It’s time to build the relationship you want with your horse…

Communication, Compassion, Partnership

Dressage is one of the most popular equestrian sports, and for good reason – any horse and rider can benefit dressage lessons and learning the basics. Whether you spend most of your time out on the trail, in the jumper ring or your goal is moving up the levels of dressage training, Rettger Dressage has a program for you.  We welcomes riders of all levels, and we take special pride in developing dressage talent in any breed of horse.  With Rettger Dressage, you can expect:

  • An emphasis on building solid fundamentals
  • No hash bits, gadgets or shortcuts
  • All breeds & backgrounds are welcome!

What is dressage, exactly?
Dressage (French for “training”) is a popular English riding discipline that develops a horse’s flexibility, suppleness and fitness, enabling it to perform to the best of its natural athletic abilities. Sometime called “Horse Ballet,” dressage training will develop your horse’s responsiveness to (and the precision of) your aids. As your own riding skills develop, you will begin to feel as though you’re dancing with your mount. Dressage is fun to learn and builds key fundamental skills in both horse and rider.

Is dressage for me?

  • Would you like to be a more effective rider?
  • Do you wish your horse was more responsive?
  • Would you like to build your confidence as a rider?
  • Do you want to build a partnership with your horse?
  • Would you like to add a whole new level of precision and control to your riding?
  • Are you looking for a low-impact discipline as you make the switch from jumping?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, learning dressage is for you. You’ll build your skill set as a rider, developing tools that will win points in the show ring, but will also help you navigate daily challenges – like spooks, obstacles on the trail or maneuvering to open a gate.

Dressage training improves the fitness and flexibility of both horse and rider. Beginner riders will build a solid foundation upon which they can grow. Experienced riders will hone their skills, developing precision in their aids central to achieving higher levels of performance whether their discipline is dressage, eventing or equitation. Rettger Dressage places emphasis on horsemanship and technical correctness to build a strong foundation for future growth and learning.

Dressage is for everyone – and every horse
At our barn, we value every equine as an individual, and a training program is tailored specifically to the needs of each horse and rider team. We believe that any horse can do dressage, even horses coming from a background in another discipline or breeds not commonly associated with dressage. Each horse is brought along slowly and carefully to develop to its fullest potential through correct work, and we never resort to harsh bits, gadgets, and other short cuts to force the process. We also accept riders from all disciplines, and have found our gentle, methodical approach works especially well on timid riders, re-riders, mature riders, and those who need to build confidence. Although typically done in a traditional dressage saddle, dressage can be done in any saddle and riders who feel more comfortable in a western saddle are welcome to ride in one.

Riding lessons, training & quality horse boarding
Based at Silver Fern Stables in the Chicago suburb of Woodstock, Illinois, Rettger Dressage offers riding lessons for beginners and those working at the lower levels, with a show team open to all. Training for your horse, talented lesson horses and share-boarding are also available.