Dressage: Definitions, Articles, Training - Dressage is a French word meaning "training". Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless. For this reason, dressage is occasionally referred to as "Horse Ballet." Although the discipline has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, mainly through the influence of Xenophon, dressage was first recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance in Western Europe. The great European riding masters of that period developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then and classical dressage is still considered the basis of trained modern dressage. Dressage Disciplines Dressage World British Dressage Dressage Today: About Dressage All About Dressage Dressage Discipline Info Classical Dressage Everything You Wanted To Know About Dressage To Music Dressage Unlimited Ultimate Dressage Online Guide To Dressage Long & Low The Straight Horse The Turn on the Haunches Training the Dancer Flying Changes Training Level Test 1 Dressage Prospects: Power Vs. Finesse Topline Construction Back to Articles main page