What is Dressage and How did it Evolved
Dressage is often described as ‘horse ballet’ and when you watch one of these elite equine athletes in action, you can understand why!
The precision, elegance, rhythm, and movement of the higher levels of dressage in particular make the horse appear to be ‘dancing’.
But what is dressage exactly, and how did it evolve?
The Origin And History
Dressage has its origins in the military, notably with the cavalries of the ancient Greeks.
The Greeks were dedicated cavalrymen and needed a way to improve the responsiveness and discipline of their war mounts.
So they invented a series of exercises designed to help develop their suppleness and athleticism, as well as improve their own abilities to control their mount’s movements.
Over time, this training evolved into a sport, focusing on the horse’s balance, obedience, and suppleness.
It gets its name ‘dressage’ from the French work ‘dresseur’ meaning ‘to train’ or prepare.
Today, it is recognised as an Olympic equestrian sport in its own right, and is also one of the phases of the 3 Day Event.
Dressage As A Fundamental Training Principle
The fundamental movements and training required in dressage have many applications across equestrian sports per see.
Indeed, almost every equestrian discipline contains some elements of movement that can be improved by basic dressage training. Both Western and English…
Dressage As A Sport
Dressage involves a horse completing a ‘dressage test’. This is a series of movements performed in a specific order.
The movements include things like leg yields, lateral movements, transitions, and pirouettes along with collected and extended versions of the walk, trot, and canter.
Dressage tests are performed in a rectangular arena 60metres by 20metres in size with the judge sitting at the far end of the arena opposite the entrance.
There are letters at designated intervals around the sides of the arena, and 3 down the centre line.
Individual movements within the test start and finish at certain letters, and each movement is judged on a scale of 0-10.
How is Dressage Judged?
Rules, Regulations and Standards of Dressage
Judges considers things like correctness of gaits and the accuracy of each movement.
At the end of the test, additional scores for paces, impulsion, submission, and rider (the collective marks) are added to give a total score.
This is then calculated as a %. The higher the score, or %, the better the performance was.
Dressage tests are also divided into a number of levels – Intro, Prelim, Novice, Elementary, Medium, Advanced Medium, Advanced, and right at the top – Prix St Georges.
Each level develops the skills and training required to advance to the next level.
What Makes Dressage Unique?
One of the things that makes this sport unique is its emphasis on precision and harmony between horse and rider. Unlike other equestrian sports like show jumping or cross-country, it does not involve obstacles or jumps, but rather a series of purely technical movements.
Why is Dressage Good for Horses?
There are many benefits for both horses and riders.
It has many cross-training benefits
The foundational skills and training principles don’t just benefit horses but can also be used to improve the performance of horses in other disciplines.
The balance, suppleness, core strength, and responsiveness gained with training for example can improve their performance in many other equestrian disciplines.
Develops suppleness and flexibility
Exercises and movements, such as circles, lateral movements, and transitions, help horses become more supple and flexible.
This significantly improves their range of motion and balance, and helps prevent stiffness and muscle imbalances.
Improves horse strength and muscle development
When movements are taught and executed correctly, the horse engages and strengthens its core muscles, hindquarters, and overall musculature. These have benefits for overall fitness and well-being
Improves horse balance and coordination
In order to perform at the highest levels, horses need good balance and co-ordination.
They have to be able to carry themselves (self-carriage) in the various movements, evenly distribute their weight over their feet, and be able to transition up and down in their paces.
This improves their overall athleticism.
Develops better communication and responsiveness between horse and rider
Clear and precise communication between horse and rider is an essential component. The further the horse progresses, the more responsive it becomes to a riders’ cues and aids.
A well-trained dressage horse is a joy to work with.
Provides mental stimulation for the horse
The training requires horses to focus, concentrate, and respond to a variety of exercises and cues.
This helps keep them engaged with their rider, prevents boredom, and can generally improve their overall mental well-being.
Benefits a horse’s longevity and soundness
The correct biomechanics and muscle development promoted in training can contribute to the long-term soundness and well-being of the horse.
Proper engagement, balance, and muscle development for instance can help prevent injuries.
What is Dressage – Key Takeaways
Dressage is one of the most technical, and beautiful, of equestrian sports. It also requires a great deal of skill, discipline, training, and commitment.
However, basic dressage movements underpin many of the movements required in other disciplines.
Therefore, doing some basic dressage training will provide both you and your horse with good groundwork
