whatisdressage
So
what exactly is Dressage!!
dres·sage (dr
-säzh
, dr
-) [French, preparation, training, dressage, from dresser, to set up, arrange, train, from Old French drecier, to set up, arrange.]
"To
the untrained eye it looks easy, but like many equestrian sports, it
serves the needs of a diverse range of horse lovers. It's an Olympic
equestrian sport; yet a basic training discipline for the backyard
horse. Dressage teaches a horse to be obedient, willing, supple and
responsive. The horse freely submits to the rider's lightest "aids" or
body signals, while remaining balanced and energetic. The object of
dressage is the harmonious development of the horse in both mind and
body, and every horse, regardless of its type or use, can benefit from
this training. Dressage principles are a logical, step-by-step
progression from simple to increasingly complex movements. More and
more is asked of the horse as it becomes mentally and physically ready
to respond to these demands. The graceful movements performed in
competition may look effortless, but are the result of years of
training. The aids should be virtually imperceptible. A squeeze of the
calf, a closing of the fingers, a shifting of the rider's weight in the
saddle should be all that is necessary to tell the horse what is
required. Dressage requires the horse and rider to combine the strength
and agility of gymnastics with the elegance and beauty of ballet. The
result is truly the best blend of sport and art. The highlight of a
dressage competition is the Musical Freestyle in which the
rider creates and
choreographs to music an original ride of compulsory
figures and movements."
- The United States Dressage
Federation
Last modified April 24 2006 03:09 PM
