

THE
DRESSAGE METHOD
Curricula
Our curiculua lay out the ideal learning order of the SDM at a glance. Bronze Butterflies has two dressage skill level ranks: beginner and experienced. Beginners focus on developing etiquette, learning the fundamentals, building their active riding skills, and performing core moves at increasing levels of complexity. After an average of 4-6 weeks, they have a well-rounded knowledge and skillset that spans all the possibilities of dressage.
The beginner curriculum is structured yet self-paced, with regular guidance and support that matches your learning speed & style from our team of rank-up managers and instructors. You'll learn in a variety of ways, including ranked content-focused lessons, full club improv practices, private lessons, solo study, dressage games, experimentation, and more, building your confidence to succeed at your rank-up improv test.
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Experienced monarchs turn their focus first to a brief routine readiness curriculum, expanding their active riding and complexity skills and learning moves specific to routine work. Unlike the beginner rank, the experienced rank isn't contained to its curriculum—you'll use your ever-growing knowledge to explore the possibilities of dressage and add to the SDM itself by competing, creating new distinct moves, or even becoming an instructor!
Beginner Curriculum
Theory concepts are on the left and moves are on the right. Click on any concept to be taken to its full explanation elsewhere on the SDM!
Beginner 3: Practicing Alone
Explore why & how to practice alone; review all previous theory concepts
Review all previous
Beginner 5: Splits, Tiers, Buddies, & Active Riding
Routine Readiness Curriculum
Theory concepts are on the left and moves are on the right. Click on any concept to be taken to its full explanation elsewhere on the SDM!
Processing commands with only one phrase before "go"
Routine Readiness 1: Quick Commanding
Performing transitions with only one "go" (use The Gloves Rule)
Routine Readiness 2: Marker-Based Timing
The Gloves Rule for centering
Trot comb rule: nose over line. Trot keyhole rule: tail over line.
Performing curl division cuts onto lines
Canter comb rule: 1/2 unit behind line. Canter keyhole rule: 1/2 unit past line.
Moves with small gait bursts