my fifth attempt, I found what I was looking for at the Centre Equestre de Chevreuse (Route de la Brosse, 78460 Chevreuse, Tel: 30.52.28.36). The director of the school related personally to my passion to learn dressage in France, we talked about the differences between the systems in our countries, and I explained that my style of learning really necessitated a one-on-one lesson. Suddenly anything was possible.
For 150F an hour, I have a weekly dressage lesson with a wonderfully patient and highly organized "moniteur." My instruction is of superbly high quality. Every lesson we have a game plan, everything is logical, and flows and builds on what went before. If I want to know why we do something, my instructor always has a clear answer, based solidly in theory.
I alternate weeks between "mise en selle" (my position) and "mise en main" (getting the horse doing what it's supposed to). I have made startling progress, although at times I have wanted to laugh till I fell off the horse. Trussed up with my legs tied to my stirrups, straps around my shoulders, bending my crop into a semicircle between my two hands as I struggled with the four reins of a double bridle, all in the service of the search for the perfect "assiette" (seat), I wonder if medieval torture even came close. But those blissful moments when it all comes together and I manage a few delicate steps of shoulder-in with the horse beautifully on the bit are irreplaceable, and perhaps the highlight of my experience in France.
RIDING SCHOOLS
As you might expect, Paris itself has relatively few riding clubs. Here are some clubs that are within Paris itself or right on the edge:
Societe Equestre de L'Etrier, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris, telephone 45.01.20.02
Bayard UCPA Centre Equestre, Bois de Vincennes, 12th, telephone 43.65.46.87 or 43.65.85.94.
Cercle Hippique du Bois de Vincennes, 8 rue de Fontenay, 94130 Nogent-dur-Marne, Telephone 48.73.01.28
Centre Equestre de la Villette, 9 Boulevard Macdonald, 19th, telephone 40.34.40.50.
Centre Hippique du Touring Club, Route de la Muette a Neuilly, 16th, telephone 45.01.20.88
Centre Equestre de la Cartoucheries, Bois de Vincennes, 12th, telephone 43.74.61.25.
HOW THE FRENCH LEARN TO RIDE
The Federation Francaise d'Equitation (FFE) has established a complete curriculum for learning to ride, which is taught in every major equestrian center. The syllabus is divided into a series of "Galops" numbered from 1 to 8. Students can choose to take exams when they have prepared a Galop level, covering their working knowledge of physical and psychological aspects of the horse, feeding, grooming, care, rules for safety, trailering, show preparation etc., as well as the actual practice of the various equestrian disciplines such as dressage, jumping and cross-country.
A French person starting out at Galop 1 has a very rigorous, structured and well-rounded riding education that prepares them to participate in dressage, jumping or cross country/eventing competition. Those who go through to Galop 8 may work towards a state qualification for teaching riding (BEES 1: moniteur, BEES 2: instructeur, BEES 3: professeur etc.). Parents may want to consider putting their children into the poney club programs here which are excellent, and follow the same Galop curriculum.
Riding schools (centres equestres or clubs hippiques) structure their activities around the school year, offering three terms (trimestres) of group lessons at the different Galop levels with class time divided between dressage and jumping/cross. Some establishments provide more specialized group lessons, for example Galop 8 Competition or Galop 5/6 Dressage. Some offer adult (over 18) classes once or twice a week.
FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
Before you contact a riding school, do your homework. To "talk Galop" intelligently with school directors, take a look at the printed Galop manuals in your local bookstore (FNAC usually has a decent inventory in the Loisirs/Sports section). See, for example, the "Maloine: Preparer ses Examens" series or the "Lavauzelle: Etre Cavalier" series (about 100F each). They are targeted to a young audience, but if you can get past that, there are abundant diagrams with labels for all the parts of the horse, tack, etc., and excellent descriptions of the theory of equitation espoused here in France.
The books are, of course, in French, but then if you join a group lesson, it will be in French! You will need to take the plunge and risk a bit of embarrassment when you misinterpret instructions at first, but if you've read the Galop manual, you'll have a major head start.
Next, make a list of several riding centers that interest you. (Some Paris-based schools are listed below.) You can find them in the yellow pages or Minitel looking under "Equitation: centres equestres ou club hippiques." (Some are called Haras, which means they are also a breeding stud farm). Alternatively, the Union Equestre d'Ile de France (30 Avenue d'Iena, 16th, telephone 53.67.43.68) puts out a very helpful booklet, listing all schools with their specialties, facilities, instructors, etc. called "Cheval En Ile de France."
Plan to go in person at least twice -- first to get information and then to observe a class and participate in one -- to each riding school that interests you. On your first visit, go during the day (but not at lunchtime). Things are calmer and you can get more personal attention. You will undoubtedly be asked what Galop you are at. Say that the Galop system doesn't exist in your country, and that you'd like to observe a few classes and then get an evaluation of your level. (Watching classes is also an excellent way to get up to speed on vocabulary.) For the evaluation, you will probably be asked to attend a regularly scheduled class, and may be charged about 100F. Have the instructor recommend whether you should stay there or go up or down a level.
BARN & RIDING ETIQUETTE
Expect to groom, tack up and untack your horse. Bring your own grooming supplies, and if you prefer to groom outside the horse's box, your own lead and halter. Many schools don't seem to furnish these basic supplies for student use. If you have this stuff already, take it with you anytime you expect to do a test ride. You can buy cheap, low-quality supplies and apparel at sports chains such as GoSports or Decathlon. There are also specialist tack shops. Look under "Equitation: sellerie et equipements" in the yellow pages, or on Minitel. If you have your own helmet and crop, take them with you. The barn may have a motley assortment, but don't count on it. Arrive with lots of time to spare before class because you will not be hand-held, and will probably have to take the initiative to find the instructor or director to get a horse assigned, then ask somebody where the horse is, then locate its tack and so on.
Be aware that arena etiquette may be different in France than where you have ridden before. Always ask the existing riders in the arena if you may enter (Permission d'entrer, s'il vous plait?). Pass right shoulder to right shoulder, unless the horse coming toward you is at a faster gait, in which case you cede the track.
Many group lessons (reprises) seem like a fairly one- way exchange, with instructors shouting directions, and students wordlessly complying. I was disappointed to notice in some cases that instructors didn't take notice of individual students, or offer much feedback. This is not universally the case. Sometimes, smaller, less prestigious schools are more interactive. Sometimes, it's just a particular instructor or the fact that most students are insecure adolescents! So keep looking.
When you find an instructor who is comfortable responding to questions, take advantage of the fact that you are not French and speak out. Once other students and the instructor know that your French isn't perfect, they'll be more understanding and forgiving of your mistakes. I know, believe me. Once I caused a pileup of horses in what had moments before been a militaristically perfect dressage reprise, because I mistook a command. I cheerfully apologized in mediocre French, and everyone just laughed. Don't be shy, talk to the other students who most likely won't talk to you first, and strike up conversations while grooming.
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
You join a riding school by paying an annual subscription (usually between 500-800F), and then enroll in a specific weekly lesson for a "forfait" or flat fee (usually 800-1200F per trimestre). In addition, the state requires you to take out a License Federale for around 250F a year, which provides you with insurance in case of accident. Your club will process this for you. Some clubs permit students to pay for a certain number of classes, and to attend whichever "reprises" on the schedule they wish, giving you a bit more flexibility as to how often you ride and with which instructor.
PRIVATE LESSONS
So much for the official system. Supposing, however, that you are very focused on getting a particular sort of instruction, or that you want a private lesson. What are your options? As with everything in France, your chances of success are much greater when you present yourself in person, build a relationship and take time to explain why you need something special. If you have your own horse, you will probably find things much easier, but if you don't, be tenacious, look beyond the obvious, and be willing to be flexible at first.
IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...
My personal story may give you a sense of what's possible. I took up riding three years ago at 30 years old. When I learned I was moving to France, I could hardly contain my excitement. What a great opportunity to learn dressage from the masters of the art! Being an, ahem, "mature" student, and an overly analytical one at that, I had set my sights on a private dressage lesson, where I could ask all my zillion and one questions and really work hard, away from the curious eyes of the oh-so-gifted 12-year-olds I imagined would be in a group class, lightly half-passing around while talking about pop stars and platform shoes.
I was in for a shock. The first three schools I visited exhibited a high degree of unwillingness to accommodate my request. Two flatly refused to give any private lessons at all. The third grudgingly agreed, if I would settle for an instructor still qualifying for her exams, but never called me back as promised to arrange the lesson.
So I got out my map (the Michelin ones have little horses indicating centres equestres on them), and drove around until I found two clubs that were more flexible, out in the country, a bit further away from the suburbs. I arranged appointments with both to try out a private lesson. At the first, the instructor sent me out into the arena while he completed a jumping lesson. Forty-five minutes later, he still had not paid attention to me, and his jumping students were careering around dangerously with no helmets. I walked out.
Finally, on my fifth attempt, I found what I was looking for at the Centre Equestre de Chevreuse (Route de la Brosse, 78460 Chevreuse, Tel: 30.52.28.36). The director of the school related personally to my passion to learn dressage in France, we talked about the differences between the systems in our countries, and I explained that my style of learning really necessitated a one-on-one lesson. Suddenly anything was possible.
For 150F an hour, I have a weekly dressage lesson with a wonderfully patient and highly organized "moniteur." My instruction is of superbly high quality. Every lesson we have a game plan, everything is logical, and flows and builds on what went before. If I want to know why we do something, my instructor always has a clear answer, based solidly in theory.
I alternate weeks between "mise en selle" (my position) and "mise en main" (getting the horse doing what it's supposed to). I have made startling progress, although at times I have wanted to laugh till I fell off the horse. Trussed up with my legs tied to my stirrups, straps around my shoulders, bending my crop into a semicircle between my two hands as I struggled with the four reins of a double bridle, all in the service of the search for the perfect "assiette" (seat), I wonder if medieval torture even came close. But those blissful moments when it all comes together and I manage a few delicate steps of shoulder-in with the horse beautifully on the bit are irreplaceable, and perhaps the highlight of my experience in France.
RIDING SCHOOLS
As you might expect, Paris itself has relatively few riding clubs. Here are some clubs that are within Paris itself or right on the edge:
Societe Equestre de L'Etrier, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris, telephone 45.01.20.02
Bayard UCPA Centre Equestre, Bois de Vincennes, 12th, telephone 43.65.46.87 or 43.65.85.94.
Cercle Hippique du Bois de Vincennes, 8 rue de Fontenay, 94130 Nogent-dur-Marne, Telephone 48.73.01.28
Centre Equestre de la Villette, 9 Boulevard Macdonald, 19th, telephone 40.34.40.50.
Centre Hippique du Touring Club, Route de la Muette a Neuilly, 16th, telephone 45.01.20.88
Centre Equestre de la Cartoucheries, Bois de Vincennes, 12th, telephone 43.74.61.25.
piaffe
Well-Known Member
Thanks for that!
As there is talk of us moving there I am slightly concerned about competing. Wherever we end up (and we havent fully decided) we will be taking all three horses and I want to be able to compete V.
As there is talk of us moving there I am slightly concerned about competing. Wherever we end up (and we havent fully decided) we will be taking all three horses and I want to be able to compete V.
Weezy
Well-Known Member
I really dont think that would be a prob at all - as I understand it you prob wouldnt have to take anything as you have competed BYRDS over here and that will show you are competent enough! I will ask my friend Charlie, she spent a year over there with her horse and competed - she is a member so I will ask her to reply to this post for you
piaffe
Well-Known Member
Ta Very much!
siennamiller
Well-Known Member
I am trying to persuade oh that we should move over there. I want to go to pas de calais which has the le touquet equestrian centre. D o you speak any french?
Where are you thinking of?
Does anyone know anything about SJ over there. I heard you had to be able to jump 1.10 course b4 you can compete
Where are you thinking of?
Does anyone know anything about SJ over there. I heard you had to be able to jump 1.10 course b4 you can compete
Suzy
Well-Known Member
The only thing I know, but it has been very significant for my friend who lives near Samaur, is that as an English person living in France you are not allowed to compete at the National Championships. My friend qualified her lovely mare, and then had a huge battle - the end result is that she can compete, but only HC.
If you are seriously considering a move out there and want to learn more I am sure my friend would tell you anything you need to know.
If you are seriously considering a move out there and want to learn more I am sure my friend would tell you anything you need to know.
siennamiller
Well-Known Member
thats sounds good-thanks, is she reg on here?
xx
xx
Suzy
Well-Known Member
Sorry missed this - no she's not, but she is pretty friendly and a virtual dressage ambassador so I'll ask her if she'd mind talking to you (she won't ) and then pm you her address.
siennamiller
Well-Known Member
thanks, that would be great