The x-country is an adreniline rush, BUT its the Dressage portion that allows for you to sit up and the horse slows down and elevates his front end,look straight ahead and thats his line of travel and on the landing side of those 6' drops while still @ a moderate gallop you can twist left and you somehow in 1 stride are balanced and over a corner and back on a straight flat galloping track.
I have a deep appreciation for Dressage, and with a good trainer it is quite easy.
Try this-drop your reins and take a deep breath in tighten you muscles and look up. Your horse will stop-you've just done a half-halt. Without making it harder than it really is.

I've been taking intro & novice Dressage lessons for about 2 yrs now (perodically) and have fallen in love! I went to Boarders books & bought a book on horse movement and it's helped a great deal. My jumping has improved and I've bonded with my horse. I also rode without stirrups for 3 months in my dressage saddle...helped with getting a better seat. Can I tell you how helpfull THAT was?!?!

happy dressage!!!

Thanks AQHA breeder! Tessa likes it too! lol