what are the movements

Question
hi! im doing a project about dressage and i want to do a section abour the movements of dressage cna you help me? also i own this red welsh mix mare and she is a very good jumper but she keeps popping up over a simple cross rail and last time she did it she hit my jaw. is there any way i can her to stop?? she has great potential she will jump almost anything? also she is a high stepper and smooth mover would she be good for dressage too?????


Answer
Dear Savannah,
1. For your dressage project- you can log onto either the USDF website or the Dressage Canada website and with a little navigation- you will find descriptions of all of the movements.
2. I am not quite sure what you mean by "popping up" when you describe what your pony does over a jump. If you managed to hit your jaw (against her neck?) it sounds as though you are out of position- ahead of her movement to the fence. She may need a martingale but I would only suggest that you implement this under the guidance of a coach or instructor.
3. A "high stepper" isn't necessarily indicative of dressage ability. Trainability is paramount and if she is too vertical a mover she may have trouble in the extensions. All well schooled horses should be able to do the lower levels without much difficulty.
I hope this helps you.
Best wishes,
S. Evans