Equestrian Olympic Games - Dressage

Author: Arthur Archer
Equestrian Olympic Games - Dressage:

The origin of dressage, this type of training can be tracked back to Greece. This is traced back to the third and fourth century Greeks. Ancient Greeks studied in the system of training there horses, both artistically and as an efficient means of improving there cavalry performance. Greeks realized that a properly trained obedient horse would be of much greater use to the riders wish, Hence of more use for the soldier's to have in there possession. If a proper trooper was on a horse he could not control, he was in turn of no use to his fellow soldiers.


Therefore improving the cavalry was of great importance to the Greeks. Greek horsemen were innovators of devising a systematic approach to the keys of horse management. General Xenophon was one of the first to write two books on the subject of horse training. In the world of modern and changing of constants, its very interesting that Xenophon's theories on training and riding horses is just as much value as it was at his time. Today what General Xenophon's style and training is now called dressage.

It's interesting to note that the word dressage is actually a French word, it was not a widely used word to describe this classic form of horse training until the time of the early eighteenth century. The word dressage is derived from the French word dresser, this in turn means "to train or adjust". Of course, the true goal of what we call dressage training is for our horse to produce harmony and peace with its rider. Competition's in dressage will test the physique and ability of the horse, this will also place a high degree of demand and understanding between the horse as well as the rider. As with the Olympic Games, A most advanced part of the international test, competition must be able to with stand the Grand Prix test. Each of these riders are given the same amount of time to complete this test, all competition must ride the same. A prescribed test and demonstration of a variety of figures and movements. These entries are to be judged on how they execute these required tests of movements.

Almost any breed of horse may be trained in the art of dressage, usually the larger European breeds are chosen. These include the Swedish Warmblood or the German Hanoverian, these types of horse are well suited for this type of training and are very popular. If you are thinking about dressage training, there are some points to look for in the horse itself. The horse should be energetic, and show an interest to the rider, the horse also needs to under the riders control, also willing to carry out the riders commands. Control and energy are what were looking for in the quest of the proper horse for dressage.


If its only to read and study about the history and love of things Equestrian.

It still holds a lot of information and learning potential for your mind to develop on something new.

See the potential and learn about things that are Equestrian today.

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