Brett Parbury dressage masterclass at the Australian International three day event

Brett Parbury says that whilst as jumpers we often allow a horse to learn by making mistakes. But as dressage riders we often don't let them do so.

Ask a horse to go forward by using the legs. Then take the legs off and do nothing. The horse should just keep going at that pace. If he slows he has made a mistake and we ask them to go again. The horse will learn to keep on going eventually if this is done correctly. Legs on girth means forward.

A horse needs to respond to the first aid you give.

A horse turns of his front-end and shoulders, so the reins help turn him.

Keep it simple to help the horse learn, and make it easy on yourself. Break down the aids into separate components and what they achieve.

We also need to be able to direct the backend. Legs behind the girth control sideways.

If the horse is high in the head and neck, ride him deep and low to help him work through the back.

If you can't use a tool like a whip in competition you should not become reliant on it in training.

If buying a horse for dressage, look for one that can take his weight on his back legs and can therefore collect himself. Don't just buy it on the ability to show a flashy trot.

The basics are important. Quality and consistent paces are important. Until you have these established you cannot really progress to more advanced movements. For example unless the horse is straight and forward and carries himself you should not be doing flying changes.