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Quadrille is most simply defined as team riding. The most famous, readily identifiable quadrilles are those of the Spanish Riding School, the Cadre Noir and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Although quadrille as an equestrian pageant has been performed since the Baroque period, only in the last decade has it become a competitive sport in this country. Competitive teams of four riders perform both compulsory and musical freestyle routines. It is an activity suitable to persons of all ages, including youth groups such as 4-H and Pony Club. |
PRACTICE SESSIONS WILL LAST TWO HOURS! This includes one hour mounted and one hour unmounted.
Cost is $20 PER RIDER (on own horse) for 2 hours.
Cost is $35 PER RIDER (on school horse) for 2 hours.
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Why Do It?
Quadrille offers equestrian education in riding, training, and rider/horse communication in a group atmosphere of teamwork and camaraderie. It's a great way to get green riders and horses used to competing without a lot of pressure. And, it's fun!
Who Can Do It?
The minimum requirements for quadrille are four compatible horses (and riders) and a practice facility. In competition we use teams of four, while teams of 6, 8, 12 or more can be used in exhibition rides.
Although matched horses look best, the ability to work and perform together is paramount. Differences in shapes and colors tend to disappear with uniform turnout and crisp performances.
Quadrille teams are crowd pleasers-whether in traditional dress or costume. Teams have performed at state and county fairs, benefits, horse shows and racetracks.
How To Do It
In a quadrille competition the main criteria is the team's performance as a cohesive group. Compulsory routines test the team's ability to perform required movements according to acceptable standards. In the exciting Freestyle, the routines are more complex, creating a "kaleidoscope effect" as horses interweave choreography and music in original patterns.
In each performance, judges look for the teams to keep even spacing (from horse to horse), move and turn in synchrony and maintain alignment throughout the ride. In the freestyle competition, the team's artistic skill is showcased in the interpretation of the music and the creativity of their choreography. |
ALIGNMENT: Alignment occurs in two directions; in a column/file or
laterally.
Column Alignment: Whether single file or in pairs, refers
mainly to centerline work. Alignment should be such that the
judge can see only the first rider or riders (in pairs).
Lateral Alignment: Mainly seen when riders turn individually
from the long side and go across the arena. The judge should
be able to see only the nearest rider when alignment is good. It
is the riders’ bodies that are aligned, not the horses’ heads.
CLOVERLEAF:
A figure formed when riders are coming in pairs from opposite
direction on the centerline, and at the quarter markers (ten
meters from each end of the arena) perform individual ten
meter circles, making the E-B line the center between the
circles.
COLUMN OR FILE:
Used interchangeably to describe riding one behind the other,
either single file or double file (in pairs).
FAN FORMATION:
When coming down the centerline in pairs for a salute, the second
pair splits, and the riders fan out to come up alongside of
the center pair.
OBLIQUE:
An angular line of travel from the centerline to the side or from
the side to the centerline or opposite side of the arena, as
opposed to straight across.
PASS THROUGH:
Pairs approaching each other, making sufficient room to allow
one horse to pass between the approaching two horses.
SPACING:
There are two kids of spacing; column and lateral.
Column Spacing: Refers to distance between riders when riding
single file, or pairs when riding in column. Exact distance
is not specified-experienced teams can use nose-to-tail spacing,
while beginning teams may prefer more distance; essential that
it is uniform throughout each movement. Spacing may be
changed from movement to movement, depending on the gait
or the pattern.
Lateral Spacing: Refers to the spacing between two or more
riders when approaching the judge head-on, especially in the
salutes. It would also apply in individual turns across the
arena, but not easily seen by the judge at “C.”
SYNCHRONY:
Refers to all riders turning at the same moments, such as left
and right individual turns; left and right individual circles and
half circles, etc. Everyone must start and finish at the same
time.
Alignment very often is dependent on synchrony and that is
why, in the collective marks on the test sheet, the two are
scored together.
THREAD THE NEEDLE:
A movement in which riders coming single file from the corners
of the arena cross each other’s paths alternately on the
centerline. |
CLICK HERE TO SEE A GREAT VIDEO OF THE DUTCH
CHAMPIONSHIP QUADRILLE REGION06
CLICK
HERE TO SEE DIAGRAMS OF QUADRILLE FORMATIONS
"The horse
is God's gift to man."
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