A Brief History of Dressage

Dressage is a term that may not be familiar to most people since it is probably not usedon a regular basis or in everyday conversation. Derived from a French term that means“training,” it is a competitive equestrian sport . It showcases the highest degree ofhorsemanship  through the animal’s natural athletic ability while maximizing its potentialas a riding horse. It also spotlights the talent, creativity and showmanship of those whoride, coach and care for the animals involved in the sport.

Dressage: ThenThe discipline of dressage has its earliest beginnings more than two thousand years agoin Greece. It was developed as a means of training horses for military duty. Thediscipline emphasized maneuverability, obedience, and advanced movements usedduring battle. Battle required that horses possess crucial skills such as the ability toquickly move from side to side, change directions, or burst into a gallop. With the demiseof ancient Greece, artistic riding faded into obscurity. It was not until the Renaissancethat it saw a revival. It experienced peak recognition when the renowned Spanish RidingSchool was established in Vienna in 1729. Classical dressage, the progressive systemof training the animals, has actually changed very little in modern times.

Dressage: Now According to the International Equestrian Federation , dressage is “the highestexpression of horse training.” As part of the competitive sport, both horse s and riders arerated on their command of specific maneuvers that have been committed to memory.

The sport is even enjoyed as an Olympic competitive event consisting of three areas ofequestrian mastery. Dressage demonstrates the full scope of competitive training andhorsemanship.  With nine progressive levels of competing through compulsorymaneuvers, the events include horses of all breeds. Participants are free to take part inspecial events such as musical freestyle, which debuted in 1996 at the Olympic gamesin Atlanta. Unquestionably considered the zenith of this equestrian event, it provides anoutlet for individual expression and creativity.

Equestrians enjoy the camaraderie and competition of the sport at all levels through theUnited States Equestrian Federation (USEF), which is the governing body for dressagein this country. Since 1917, it has worked to foster excellence and growth in the sportwhile ensuring safe levels of competition for both animals and athletes. The organizationis also responsible for training, selecting and funding the U.S. Equestrian team, whichcompetes in both the Olympics and the World Equestrian Games.

To learn more about horsemanship in Orlando, FL, visit Medieval Times.