Posts Tagged ‘dressage horses’

Since the time of the early Greeks, horses have been used in military maneuvers. This early use of the horse brought about the need for extensive training before they could be maneuverable enough to be considered military ready. The training and discipline these horses endured was documented by the early Greek General Xenophon, who wrote the training documentation that was the earliest writing of the principles of dressage.

Created around 350 B.C. in Greece, his writings conveyed the importance of selection, care and training of horses for both military and general uses. Dressage horses are subjected to non-abusive, progressive training methods that utilize the natural athletic ability and intelligence of the horse.

In the horses’ early incorporation into the military, the heavy horses were the horse of choice of the time due to the fact that they needed to be able to transport knights in full armor onto the battlefield. This burdensome task called for strong, heavy horses. As cavalries became the military norm, the hot blooded and swifter Arabians and Thoroughbreds were bred with the heavy horses to come up with a faster style of horse to fit their purposes.

The breeding of the heavy horses with the swifter hot blooded horses, gave birth, literally, to the lineage of warm blooded horses that are the earliest lineage to the current dressage horses most popularly used in dressage events of today.

As a natural progression of the training regimen of these early dressage horses, and their primarily military uses, it led to the inclusion of the dressage equestrian events in the Olympics. In 1912, the equestrian disciplines of dressage, jumping and eventing were officially included in the Summer Olympic Games.

Dressage can be performed by all types and breeds of horses, as its training principles are effective on all different types. Dressage competitions of today vary and all breeds are allowed to compete, however the warmbloods usually dominate the upper levels of competitive dressage, due to their inborn natural agility and athleticism.

Author: Nicky Oostveen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The word “dressage” is derived from the French word meaning “training.” Its origins can be traced back over 2000 years, when the Greeks used dressage as a means of training for war. During that time, fighting on horseback is advantageous and so it was very important for the horse to be in sync with its rider. Dressage would entail movements such as pirouettes, piaffes, and courbettes — those which can be used in the battlefield.

While the Greeks didn’t use dressage saddles when riding horses, it is said that they used jointed snaffles to aide their maneuvering. The beginnings of a proper dressage saddle would be developed by the Assyrians about 700-800 BCE, and consisted of a cloth attached around the horse’s girth.

The art of dressage declined during the Middle Ages when soldiers began to use armor to protect themselves. Their horses would be covered in heavy armor that weighed from 50 to more than 150 pounds, therefore hindering any complex movements that classical dressage entailed. The dressage saddle evolved into a stronger piece of equipment that could reliably support an active soldier. The cantle and pommel became higher so that the rider wouldn’t be unseated. The seat was padded with wool or horsehair and covered in leather — something similar to the dressage saddle of today.

The Renaissance period saw the comeback of dressage as warfare made the transition into firearms for combat. Armor was significantly reduced as one could engage the enemy from a great distance. The battles in this era called for chargers — horses swift in movement so that strategic formations within the army could be executed. Dressage once again comprised of critical action on the part of the horse.

It was also during the Renaissance that the design of dressage saddles began to branch out. In England, as foxhunting became popular, so did it call for a modification of the saddle structure. The pommel and cantle had to be lowered so that jumps would be safer and more comfortable. The flap’s angle was also adjusted so that the equestrian saddle could achieve a better position during a high jump.

The dressage of today came about during the Twentieth Century in the standards of Olympic sports. Rather than being used for war, dressage has become a competitive sport practiced by all countries in the world. Men and women of all ages are now welcome to take part in this activity that is both fulfilling and enjoyable. It is regarded as a time-honored tradition that encourages lightness, balance, and harmony between the rider and his horse.

Author: Brooks Wiley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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