The Evolution of Western Dressage— How has it Changed with the Addition of Serpentines

by Kelley Bitter

Western Dressage is a relatively new discipline that has emerged recently as a popular fusion of traditional Western riding styles and classical dressage. Western Dressage primarily consisted of basic movements like circles, figure-eights, and transitions in its early stages. However, serpentines and jogs have been added to the more modern version of the discipline, creating a new wave of interest among equestrian enthusiasts. This evolution has allowed riders to expand their repertoire, honing their skills as they navigate through intricate movements that showcase their horse’s precision and their own finesse. The incorporation of serpentines has enhanced Western Dressage, creating a more wellrounded and challenging experience for riders who seek to elevate their horsemanship to the next level.

The Benefits of Incorporating Serpentines into Your Western Dressage Practice

Riding a horse can be both a rewarding and challenging experience for riders, which is why incorporating elements of dressage into your Western riding style is so important. Serpentines will help you develop more control, agility, and discipline when working with your horse if you want to up your game in the ring or on trails. Not only are these two exercises relatively easy to learn, but they also have an array of advantages put forth that are bound to bring improvements both physically and mentally. Keep reading to learn how incorporating serpentines and jogs into Western dressage practice can give you the edge during your next competition!

Get Familiar with the Basics of Serpentines and Jogs in Western Dressage

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of Western Dressage, it’s essential to understand the basics of serpentines. Serpentines involve riding three to five loops that allow your horse to change direction while maintaining a steady rhythm. By mastering these techniques, you can improve your horse’s balance, agility, and suppleness while demonstrating your competence as a rider. Whether you’re a seasoned Western Dressage competitor or just getting started, getting familiar with these basics will help you and your horse succeed in this exciting discipline.

Understand the Benefits of Using Serpentines in Your Western Dressage Practice

Western dressage is a discipline that has seen increasing popularity among horse riders. To enhance your performance, consider incorporating serpentines into your practice. These techniques involve maneuvering through curves and turns, challenging riders and horses to work harmoniously. Serpentines help improve balance and flexibility, and riding at the working jog is excellent for strengthening your horse’s leg muscles. Additionally, using serpentines can help improve communication between you and your horse, making your riding experience more enjoyable. Through regular use of these techniques, you’ll see significant improvements in your dressage performance, resulting in better scores and an overall enhanced riding experience.

Learn How to Create Effective Serpentines

Serpentines are popular elements in horsemanship and dressage tests. These sequences require the horse and rider to navigate a series of cones in a specific pattern, testing their coordination and communication skills. The key to mastering these agility maneuvers is understanding the importance of proper timing, positioning, and body language. By learning to create effective serpentines, you can increase your balance and accuracy while boosting your confidence as a rider. Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, practicing these skills can help take your agility game to the next level. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey!

Understand the Rules of Engagement for Incorporating Serpentines into Your Western Dressage Sessions

Incorporating serpentines into your Western dressage sessions can add fun and challenge to your routine. However, it is essential to understand the rules of engagement to ensure safety for both you and your horse. Starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity can help you master the movement at hand without risking injury. Practicing proper technique and body position is essential to avoid confusion and mishaps. With consistent practice and patience, serpentines and jogs can become a routine part of your Western dressage sessions, enhancing your skills and the horse’s abilities.

Tips for Smooth Transitions Between Movements During a Serpentine

Transitions between movements can often be the trickiest part of a serpentine for both horse and rider. Riders should maintain their

Ohio Horseman’s Council, Inc.

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Greetings From Your President

I have just learned from Sean Logan, the Ohio Trails Partnership consultant, that the next Ohio State budget has been passed by the Ohio Senate and is on the way to the Governor for signature. The budget includes a significant increase for the Ohio Department of Natural

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Ashtabula

Hello from Ashtabula OHC. We hope you have been enjoying the sun half as much as we have been. While we have not had any scheduled club events since we last spoke, plenty of our members have been out riding together. Some of us are fair weather fans and others are truly committed to riding rain or shine. With the rain has come multiple days of extreme humidity. Very few enjoy riding then. Thankfully we have cooler evenings and plenty of places to ride that have flowing streams and creeks. Riders and horses both enjoy a break and quick splash.

One of our youth members, Rose age 10, has really amped up her saddle miles. She enjoys riding a 9-mile loop that includes 2 covered bridges and with that,

Resources in the departments of Forestry, Parks and Watercraft, Engineering, Real Estate and Land Management, and Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.

Sean states, “Y’all were a big part of that. Think about it: the state legislature has been reminded, once again, that

PRESIDENT Eric Estill 513/266-9823 president@ohconline.com

MEMBERSHIP

Catherine Estill 513/319-2517 membership@ohconline.com

outdoor recreation, conservation, and preservation is popular with Ohioans. Your advocacy in the Senate with many other groups and citizens made a difference.” Our voice matters and we were heard. Thank you to all that have contacted their Ohio State Senator or Representative on two chances to play in the water. Her trusted ride is a 21-year-old rescue mule named Mabel. They have been a team for over a year now. While they have occasional battles of stubbornness, they both complement each other and are a team like no other. Rose said her favorite thing about Mabel is “being friends with her.”

Our club also tried something new this past week. Some members got together over the July 4th holiday for a chance to experience cowboy mounted shooting. This has become a very popular activity in the equine world. It is a major challenge, huge adrenaline rush and tons of fun. While not everyone may enjoy participating, it is just as exciting to watch and cheer on your favorite horses and riders. A few of our members already participate in this thrilling sport, but on this day some of us were getting to experience blending horses and gunfire together for the first time.

The second show in our OHC Buckle Show Series was on July 22. We can’t wait to write in and let you all know how it went. Our first show had record attendance so we are hopeful this trend will continue. Our final show will be Aug. 26 in Pierpont, Ohio. We run special discounts for all OHC members and hope if you are reading this you will consider joining in on the fun. If you are in our area and ever want to learn more about who we are and what we do please reach out to us. Our Facebook page is a fantastic way to contact us. Just search Ohio Horseman’s Council Ashtabula Chapter. Another option is to attend a meeting. We have our meeting the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Here is to more adventures as we continue into summer. Keep yourselves and your ponies cool.

~Katherine Ring

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PRESIDENT Nancy Strayer 740/694-1007 vicepresident@ohconline.com

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COUNTY LINES EDITOR Martie Ackerman 713/553-9644 countylineeditor@ohconline.com

OHC’s behalf. A special thank you to those people who have participated in the Legislative Advocacy Day by going to Columbus and talking to Ohio Senators and Representatives.

~Eric Estill

Clark County can’t name names but we are very grateful for our busy elf that has been helping to maintain the trails this summer at Buck Creek. This elf has mowed and cleared brambles all along Grant Road as well as taken out some fallen trees. Many thanks to our helper.

We are also gearing up for the Clark County Fair. Many participants in the fair are Clark County OHC families and we wish them success with their animals. We also man the booth of the ever-popular pork chops. This is a big fundraiser for our group each year and it’s a great way to catch up with members we may not see that often if you attend.