Dressage Competitions and Riding
- Author Rob Daniels
- Published July 26, 2006
- Word count 541
At the lowest levels, dressage tests are very simple, with the emphasis on basic training. At its basic level, if you make your horse move forward, or stop, you have performed dressage movements.
The ancient Greeks were the first to practice dressage in preparation for war. Developed by the Greeks for cavalry officers, dressage evolved as a means of controlling the horse in battle. Dressage was well rooted in the military world of horsemanship, as the value of this training method was recognized by the cavalry. Later, dressage was used on the medieval battlefields of Europe and as a form of art and entertainment in the courts of Renaissance nobility. The marriage of the two most powerful families in Europe during the Baroque period secured the future of dressage. Prior to the French Revolution, dressage was expressed in ways that emphasized extreme collection and agility.
Dressage competitions evolved as early as 1806 to test the ability of cavalry officers.
Cavalry officers in the modern military also practiced dressage as recently as the 1940's. Consequently, because the Andalusian had always been a cavalry horse, he had always been a dressage horse.
Types of Dressage Horses: Although any breed is acceptable for dressage, thoroughbreds or warmbloods (any of the larger or European-descended horses) are preferable. While warmbloods have dominated the Dressage scene for several decades, riders are increasingly seeking a more rideable horse. Athletically and in temperament, the Morgan horse is also well suited to the rigors of Dressage. The Iberian's success in dressage was pretty much preordained by the history of the development of the breed. As a breed they have athleticism, superb dispositions, great heart and soundness - all attributes needed in dressage. However, Dressage is an egalitarian sport in which all breeds are given an opportunity to compete successfully.
Competition Dressage
Like figure skating's compulsory figures, dressage tests require movements and gaits to be performed in certain sequences. The object of dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. Competitive dressage is designed to show the horse carrying out, on request, the natural movements that it performs without thinking while running loose. All the movements performed in dressage are natural to the horse. Both horsemanship and the basics of riding should be mastered before attempting a dressage competition. At the more advanced levels, horses and riders have usually begun to specialize in dressage competition as a separate discipline.
The standard arena is 20 m by 60 m, and is used for upper-level tests in both dressage and eventing. The small arena is 20 m by 40 m, and is used for the lower levels of dressage and three-day eventing dressage. The invisible letter X is always in the center of the dressage arena. The dressage tests are a prescribed series of movements that each horse must perform. Dressage patterns are performed one rider at a time. Judged subjectively, dressage relies on a body of dedicated judges positioned at designated points around the dressage arena. As in any dressage show, each rider receives an individual score. Each rider is given a copy of their test along with the judge's comments.
A goal of dressage is to restore this naturalness under a rider, and to create an alert, supple and responsive animal.
Rob Daniels has been an equestrian rider for 25 years. He has studied various disciplines additional articles are available at: Riding Stable - http://www.riding-stable.com and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net .
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Acura MDX and Honda Pilot: Which one will you choose?
- How to Save Money Every Day With Promo Codes
- Fresh Paint for a Fast Sale: Here's Why You Should Paint Before Listing
- The Invisible Impact of Missing Teeth: Why Replacing Them Matters
- Detecting Dental Beauty: 5 Core Traits of a Beautiful Smile
- Timeless Toothcare: Dental Hygiene Tips for Seniors
- Saving Old Smiles: How In-House Dental Discount Plans Help Seniors
- Too Much of a Good Thing? Signs You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
- Why a Root Canal Might Be the Best News for Your Tooth
- What is DuckDuckGo?
- The Role of Lighting Stores in Brampton: Shaping Spaces for the Future
- The Role of Commercial Cleaning Services in Auckland: A Comprehensive Guide
- Exploring the World of Chauffeur Service: Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices
- Nerds and Geeks: They still live on!
- IQ Tests: History, Uses, and Choosing a Reliable Resource
- 8 Great Ways To Teach Kids About Oral Hygiene
- App Development as a Catalyst for Business Growth
- Costs of arranging a Mortgage in Spain
- TikTok and Instagram: Ways you will grow and learn.
- Mustang GT: Ford Motor Company is a Rising Force!
- 10 Ways to Transform Production Scheduling in Business Central
- Elevating Your Home with Bold Decor and Vintage Carved Doors
- The Ultimate Skin Care Guide for Every Weather
- Do I Need Insurance When I Rent a Boat?
- Casino Bonuses: How to Maximize Your Rewards and Enhance Your Gameplay
- Was Joseph Stalin a good or bad leader of the Soviet Union?
- Top 5 Slots with the Highest RTP: A Winning Guarantee or a Myth?
- The Thrill of the Hunt Discovering the World of Location-Based Entertainment
- How Much Is the Hermès Cleaning Fee?
- Does Hermès Offer Free Repairs?