Chapter 1 - Dressage Definitions

chapter 1 Dressage Definitions

Table of Contents

LANGUAGE

Dressage Language

Common Terms

Many terms are used within dressage. This chapter focuses on explaining the terms that are used in everyday dressage as well as the common language you will see 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.

Rider Line

Different terms used to specify certain riders, rider 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!

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.

Sand Lines

Different terms used to specify sand lines 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 uses a variety of different commands for different scenarios in dressage. Commanding terms help the commander make quick calls that the riders can easily understand and use as guidance while performing.

Commanding Terms

Directions

DIRECTIONS

Odds & Evens

Odds and evens refer to the order given to the riders. Each rider is given an odd or even title depending on their position within the rider line. The rider's odd and even line order will inform them of which direction they do certain moves, which go is theirs, and more.

LINE LEADER
ODD

SECOND RIDER
EVEN

THIRD RIDER
ODD

FOURTH RIDER
EVEN

When counting odd and even, count in pairs of two. 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 a odd and even flipper during dressage performances! Riders may have the card flipper at their computer, and when given a line order the rider may flip the card to whichever order they are given! Allowing the rider to easily keep track of their line order and directions!

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 there are preset directions that are used for most scenarios; allowing the riders to be able to plan ahead as well as giving the commander more freedom to provide feedback and call moves.

Line Moves
If the commander does not call a direction for line moves or one-way moves, always go left.

Comb & Slant
Always merge towards line leader when merging from a comb, slant, tier, or waterfall.

Towards
If the commander calls "towards marker/rider line/sand line/letter/etc." the riders will start the move called going towards what was stated.

Wave Moves
Odds can expect to always go left while evens can expect to always go right.

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

Away
If the commander calls "away from marker/rider line/sand line/letter/etc." the riders will start the move called going away from what was stated.

At Wall
If the commander does not call a direction for the rider line once reaching the wall, always Tier Drop left until given direction.

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. When reaching the wall from a comb or slant, always merge towards line leader.

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 is a series of "rules of thumbs" that are fundamental to dressage! The golden rules emphasize important characteristics of dressage.

Effect Factor

Within dressage, everything effects everything.

Every factor of dressage works together and therefore every aspect of dressage impacts each other. This is incredibly important to keep in mind.

For example, you are about to cut into a comb - but your gap is too big and you have veered off of your sand line. Once you are in comb, the spacings will now be unequal due to the large gap and you will be out of comb alignment because of the veer.

For example, every rider in line belts at a different time instead of using the "anchor point". This results in the rider's gaps becoming uneven as some riders belted too early and are now clumping while others belted too late and now have a large gap.