Paso Finos make Gaited Dressage history

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It is no wonder the Paso Fino horse excels at this event. Dressage (French for “training”) refers to training a horse to be thoroughly supple, balanced, and responsive. This discipline consists of the rider using both natural and artificial aids to guide the horse through different movements ranging from simple school figures (circles and serpentines) to difficult lateral movements (half pass, canter pirouettes, etc.). When competing in this discipline, progress at different levels is based on both the rider's and horse's experience. Preliminary is the lowest level of competition, where the horse must know how to do simple figures at walk, trot and canter. The highest level in the competition scene is Grand Prix Special, where the horse must do very difficult movements with what may appear little or no effort by the rider. It can take over 8 years for a professional to train a horse to Grand Prix level.

Depending on the level of competition, the horse and rider are judged by one judge or a panel of judges on three simple criteria: suppleness, balance and responsiveness. Without mastering these skills, it is almost impossible to obtain a score of 8-10 on your movement. The essence of dressage is harmony between horse and rider. The horse and rider must form ‘one'. Without harmony, dressage is simply another equestrian discipline, however when there is harmony, dressage is in and of itself an art form.

There are two sizes of arenas used: small and standard. The small arena is 20 m by 40 m, and is used for the lower levels of dressage and three-day eventing dressage. The standard arena is 20 m by 60 m, and is used for upper-level tests in both dressage and eventing. Dressage arenas have a lettering system around the outside in the following order (clockwise) A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F (small arena) and A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F (standard arena). It is currently unknown who began the lettering system or why the arrangement was chosen. At the start of the test, the horse enters at A. There is always a judge sitting at C (although for upper-level competition, there are up to five judges at different places around the arena). There are also invisible letters along the centerline, D-X-G (small arena) and D-L-X-I-G (standard arena), X always being in the center of the dressage arena. The dressage arena also has a centerline (from A to C, going through X in the middle), as well as two quarter-lines (halfway between the centerline and long sides of each arena).

In the traditional dressage tests for non-gaited horses, levels are progressive, building on the training of the horse. The training scale and the qualities needed by the horse are emphasized as it works its way up the different levels. A horse at the lowest level of dressage would not be judged on its collection (a more advanced concept), but more emphasis would be placed in judging that the basics are solid: the horse has impulsion, is moving forward, starting to come up through its back, and is accepting the rider's aids. More advanced tests will ask that the horse be supple, asking for maneuvers such as shoulder-in, haunches-in, and half-pass. The horse will also be asked to lengthen the walk, trot, and canter, preparing it for the move advanced movements of extended trot (which requires more impulsion than lengthened trot). The tests are designed to build upon each other. If shortcuts are take at the lower levels (for example, the horse is being forced into a frame with its head pulled into the vertical position, rather than correctly ridden up through its back into the bridle), the errors in training will become readily apparent in the upper levels.

Until recently, Paso Finos who competed in dressage were required to trot and canter. The main differences in traditional dressage and gaited dressage for the Paso Finos are that they are asked to execute a corto and largo in place of trot and canter. Recently, South Carolina hosted its first gaited Dressage classes with Paso Finos judged in Paso Fino gaits at Jasmine Farms Easter Show held on April 1, 2006. There were only two gaited classes, but the Paso Finos dominated both of them. There were a total of 11 entries in the 2 classes, Preliminary A and B. Ten of the entries were Paso Finos and one was a Kentucky Mountain Horse. Stella Manberg-Wise was the first to enter the arena that drizzly morning. She rode Angelica Del Reino, who is the VERY last Favorito Que Tal foal to be born and carries 7/8 Colombian-1/8 Cuban in breeding. She and Angelica rode to victory in this class and Michele Klawitter placed second on a Colombian Paso Fino mare also owned by Stella, Rita de Trebol. The B preliminary test was won by Mike Prevatt on a pure Puerto Rican gelding.

Stella Manberg-Wise is a respected breeder and trainer. She has judged not only PFHA shows, but also non-PFHA pointed shows including some in Puerto Rico. She felt the best part about showing dressage for her, was that competitors got their class sheet back with not only the score, but the judges' comments on each different section of the test. The cards held positive comments as well as what could have been improved upon. At the bottom of each card, overall comments by the judge were made. Each entrant received the score card. The judge at this particular event was very willing to talk to those who asked how to improve for next time.

Gaited dressage for Paso Fino enthusiasts is no longer on the horizon, but is becoming more of a reality every day. Strides are made with each dressage event that is held which includes classes for gaited horses and their riders. Jasmine Farms plans to hold 3 more events which feature gaited classes this show season. This year there will be both a high point award and year-end circuit award presented. The South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association will also be presenting a state-wide high point gaited award. The show held by Jasmine Farms was the first time South Carolina has recognized gaited dressage. Not only are the extra classes very popular with the exhibitors, but the Paso Finos themselves have been very popular among the spectators.