For the uninitiated spectator, observing a dressage show is often compared to watching paint dry. The horses go in endless circles, and the most exciting part of the day happens during the Grand Prix honor round when eight hot, enormous warmbloods plunge and rear after being crowded into a 20 x 60-meter ring and told to take a victory lap.

But as I spent four days watching dressage at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Festival of Champions (p. 70), I was reminded of an idea that the U.S. Dressage Federation has touted for years: There’s a level of dressage that’s right for every rider in this country as long as he or she is interested in forming a better partnership with the horse.

These championships were especially exciting because they didn’t just showcase the best riders in the country. Yes, they were there, and it was awe-inspiring to watch them ride, risking it all for just a little bit more extension or sitting into their horse so quietly, as if the two were one, in the piaffe and passage. But they weren’t the only ones riding at this gathering of champions.

Talented young adults competed in the inaugural Brentina Cup, a competition designed to encourage serious riders to stick with a dressage career. This platform gave them an opportunity to compete against each other and display their talents.

There were also a few juniors and young riders competing. Their competition may not have been a true championship, but just riding in the hallowed Gladstone arena was an unparalleled opportunity.

And the para-equestrians competed too, hoping to win the USEF Para-Equestrian Championship. These riders might have physical limitations on the ground, but on horseback their bonds with their equine partners were no different from any other riders. The para-equestrian freestyles were my favorites as the competitors were allowed to increase the difficulty and really show off to music that had the crowds dancing in the stands.

The only group not included at this competition was the adult amateurs, and I think an amateur championship would be a great addition to the Festival of Champions.

Dressage is special that way. You don’t have to be fearless, or a fantastic athlete or wealthy to ride dressage. Granted, you’ll need money and talent in abundance to make it to the top of the sport competitively, but many dressage enthusiasts never set foot in the show ring. It’s all about the journey–improving your position, developing your horse’s strength and flexibility and building a connection between rider and horse.

This week’s Dressage Special Issue offers something for everyone as well. There are stories about individuals who’ve allowed dressage to change their lives and the lives of others. Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer has dedicated herself to international-level competition, while amateur Tami Hoag uses time spent with the horses to keep her centered and focused in the rest of her life. And then there’s Jane Karol, who expanded her love of horses and dressage into a therapeutic program.

Even if watching dressage makes your eyes glaze over, teaching your horse to be softer, more balanced and more responsive to the aids is a good thing whether you’re a Grand Prix dressage rider, weekend trail rider, or a hardcore hunter/jumper professional.

While you may not find yourself sitting in the stands at the next local dressage show, you might just discover some inspiration from the articles in this issue and realize that the fundamentals of dressage do carry over to your life too. After all, that paint eventually does dry and sometimes turns out to be a masterpiece.

Sara Lieser