Dressage is a French word, which can be translated as “Training” and is sometimes referred to as “Horse Ballet”.

Dressage has ancient roots. Equestrians began practicing dressage in the Renaissance period. European riders created a progressive training program that is still in use today. Referred to as classical dressage, these programs are the framework of modern dressage.

Dressage involves competitive horse training, with many levels from amateur to the Olympics. Its main purpose is to develop a horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to perform which improves it’s function as a riding horse.

Dressage horses move through a standardized program of progressive training methods. At the peak of development, a dressage horse should smoothly respond to a rider’s commands by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless.

Reitabzeichen is a dressage riding badge described in the German Riding Association text book. The Reitabzeichen consists of training scales divided into three phases: acclimatization, development of thrust and, finally, the development of carrying capacity.

Dressage Flix is a large collection of dressage videos, showing wonderful dressage video performances by horses and riders from around the world.

Here is one of our favorites. This video is of Anky Van Grunsven riding her horse Keltec Salinero at the WEG2006 Freestyle Dressage Final. “Queen of the Kur!”