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How do the French view Dressage?

In their own words.......

Dressage Competitions consists of carrying out sequences of figures which emphasize the various paces and the locomotion of the horse. The purpose of producing a horse for dressage is in the development of a pony or a horse by means of a harmonious education. It should result in an animal being calm, flexible, united and flexible but also trustful, attentive and sharp, being thus in perfect harmony with its rider. It constitutes a base for all the equestrian disciplines and continues throughout the development of the training of the horse.

With the boundaries of the sport and equestrian art, continually being raised, it is a demanding discipline which can reveal moments of pure magic, when the horse seems to dance at the rate/rhythm of the music with flexibility and elasticity. The laps of honour and step by step, powerful movements. The passage, the pace where the horse seems to seek elevation, where it will use its back feet, all this gives birth to many vocations.

 

How to find out information for

Dressage Events
The Federation Française d'Equitation (FFE)  will provide all the information for affiliated events. It will be in French obviously but to navigate it correctly is not difficult. you can then cut and paste into an online translation facility to familiarise yourself with certain words. FFE3C.gif
Go to the FFE.com website and initially click on the top toolbar  'Disciplines Equestre' Then click on the blus dressage logo
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This will take you to a list of Rules and regulations, types of classes, judges and officials etc. Choose and click and the information comes in PDF format.

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For Competition Dates, Classes and Venues and for Online entries
Go to the FFE web site homepage FFE3C.gif
Click in the right hand bar FFE Complet FFE Compet-->
Go to the left hand navigation bar and under CONCOURS choose 'Recherche Concours' 'Recherche Concours'
Here you will find a map and drop down bars for you to choose the disciplines, dates, regions and classes. Choose Dressage and either be specific if you know what you are searching for or view all classes etc.

Discipline

Division

Epreuve

Championatt
To enter Online you must be registered with the FFE and hold your licence. All payments for entries are done online as are prize money and points. 

So you want to ride Dressage in France? by Anita Niccolls

At first glance the prospect of competing in France seems very 

complicated, as it is very different from England. However, I found people

very helpful; and once you understand the system it works really well for 

you as a rider! To begin with your licence to ride runs from January to 

December and must be renewed yearly, then you take out a licence to 

compete which also runs yearly. Read more....