What Is Riding Dressage?

"Riding dressage" is an equestrian term for riding a horse that is being trained, along with the rider, in the fundamentals of English-style horseback riding from beginning through advanced levels. Dressage riding is typically taught in a formal setting that includes hands-on learning coupled with classroom instruction.

  1. Definition

    • The word "dressage" is derived from the French word "dresser," which translates to "train" or "prepare." Both the horse and rider are trained and prepared to perform a variety of equestrian actions ranging from the basic paces of a horse to advanced movements and specialized feats such as jumping.

    Riding Dressage

    • A student enrolled in dressage riding school can advance from the basics through the top level of Grand Prix training, which is normally required for Olympic competition. All levels of dressage riding emphasize the importance of the rider and horse working in harmony during all tasks, both physically and mentally. The horse must be relaxed and obedient as it progresses from beginning through advanced training. The dressage rider needs balance, strength and exemplary coordination to guide the horse through its paces while maintaining a firm, erect stature in the saddle. Dressage movements begin with basic walking, trotting and cantering exercises and progress through intricate moves involving hand commands to induce sharp turns, reversals, pirouettes and different types of jumping.

    Dressage Horse Training

    • Dressage riders start their horse training with basics such as riding in circles and figure-eights and quickly and smoothly changing gaits upon command. The horse learns to obey requests given by the rider through hand and rein movements without hesitation or fear. The point of the training from inception through completion is to attain and maintain fluid movements of the hind legs following those of the front legs and to teach the horse how to make lateral turns with balance and grace without contorting its body.

    History of Dressage

    • Although dressage is mainly associated with "English" riding, history indicates the discipline originated in ancient Greece to help soldiers prepare their horses for hand-to-hand combat. When the practice was revived in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, it was taught as a physical art form on the same level as fencing and formal dancing. Schools such as the still famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna were founded in the late 1500s to keep the art alive. In the 20th century, dressage became a primary event in equestrian competitions around the world and at the time of publication is one of the three equestrian events in the Olympic Games.