Harnessing Creativity for Dressage Success

What does creativity mean for horse riders, one possible interpretation is that it involves the ability to think outside the box when it comes to training, competing, and caring for horses. A creative rider may come up with unique solutions to common problems, such as finding new ways to motivate a horse. Creativity can also help riders express themselves artistically through disciplines such as dressage freestyle. Ultimately, creativity can enhance the rider's connection with their horse and make the equestrian experience more fulfilling and rewarding.

In this post I’m going to look at 5 ways being creative can help Dressage Riders. 

        1 .Developing New Training Techniques  

 Every horse is an individual. When we introduce them to dressage or anything new, it’s important to remember that we are starting a conversation with them. Initially it’s all about new questions, new guidance and new expectations. Every horse is going to interpret our requests slightly differently and so as a Rider we need to be aware of recognising this individuality. Whilst we might find new ways of asking the horse our questions, it’s equally important that we are consistent in our aiding system so that our horsess can learn the responses we are looking to train. The system we use will need to be fair and logical for our horse but the scenarios where we ask questions can be creative. When a horse understands transitions for example we can be creative where we ask for them and vary how often we ask for them. 
We can bring more to our sessions by adding in pole work exercises and simple games such as riding around cones and changing direction and pace. We can introduce riding to music and explore creative floorpans. 
When it’s time to prepare for competitions it is important to introduce the horse to things they might encounter away from home. Simple sights such as tubs of flowers or additional noise from crowds of people might shock our horses. Unleash your creativity to replicate the show day environment.

       2. Choreographing New Routines

I personally love choreographing freestyle dressage to music routines. Dressage is an art form and when we include music to present our horse and showcase their strengths as well as their personality, we are looking at a new outlet for our imagination and play. Our horses too can be involved in the creative process. Horses often express a preference for certain music styles and when we find music they like, we often notice that they bring extra energy and joy to the routine. In freestyle dressage to music, we almost start with a blank canvas. The test requirements specify which movements to include and the time allowed. We then work out how best to link together the patterns in a way that will be easy for the Judge to assess and choose music that enhance our horse’s paces. 

        3. Problem Solving 

As Riders we have a responsibility to help our horses understand and enjoy training. It is imperative that they are willing partners. Every horse will have their personal strengths and we want to be able to work with them to develop their strengths. Equally every horse and rider partnership is going to face challenges. A lot of training issues are related to a lack of balance or suppleness. For example a big horse that struggles to find their balance in canter on a particular rein might be able to more easily establish that canter lead out hacking or in a safe open space. Knowing your horse and recognising the need for adapting training plans go hand in hand with thinking outside the box to help find creative solutions. 
Thinking about how your horse responds away from home will give you insight into how to structure their competition day. You can explore how you warm up. The questions you ask in the warm up can help your horse relax if they are tense or excited. Some horses might become introverted and behind the aids so your warm up questions will seek to reassure and encourage them to think forwards again. 

           4.  Keeping Training Sessions Fresh

Don’t get stuck riding round and round the outside track or lost on a series of endless circles. You and most importantly your horse are going to get bored. In addition where repetition becomes a set of endless drills there is every chance your horse will get sore as well as bored. Use your creative instinct to bring variety to your schooling. Leave the arena and ride on different terrain. Mix and match exercise patterns in a logical way. Look at the questions being asked in your test sheets. Use your markers to ride transitions, try and change the rein in different places. How many ways are there to change the rein? Can you expand your set of rein changes by including transitions as you change the rein? Can you link movements together? Remember to work equally on both reins and allow your horse regular opportunities to stretch. 

           5. Standing Out in Competition 

This might be the most intriguing way to harness your creativity. First you might think about your tack and turnout. Do you have a signature style of competition clothing that makes you feel good and compliments your horse? Do you and your horse have a strong connection, a harmonious partnership that catches the eye of Judges? Do you trust and believe in each other? Are you able to ride smoothly through the test and present a flowing and accurate performance? Do you have an intuitive way of communicating that allows you to bring creative flair to your freestyle? Dressage is at its very heart about training and trust. An open mind and an open heart will offer your horse a connection. Once in the arena the combinations who stand out are often those who are have faced challenges with their horse and forged a strong bond in the process. The challenges might have been competitive in nature or a schooling question that proved difficult. Whatever the nature of the journey to the arena, it’s likely that the stand out combinations have a flair for the creative! 

Remember Creativity is not a fixed trait or something that you either have or don’t have. It’s a skill that can be developed and nurtured over time. Keep exploring, surround yourself with inspiration and see where your imagination can take you.