USHorse.biz - Dressage
Introduction to Dressage
Dressage, a French word meaning "training", is considered to be the art of equestrian sport and is used as the groundwork for all the other disciplines. Its purpose is to develop the horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to work making him calm, supple and attentive to his rider. At it's best, it represents the ideal partnership between horse and rider. Dressage is also one of the three disciplines in competition at the Olympic Games, the other two being Jumping and Eventing.
The discipline can trace its roots as far back as ancient Greece. Xenophon (430 - 354 BC) is considered the founder of what we consider dressage today and is the author of the first book on horsemanship, "Peri Hippikes". With the disintegration of ancient Greece, the art of riding was ignored aside from its military use until the Italian Renaissance in the 16th century. The teachings of the riding academy in Naples eventually spread to Baroque France in the 1600's. Classical Dressage reached its peak in the 18th century with the creation of the world famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna in 1729. They created the standards that are still used today to judge the Dressage horse and rider.
COMPETITIONS
Early European aristocrats displayed their horses' training in equestrian pageants or cavalry "best-trained charger" contests. In modern dressage competition, successful training at the various levels is demonstrated through the performance of "tests", or prescribed series of movements within a standard arena. Placed symmetrically along the low rail are 12 lettered markers indicating where movements are to start, where changes of pace or lead are to occur and where the movements are to end. The horse has to show three paces: walk, trot and canter as well as smooth transitions within and between these paces. At all levels, the horses are judged on freedom of gaits, harmony and lightness, impulsion and acceptance of the bridle. Judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to ten - zero being "not executed" and 10 being "excellent". A score of 9 (or "very good") is considered a particularly high mark, while a competitor achieving all 6s (or 60% overall) should be considering moving on to the next level.
The first dressage competition was held in 1873 in Vienna, Austria. It rose to the international level in 1902 in Turin, Italy and first became a part of the Olympic Games in 1912 in Stockholm, Sweden. It was held at what would be considered an elementary level now, asking for no lateral movements, lead changes or advanced movements like the piaffe. It did, however, include a jumping test over five fences, harkening back to traditional military tests. The first FEI Dressage championships held outside of the Olympics took place in 1930 at Lucerne, Switzerland. Women were first allowed to compete in 1952.
Some of the most spectacular Dressage performances occur during the Grand Prix Freestyle (Kür) which is performed to the accompaniment of a musical score, often tailor-made for the performance. Freestyle is the pinnacle of Dressage execution and when it works, the result is magic.
DRESSAGE TACK & TURN OUT
Dressage horses are shown in minimal tack. They are not permitted to wear boots (including hoof or bell boots) or wraps (including tail bandages) during the test, nor are they allowed to wear martingales. Due to the formality of dressage, tack is usually black leather, although dark brown is seen from time to time.
An English-style saddle is required for riding dressage, specifically a "dressage saddle" which is modeled exclusively for the discipline. It is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, mirroring the leg of the dressage rider, which is long with a slight bend in the knee, a deep seat and usually a pronounced knee block. The saddle is usually placed over a square, plain white or black saddle pad.
Dressage horses turn out is descended from royal presentations in Europe. It's traditional for horses to have their mane braided. Braids vary in size depending on the conformation of the horse, but Europeans tend to put in fewer, larger braids, while horses in the United States usually have more braids per horse (possibly from the influence of hunter-style riding in the country). Braids are occasionally accented in white tape, which also helps them stay in throughout the day. The tail should be "banged," or cut straight across (usually above the fetlocks but below the hocks when held at the point where the horse naturally carries it). The dock is pulled or trimmed to shape it and give the horse a cleaner appearance.
DRESSAGE ATTIRE
Dressage riders, like their horses, are dressed for formality. In competition, they wear light breeches, that are usually full-seat leather to help them "stick" in the saddle, with a belt, and a white shirt and stock tie with a stock pin. Gloves are usually white, although less-experienced riders or those at the lower levels often opt for black, as their hand movement will not be as noticeable. The coat worn is usually solid black with metal buttons, although solid navy is also occasionally seen. For upper-level classes, the rider should wear a shadbelly with a yellow vest or vest points, rather than a plain dressage coat.
Riders usually wear tall dress boots, although field boots may be worn at the lower levels. Spurs are required to be worn at the upper levels. A whip may optionally be carried, though its length is regulated.
EXHIBITIONS
Apart from competitions, classical dressage is often performed in exhibitions in the traditions of the Old Masters who originated it. The Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria and their famous Lipizzans often perform, as do the Cadre Noir in Saumur, France. This type of schooling is also a part of the Portuguese and Spanish bullfighting exhibitions.
Often referred to as "Horse Ballet," dressage is open to any horse, mule or pony, no matter what breed. Choosing the right dressage horse for you involves several important factors. A good dressage horse has an amenable character, should be a willing learner and have three clear, rhythmic gaits: walk, trot and canter. Ideally, he should fit you, as a rider, in temperament, level of training and size. All riding horses, no matter what their primary discipline or use, can benefit from dressage principles and training techniques.
