RIDGEFIELD – Dressage riders from southwest Washington and northwest Oregon will compete in the Spring Fling Dressage Show on Sat.-Sun., April 4 and 5 at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield.
The show is sponsored by the Fort Vancouver Chapter of the Oregon Dressage Society. Up to 80 “tests,” riding patterns incorporating required movements, will be performed by riders competing in 19 classes.
Dressage, a French term meaning “training,” is a centuries-old style of horsemanship originally developed to train military horses. In today’s world, the purpose for dressage is to develop a horse’s athletic ability, suppleness and attentiveness, and foster harmony between horse and rider.
Dressage is open to any breed of horse and all levels of riders. The Spring Fling show will offer classes in Introductory through Second Level, with a single category for riders competing at Third Level or above. The show will also offer classes for Eventing Dressage, one phase of a competition which also incorporates stadium jumping and cross country jumping.
The FVC Spring Fling is an approved League Show for the Oregon Dressage Society, and competitors can earn qualifying scores toward state-level awards and competitions. According to Sarah Diebert, Show Manager, “The Spring Fling is a great place for beginning dressage riders. It’s a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.”
The Spring Fling will also offer a Musical Freestyle class. The musical freestyle offers creativity and individual expression for the exhibitors and is often a spectator favorite. Musical freestyle is “a horse dancing to music while showing the required movements for that test,” explained Diebert. “The music is supposed to match the rhythm of the gaits, and the score reflects how well the music compliments the horse.”
The FVC Spring Fling is a fundraiser for the Fort Vancouver Chapter, as well as part of the mission of the chapter to offer opportunities for dressage competition in Clark County. Funds raised are used to support state and regional championship shows, sponsor training opportunities for Junior and Young Riders, support local riders who qualify to compete at the national level, and offer dressage clinics for members and other riders.
Spectators are welcome at the show. Bleacher seating is available and concessions will be offered on site.
