By Spruce Tree Ranch
This year the Dressage Arena at Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds near Cranbrook was revitalized. The East Kootenay Dressage Show was held in July. Dressage is an Olympic Equestrian Sport that originated 5000 years ago, as training for war horses. The tests teach both horse and rider to do progressively more difficult movements, for example, trotting on the spot or cantering sideways. Dressage teaches horses to be more athletic and riders to be more effective; thus, dressage training improves any type of riding. There are both Western and English Dressage tests.
Tanya Larsen, from Creston, won two classes, riding Bandita. The EK Dressage Show was a great success with both English and Western riders, ranging in age from 9 to 66 years. Riders and volunteers came from as far away as Creston and Fernie. The HCBC recognized judge, Dale Irwin, from the lower mainland, was impressed with the arena and stated it would be an excellent location for the dressage competitions of 55+ Provincial Games September 2018.