Chapter 1 - Dressage Definitions

chapter 1 Dressage Introductions

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Dressage Introduction

This chapter introduces the fundamental language and concepts used throughout the PDM. It covers the terminology riders need to communicate effectively, understand commands, and navigate dressage with confidence. Readers will learn about etiquette, anticipation, rider line terminology, sand lines, timing, and other common dressage terms that serve as the foundation for all future chapters.

LANGUAGE

Dressage Language

Common Terms

Dressage involves many specialized terms. This section explains the terms commonly used in everyday dressage, as well as the language you will encounter throughout the PDM dictionary.

Etiquette

Etiquette focuses on maintaining a respectful environment during dressage.

There are 3 types of etiquette related to dressage: arena, dressage, and line-up etiquette.

Anticipation

Anticipation refers to the rider's ability to be highly aware of their surroundings and other riders during dressage, without the commander's aid.

There are 3 main types of anticipation: rider line, gap, and arena awareness.

Rider Line

Different terms used to specify certain riders, rider lines, and more.

Sand Lines

Different terms used to specify sand lines and more.

Timing

Timing is used in dressage in many different ways. Timing can refer to the 5 types of transitional timing, go timing, arena timing, and more!

Common Terms

Different commands and terms that are often used in dressage and the PDM dictionary.

COMMANDING TERMS

Commanding Terms

Commanding

The PDM employs a variety of commands tailored to different scenarios in dressage. Commanding terms enable Commanders to issue quick, clear instructions that riders can easily understand and follow as guidance during performances.

Commanding Terms

DIRECTIONS

Directions

Odds & Evens

"Odds" and "Evens" refer to the order assigned to riders. Each rider is designated as either "odd" or "even" based on their position within the rider line. This designation helps determine the direction riders perform certain moves, their turn in sequences, and other actions.

LINE LEADER
ODD

SECOND RIDER
EVEN

THIRD RIDER
ODD

FOURTH RIDER
EVEN

When counting odd and even, count in pairs of two down the rider line. Starting with the line leader as odd, second in line even, third in line odd, fourth in line even, and continue.

Flipper

This card can be used as an Odd and Even Flipper during dressage performances. Riders can keep the flipper card at their computer and, when assigned a line order, flip the card to the designated side. This makes it easy for riders to track their line order and directions efficiently.

Flipper

Download the flipper and print out the flipper card
Cut out the card
Fold the card in half, then tape or glue the two sides together

Flipper Download

Preset Directions

Within the PDM, preset directions are used during regular dressage practices. These allow riders to plan ahead while giving commanders more freedom to provide feedback and focus on calling moves effectively.

Line Moves

Default Left

Comb & Slant

When merging from a comb, slant, tier, or waterfall, always merge toward the line leader.

Towards
If the commander calls "towards [marker/rider line/sand line/letter/etc.]," riders should initiate the move going towards the specified target.

Wave Moves

Odds = Left

Evens = Right

Dye
When exiting from a dye line, continue straight onto the wall line.

Away

If the commander calls "away from [marker/rider line/sand line/letter/etc.]," riders should start the move going away from the specified target.

At Wall

If no direction is given upon reaching the wall, riders should Tier Drop left until further instructions are provided.

Passing
When passing another rider or rider line, always pass left to left unless stated otherwise.

Leader Direction Comb/Slant
If you comb or forward slant to your left, your line leader will be to your right. If you comb or slant to your right, your line leader will be to your left. Whichever way you comb or slant, your leader will be to the opposite direction.

Keep in mind these directions are just a rule of thumb and may change!

The preset directions rarely change in regular practice, however, it is expected that these directions will often change in routines as directions will rely upon the move or formation being performed.

GOLDEN RULES

Golden Rules

Within dressage and the PDM, there are a series of "rules of thumb" that serve as fundamental principles for dressage. The Golden Rules highlight the key characteristics essential to successful dressage.

Effect Factor

Within dressage, everything effects everything.

Every aspect of dressage works together, meaning that each factor impacts others. It’s crucial to keep this in mind at all times.

For example, if you're about to cut into a comb but your gap is too large and you've veered off the sand line, the spacings will become uneven once you're in the comb. This misalignment will occur due to the large gap and the veering off course.

Another example: If each rider in the line belts at a different time instead of using the "anchor point," the gaps between riders will become uneven. Some riders may belt too early and start clumping together, while others belt too late, creating a large gap.