What is Dressage?

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So you wonder what is dressage exactly? The word "dressage" comes from the French word that means training and educating. You are as likely to come across "dressage de chiens" and you are "dressage de chevaux". In the case of horses, it is not only a method of training, but also a competitive equestrian sport.

Definition of Dressage

What is Dressage?

USDF definition:

"Dressage develops the horse's physique and suppleness and improves the horse's three natural gaits, making it a pleasure to ride. Dressage is considered 'classical training' because it uses gymnastic exercises-a series of movements and figures-which have been studied and developed for centuries. When done systematically and correctly, the exercises will cause the horse to be supple on both sides and to respond willingly and obediently, moving freely forward with pure gaits and an even tempo." -

What is Dressage?

The USA Equestrian Rule Book dressage definition:

"The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible but also confident, attentive and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.

These qualities are revealed by:

*The freedom and regularity of the gaits;

*The harmony, lightness and ease of the movements; *The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originating in a lively impulsion;

*The acceptance of the bridle with submissiveness throughout and without any tenseness or resistance.

The horse thus gives the impression of doing of his own accord what is required of him. Confident and attentive he submits generously to the control of his rider remaining absolutely straight in any movement on a straight line and bending accordingly when moving on curved lines.

His walk is regular, free and unconstrained. His trot is free, supple, regular, sustained and active. His canter is united, light and cadenced. His quarters are never inactive or sluggish. They respond to the slightest indication of the rider and thereby give life and spirit to all the rest of his body.

By virtue of a lively impulsion and the suppleness of his joints, free from the paralyzing effects of resistance the horse obeys willingly and without hesitation and responds to the various aids calmly and with precision, displaying a natural and harmonious balance both physically and mentally.

In all his work even at the halt the horse must be on the bit. A horse is said to be on the bit when the neck is more or less raised and arched according to the stage of training and the extension or collection of the gait and he accepts the bridle with a light and soft contact and submissiveness throughout. The head should remain in a steady position as a rule slightly in front of the vertical with a supple poll as the highest point of the neck and no resistance should be offered to the rider.

Cadence is shown in trot and canter and is the result of the proper harmony that a horse shows when it moves with well marked regularity, impulsion and balance. Cadence must be maintained in all the different trot and canter exercises and all the variations of trot and canter.

The rhythm that a horse maintains in all his gaits and paces is fundamental to Dressage."

"Classical riding is about acquiring the knowledge to tune into the horse so that his natural grandeur and abilities are freed up and maximised." Sylvia Loch

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