Dressage

“All human beings love horses. I think everyone is thankful for the many ways a horse will make himself useful, giving willingly of the work we expect from him, and also the pleasure he gives us in so many other ways. A rider who loves not his horse will only bring danger upon himself. When I speak of strength and courage, I do not mean brutal and daring riders, but I mean the relaxed strength of the rider who allows the horse to move in a more natural, balanced and elegant way. These characteristics of the good rider lead him on the road to perfection.

Difficulties have to be overcome by allowing sufficient time to strengthen the horse’s muscles. It is this which makes many think that dressage is pointless. Thus many riders neglect those gymnastic exercises so necessary to achieve suppleness, balance, obedience, and collection. Without these exercises, no horse will show good free movements and allow the rider to sit comfortable, regardless of the use to which the horse is put by the rider-fox hunting, jumping, the riding of intricate figures, or all of these pursuits. Therefore, it does not make any sense to debate these unwarranted opinions. Art speaks for itself.”

La Guerniere, Paris 1733

Dressage

“The objet of the Classical Art of Riding is to train the horse not only to be brilliant in the movements and exercises of the High School, but also to be quiet, supple, and obedient, and by his movements and exercises of the High School, but also to be quiet, supple, and obedient, and by his smooth movements to make riding a true pleasure.”

Alois Podhasky 1967

Dressage

“The ideal is to train the horse and so obtain harmony and perfection in all movements between rider and horse so that they appear to be as one.”

(R. Watjen, 1958)

Dressage

The word dressage comes from the French word dresser, which means to train. Although currently referred to as the discipline by which one competes with the intent of performing finely executed schooling movements, dressage essentially encompasses the correct training and development of a horse, mentally and physically. The development of the advanced training of horses was a necessary utility for a horse to be used during battle, in particular, the high school movements (haute école). The dialogue of masters, who imparted profound knowledge to this discipline, dates back to around 400 BC, whereby a Greek commander by the name of Xenophon established the first principles on classical riding. Since then, there have been a few men to whom we can ascribe the title of “masters.” It is because of these men that passed on their knowledge, that we have the tools to develop this sport into an art form.

Throughout this website one may find principles laid down by these honorable masters, whose words bring out the extravagance and grandeur inherent in each horse’s capacity. In Portugal, it was the work of the 4thMarquess of Marialva, which made such a lasting impact on Portuguese equitation and the training of the Lusitano. Thus dubbed the Art of Marialva, through a progressive system of exercises, he was able to set down a code of rules for the suppling and development of the Lusitano for mounted bullfighting in the region. Although applicable to all breeds, it is a system of training that can be still seen today at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art and Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. There is no doubt of the affinity this breed has for the precision, agility, strength, and concentration required for this type of work.

Every year, more and more riders are seen at dressage competitions with Lusitanos, including the Brazilian and Portuguese team, who exclusively ride Lusitanos at Grand Prix Olympic competitions.

dressage