Show Jumping vs Dressage

  Show jumping and dressage. Two different disciplines doing different things.

  But just how different are they?

  Lately, I've been watching a lot of clinics on YouTube. Since I can't be in a barn at the moment, why not learn a little bit more online?

  This video caught my attention and I thought I would share it. The video goes back the year 2012, but it's still applies today. Four riders (two show jumpers and two dressage riders) perform their warm-ups in front of a crowd to prove that these two different disciplines are actually quite similar. Emile Faurie and Greg Best were the two professionals commenting and directing the clinic. 

  For those who may be unfamiliar of these men, Emile Faurie is a British international dressage athlete who has represented his country on many occasions. Emile is also a dressage judge and a world class coach. Greg Best is an American international show jumper who now lives in New Zealand. He is has taken on many roles in the show jumping and eventing disciplines such as coach, chef d'équipe, team manager, selector and high performance manager. 

  It's interesting to see how both disciplines can benefit from the same warm-up training. Being someone who has trained in both hunter/jumper and eventing, I can relate to this video.

  I will say that my favourite part of the video is when the show jumper almost did a pirouette during an exercise at 21:13.

Video from:

  So I thought I would share the video with you all. I'd love to know what you thought of it. It may be 30 minutes long, but this video is just introducing the benefits of the same flat work for two different disciplines. I think there is a lot we can learn from riders of other disciplines that can help to improve ourselves.

  Until next time, happy riding!