I totally agree that everyone could likely benefit from
with dressage training, even if they mostly focus on jumping! In fact, and this is just MHO, that is a huge problem in the h/j discipline today…seeing WAY too many riders jumping their horses into the ground. It drives me nuts. There is no reason on gods green earth that a horse needs to be schooled over jumps upwards of 4’ …or even 3’ for that matter multiple times a week, all the while neglecting the basics of excellent flat work.
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I got my bronze in beige breeches and field boots, plus won Regional Championship in such garb. No one really cares what your wear as much as how well you ride.
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Yes, I completely agree with this sentiment! It’s been great to get away from H/J politics, expensive showing, etc. Plus dressage has written feedback at shows AND ride times! How can you go wrong?
I’m sure dressage land (I’m no expert yet) isn’t perfect or free from drama but in my ‘break’ I’ve really allowed myself to take off the pressure and reevaluate what I want and that is really to just HAVE FUN and improve my riding and my horse. Much different perspective than I’ve had in the past.
Sounds great that you have options to transition at your pace. Love when H/J barns bring in dressage trainers, good for all involved but too few seem to do it.
Keep us posted on your transition!
Cheers!
Congrats and welcome! Don’t make a drastic change; if you horse is comfortable at your current barn, then it is best to stay there until your needs are no longer being met. It may have been said up thread, but see if your barn will allow a dressage trainer to come in and give you lessons. You don’t need a dressage arena to do dressage, plus it will allow you to find a trainer that truly fits what you’re looking for.
The last thing you want to do is hop to a dressage barn only to discover that it isn’t a perfect fit for your and your horse’s needs.
FYI, you’re not crazy and once again welcome to the sport!
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME
I have know LOTS of folks change from high end Hunter shows to Dressage. And many horses as well. I only knew one horse who wasn’t impressed with the Dressage work and he found a home again with another Hunter rider.
The rest did really well. Including a friend’s high end hunter who needed a change of venue for a while. His movement is VERY much appreciated by the Dressage judges. Especially his fabulous canter.
Find a trainer / coach you enjoy. And have lots of fun in your journey
Hello again, everyone! OP here…just wanted to check in and give you all an update. WE DID IT! My mare and I made the full-on jump (no pun intended LOL) over to the dressage world, and we COULD NOT be happier! We are a good handful of lessons in and found an incredible trainer who comes to our farm once a week for our lessons. I have found that I actually look forward to my lessons now and am SO greatly enjoying the newfound synergy I am feeling with my horse! She also seems very happy, open, and understanding that we are both learning something new together. I couldn’t be more proud of her. Her dressage bridle just came in today (yay, bling! LOL!) and we were fitted for a gorgeous new Voltaire Adelaide dressage saddle this week, as well, which I can’t wait to get!
Anyway…just wanted to reach out again to each of you and express how grateful I am for the kind and encouraging words you all gave to help me decide to make the switch…an amazing way to start off our year. 
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Aw, well done, you. And welcome again to the club!
Welcome to the world of converts. I did the “decades of disciplines” Trail riding early 20’s - early 30’s. Carriage driving into early 40’s, hunters into my early 50’s and then finally to dressage. I have gotten more addicted to the process over the years, and only regret is that I didn’t start years before.
You get a gold star, by the way, for coming back with your update. We are suckers for unfolding stories!
Glad you jumped in. You found the water warm.
Good!!
