The object of dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. The result is a horse that is calm, supple, loose, and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with the rider.

At Levi's level of training, he'll perform the walk, trot, and canter. He'll also perform work on two tracks and lateral movements:

• Leg-yielding: the horse is almost straight, and the inside legs pass and cross in front of the outside legs.

• Shoulder-in: the horse is slightly bent around the inside leg of the rider. The horse is looking away from the direction in which he is moving. This is not only a suppling movement, but also a "collecting" movement.

  Levi also has jumping and cross country experience. He is a fabulous trail mount as well, and has covered many miles in the Los Padres National Forest.

  Levi is currently being shown in First Level dressage (spring, 1998), and will be moving up to Second Level by mid-summer. Ann's and Patty's goal for Levi was to qualify in 1998 for the United States Dressage Federation's All-Breeds Awards. Levi's first qualifying show was in June, 1998, in Moorpark. Levi qualified for the USDF All Breeds Award at first level. He also got good scores at Second Level Freestyle, performing to the sound track from the Man From Snowy River and Herb Alpert's rendition of A taste of Honey. In all Levi was presented in four USDF / AHSA / CDS rated shows.

  Unlike most dressage horses, Levi has never been in a stall (until being taken to Equifest), has never seen a horse blanket, and doesn't need shoes. He is only ridden three days a week on average, and spends the rest of his time roaming a 10-acre, hilly pasture.

  At the age of seven Levi is showing at Third Level. Ann and Patty's goals at this point are working on improving his collection, his balance in the lateral work, and his flying changes. On the down side, the muscles in his back are getting larger (his loins, for example) and so Ann and Patty are going to have to find replacement saddles in order to fit him properly.

Ann and Levi
March 1997

Levi and Patty Cochrane
warming up at "The Acres,
Moorpark, CA

Levi and Patty

Levi getting ready for his
Equifest performance

With his willingness, Levi has a bright future ahead of him as an accomplished dressage horse. (His trainer, who has been training most of her life, says he is the most willing horse she has ever worked with!)