How would I go about getting into dressage without a horse?

[ladyrainicorn]

I read a lot about horse dressage since it's been a strong interest of mine for as long as I can remember!
I'd like to take lessons but I have the feeling i'd need to own/loan my own horse (which is virtually impossible in East London) before I could even get to that point..
Is it possible? I'd love some advice!

 

[teapot]

You’d absolutely be able to do the online competitions on a lesson horse once you were ready at a level suitable for your ability.

Have a look at Trent Park as somewhere to try - have you ridden before?

 

[ladyrainicorn]

You’d absolutely be able to do the online competitions on a lesson horse once you were ready at the levels suitable for your ability.

Have a look at Trent Park as somewhere to try - have you ridden before?

I take weekly riding lessons!
Ill certainly look into trent park!

 

[Skib]

After riding for a couple of years, I rode twice a week, one hack and one lesson.
In my lessons, riding a lowly RS pony I began to ride dressage tests, which I printed out and took to my lessons, beginning with the easiest. Being old (over 65) and unfit, I was never able to ride a complete test but would stop in the middle for a breather.
I never aimed to compete. I rode dressage tests for the original reason when dressage was used to school a horse for war. The main benefit for me was the control which riding dressage tests gave me in canter. It taught me how to control both the transitions and the steering, which I then put to use out hacking.
My current share is not great in the school and i was always a bit useless at riding circles, but I used those dressage techniques to remind her when we are out and about that I am the rider and in charge of both speed and gait.
My grand daughter learned at Trent Park but you can ride these tests at any riding school (preferably recognised by BHS pr BARS) which can give you sole use of an arena and a one to one lesson.

 

[SEL]

Any riding school can let their riders take part in e-riders - have a look online.

 

[Gloi]

I read a lot about horse dressage since it's been a strong interest of mine for as long as I can remember!
I'd like to take lessons but I have the feeling i'd need to own/loan my own horse (which is virtually impossible in East London) before I could even get to that point..
Is it possible? I'd love some advice!

A good thing to do would be to go to local competitions and write for the judge. Start unaffiliated and you learn a lot of useful information.

 

[m1stify]

You could join your local riding club and volunteer to scribe for the judges etc if they hold shows etc

 

[m1stify]

Might be £££ but you could look into doing a dressage riding holiday Spain & Portugal have places that will give you a weeks boot camp and afaik they cater for all levels (but make sure you are honest describing your current level of riding)

 

[Red-1]

Might be £££ but you could look into doing a dressage riding holiday Spain & Portugal have places that will give you a weeks boot camp and afaik they cater for all levels (but make sure you are honest describing your current level of riding)

This. My fairly novice BF is booked to go to Portugal to ride some fancy looking horses later this year. I have no chance of getting him into dressage, but he is going to do working equitation. They do proper classical dressage there too though. I'm going too, haven't decided which route I will take for lessons once there.

 

[Pinkvboots]

This. My fairly novice BF is booked to go to Portugal to ride some fancy looking horses later this year. I have no chance of getting him into dressage, but he is going to do working equitation. They do proper classical dressage there too though. I'm going too, haven't decided which route I will take for lessons once there.

I've always wanted to do this.

 

[Red-1]

I've always wanted to do this.

He always said he'd not do a riding holiday but we are going to the big horse fair, the Feira Nacional do Cavalo in Golegã, and it is very busy and difficult to park. The place we are going is really close by and the package includes riding in the morning then being driven to the fair, brought back and winded and dined. The place is run by a retired bull fighter, the horses are reputed to be fabulous, and they have no weight limit! Within reason, I'm guessing!

I spoke to the owner and he is a man's man, understands that BF is a novice and that I want him to see men riding as usually he only sees middle aged women in the saddle locally!!! He is doing macho swords and lances!!!




Please note, I am not decrying middle aged ladies - I am one myself!!! It is just that people learn better when they identify with the people doing the skill IMO. BF is a rough arse man and I think he would do well to see other macho type men doing man type stuff on horses. I have already done man type stuff of sword and lance, too - making it also woman type stuff, but he has not seen many male riders. I cannot think of a single man who goes hacking near us, nor have there been men in the local shows. There are men out hunting, but BF is not ready for that just yet! He has done really well riding in Lanzarote, where a big, also ex bull fighting, Spanish man leads the rides (mostly of middle aged ladies LOL) riding a fine, spirited Spanish type horse.

So slay me if you like for my opinions!!! I have, however, taught many men to ride and think I know what makes them aspire to something new. It also makes them keener to knock fence posts in and hang gates / mend gutters / lay surfaces.

I just want him to have a good time, with people he would aspire to ride like.