Dressage comes from the French “dresser,” meaning “to train.”
It is the systematic and progressive education of the horse to enhance balance, suppleness, and responsiveness. Its goal is to create a partnership in which the horse moves with lightness, harmony, and confidence under the rider. In competition, dressage demonstrates the degree of this training.
The horse performs movements that are based on its natural way of going – such as transitions, circles, and lateral work – but now executes them on request, with rhythm, precision, and ease. At its core, dressage follows a structured training scale: rhythm, suppleness, connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection. Each step builds upon the previous one, ensuring that progress is gradual, gymnastic, and fair to the horse.
True dressage is not about forcing a shape but about developing the horse’s physical and mental abilities so that it can carry itself and its rider in balance and self-carriage. The result is a horse that remains attentive, supple, and willing – hallmarks of both classical and modern ideals.
For more information, go to the FEI Website.