431. Driven Dressage

The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the mule. Tests are available at the ADS Website. Singles and pairs.

  1. Through progressive training, the mule (s) become calm, supple, and flexible as well as confident, attentive, and keen in his work.
  2. These qualities are revealed by:
    1. The freedom and regularity of the paces.
    2. The harmony, lightness, and ease of movement.
    3. The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originating in a lively impulsion.
    4. The acceptance of the bridle, without any tenseness or resistance.
  3. The mule, confident and attentive, submits generously to the driver, remaining straight in any movement on a straight line and bending accordingly when moving on curved lines.
  4. His walk is regular, free and unconstrained. His trot is free, supple, regular, sustained and active.
  5. Because the mule has impulsion and is free from resistance, he will obey without hesitation and respond to the various aids calmly and with precision, displaying a natural and harmonious balance both physically and mentally.
  6. In all his work, even at the halt, the mule should be “on the bit” when the hocks are correctly placed, the neck is more or less raised and arched according to the stage of training, and the extension or collection of the pace, and he accepts the bridle with a light and soft contact and submissiveness throughout. The head should remain in a steady position, as a rule slightly in front of the vertical, with a supple poll as the highest point of the neck, and no resistance should be offered to the driver.
  7. The object of the Driven Dressage Test is to judge the freedom, regularity of paces, harmony, impulsion, suppleness, lightness, ease of movement, and correct bending of the horses on the move. Competitors will also be judged on style, accuracy, and general control of their mules, and also on their dress, condition of harness and vehicle, and the presentation of their whole turnout. Presentation for Training and Preliminary division entries may be judged at the halt, in a separate area, prior to the Driven Dressage Test.

**See American Driving Society Rulebook Dressage–Section B-E and Appendix DR-A thru DR-C for more details.