Dressage - The Equestrian Training - Gustavo Mirabal Castro

The relationship of the human being with equines from different perspectives allows our connection.
Links of affective order, perspectives with therapeutic aims and above all approaches to achieve the mobilization of the human being, which have been applied in a historical way. In order to achieve the link between the horse and humans, the process known as equestrian dressage is carried out.

However, making this interaction happen implies a complex and patient work. This prepares the horse for specific tasks that benefit man.

To this end, there are people with great capacity, knowledge and mostly with love for horses that specialize in equestrian dressage. These specialists are called horse tamers or horse trainers. The term “horse tamer” is used specially in Clasical Dressage.

The equestrian taming is understood as a set of activities that the tamer develops to condition the horse. This allows that in its nature it passes from being a wild animal to a specimen it can mount a human.

Accordingly, once the animal is comfortable with the rider, he begins a greater training. Advanced training prepares the equine in specific disciplines.

Necessary conditions for dressage:

One of the indispensable aspects in these training activities is that the tamer gains the confidence of the animal. In this way the horse will not consider it a danger and will allow the link.

If not, it is likely that the animal can be easily altered and generate greater consequences.

Another aspect to consider, are the indispensable cares like the feeding and the medical controls. It is also essential that the place where the animal lives be in hygienic conditions. In the same way it is very healthy that the horse shares with other animals since this will provide greater security.

Types of Dressage:

Now there are different methods to get a copy enjoy passivity, when being mounted by a human being. Here are some types of dressage:

Traditional dressage (“buckaroo” or vaquero-style cowboy tradition / “gaucha”):

Traditional or “gaucha” dressage , which has been used throughout history. It is characterized by the following procedure:

1- The animal is tied, its eyes are covered, it is placed all the clothing (reins, bridles, stirrups, and saddle).

2- Next, the tamer rides the equine using shoes with spurs; later he removes the bandage.

3- Finally, the tamer whips the equine repeatedly and makes use of the strength of his legs. The horse is disturbed with the intention that the animal is exhausted quickly, and begin to obey.

After the representation of this scenario, it is possible to appreciate that it is a very violent and risky activity for both the tamer and the horse, which can trigger serious consequences that affect even the physical conditions of both.

Natural dressage / Natural horsemanship:

Secondly, in the equestrian dressage one has the natural dressage, or also called rational or Indian. This method differs from the previous since it looks for to understand more to the horse.

This understanding makes the tamer establish links gradually in the foal, through expressions of love, brushing teeth, clean their helmets, among others.

Basically, it is sought that the tamer from the care interact with the animal and earn their trust. However, it requires activities such as:

The animal is brought to a circular pen, where it will share a few hours with the trainer; Then the horse must be desensitized, touching it in the whole body.
In the case of being used for equinotherapy it is necessary that little by little he knows the objects and the horse realizes from this process that they do not represent any danger for him, therefore the horse must smell them and feel the corresponding textures.
Also, after the previous situation, it is placed a noose around his neck, that is, he is harnessed.
There it is pertinent, that the tamer begins to make displacements, and little it teaches to him different voices of control so that it makes march and gallops.
Finally, the two actions of this type of dressage consist of the tamer mounting the animal without a mount once it is more coordinated. To then incorporate the chair.

Finally, first of all we must ensure the integrity of the horse as an animal that deserves to be treated with respect. Perhaps the methods require a little more patience and time but they will maintain the links that are born from the equestrian taming.