to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire,
It is a grand passion"
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 82)
Dressage, a French term, most commonly translated to mean "training", is a path and destination of competitive horse training.
Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardised progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform. Dressage is occasionally referred to as "Horse Ballet"
Prior to setting off on my Argentine Andes adventure I had no inclination to participate in competitions, although giving up riding had clearly not become an option.
On the 31st May 2008, I participated in the pre-preliminary Dressage competition at the Tal-Maghtab Stables. The heat of the afternoon sun was beating upon Jasper and myself. Although each rider takes approximately four minutes to complete the course, it felt like ages before I could start practising.
A foreword in a book I recently read about horse riding describes the horse and its rider as a six legged creature. Mounting the horse is just not merely seating oneself on a form of transport but a metamorphosis occurs making the horse and rider into one.
It is soon my turn. Dressed in accordance with the formality of the competition, I no longer feel the heat in my black jacket. I hear the whistle. It is time to start.
Although I have practised the course regularly I am afraid that I will forget the sequence of exercises. Will I lead Jasper properly to form a correct twenty metre circle? Will I change reign at the right time? As soon as I enter the school I become one with Jasper. We are ready!
Throughout the course, I block all that is around me. All I can hear is Jasper breathing. Soft words of encouragement are said, his ear's movement indicating an acknowledgement.
In four minutes I have completed my course. I halt at the imaginary G and salute the Dutch judge who in an gentlemanly fashion stands up and lifts his hat, saluting me back.
It is over. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Whatever the outcome, I am satisfied.
Author's Note: My satisfaction was further enhanced when it was announced that I had placed third in my category. I had competed against seasoned riders and I had done well.
Photography - Conrad Chircop May 2008
