What is Dressage?

I have a passion for horses and an education in Dressage. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/) (a French term, most commonly translated to mean "training") is a path and destination of competitive horse training, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics.

Dressage levels begin at Introduction and go through Gran Prix movements. The horse looks to be the athlete and the center of attention, while the rider is to make it all look effortless. It is similar to ballet in that there are various movements required per level. At the upper levels, movements are done to music as the horse moves in grace and tempo.

Seeking the best instructors and horse trainers has taken me all over the United States. I have been blessed by the best equine partners and human instructors available. I currently study and teach Dressage in the Southwest Suburbs of Denver, Colorado. In Dressage, there is ALWAYS more to learn...

I now have over 35 years of experience with horses across all disciplines, and 18 years in the study of Dressage. I have hosted, attended and studied at various clinics throughout the United States. In 1998/1999, I was fortunate to land a working student internship with Olympian Michelle Gibson.

In 1999/2000, I was awarded a full sponsorship, including two  talented & athletic FEI level horses (Mendelssohn was a 17.3h Grand Prix Swedish Warmblood, and Egeris was my beloved 16.3h FEI Danish Warmblood), lodging, board and full training with Michelle at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Top professionals across the country have advanced my education, including 1994 Olympian and Bronze Medalist, Michelle Gibson, Judges Lois Yukins, Trip Harding, Bill Solyntjes, Dolly Hannon and Janet Foy, Grand Prix Trainers & National Competitors Alison Sader Larson and Kelly Underhill.

Please contact me with questions or to schedule a horseback riding lesson in Littleton, a suburb of Denver. Happy riding! Corinne

clettau@msn.com