Silent Dressage with Travers

Travers methodology of dressage - by Safra Nitely EDITED 10/31/2012

AIM:

To proceed in a consistent tidy manner between each of the silent dressage tasks.

OBJECTIVE:

To perform a consistent dressage routine that enhances skill and appearance, and shows a greater level of cooperation between pony and owner.

OUTCOME:

For the pony to be able to demonstrate a professional consistent dressage routine, that take into account the full width and length of the arena, and the outer markings.

RULES:

1) The pony must not walk over the white markings that outline the edge of the arena.

2) The pony should take the shortest route around the edge of the arena between any two tasks.

3) Ponies can legitimately travers between 2 start points if they are on the same intersection between two of the side fence markers

4) Ponies must not turn 180 degrees on a yellow maker, before starting or after ending a task. (turning around to face opposite direction)

5) Ponies must not "walk" along the 10 meter line, to the starting point, Pony must use the nearest letter, and align themselves.

EXCEPTIONS:

6) The pony must always ENTER AND EXIT the "Figure 8" at the A marker, proceeding smartly to the starting yellow spot - This is the only EXCEPTION to Rule-4

7) Pony should always enter the Circle task facing the same direction as the Trainer, using the marker nearest to the trainer

(ADDED by Trina after hearing Safra explain it to a pony:)

8) For the FIRST pattern walked in the series, unless it is the Figure 8, the pony must walk around the edge of the arena in a clockwise direction.