Painting for Dressage Riders

Dressage is the art of training horses to move in specific ways when asked with legs, balance and hands of the rider. It is a competitive sport, too. The horse and rider demonstrate a specific test for judges. Other pairs demonstrate the same test to the same judges. Each movement of the test receives a numerical score.The winner has the highest cumulative score.

Dressage riders move their horses within a rectangular arena and they must accurately ride the patterns of any particular test. It is important to be able to relate to the space. Then too it is important to develop an eye that sees the fine points of movement, and a feel for the nuances of the horse while riding. Dressage is a disciplined sport but it requires relaxation, confidence, and finesse. It seemed to me as both a rider and a painter that the two activities can be complimentary.

A friend who is a dressage judge and rider expressed interest in painting class. Overnight I had as many students as could fit into my studio. These students were a bit apprehensive, but I fully expected great things! I began by asking them to draw a shape within the paper. There were many circles- it is a basic shape to make while riding. After the first hesitation all the students settled down to work, and chat about horses.

Everyone seemed to have a good time making art during the winter equestrian festival! For the hard working dressage professional and competitive amateur it is a different way to think and so it is a relaxing break from competition, the social whirl, and networking. My students discovered a path to art appreciation and respect for artists and the creative process. Painting is something they will enjoy next season too. I look forward to this journey.