What is Dressage?
Dressage is a French term meaning "training." Although the
discipline has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, 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 is still
considered the basis of modern dressage.
The fundamental purpose of dressage is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, the horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse.
Judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from 0 to 10 - zero being "not executed" and 10 being "excellent." A score of 9 (or "very good") is considered a particularly high mark.
The dressage tests performed at the Olympic Games are those of the highest level, Grand Prix. This level of test demands the most skill and concentration from both horse and rider.
Dressage horses also compete in freestyles. When riders and horses perform to specially choreographed patterns to music it is called "freestyle". Freestyles are offered at Training through Grand Prix Levels. For the freestyle, judges award technical marks for the various movements, as well as artistic marks.
Eventing is an equestrian triathlon which comprises a dressage test, a cross country jumping test and a stadium jumping test. This event has its roots as a cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding. There are several "levels" from Beginner Novice through Advanced. The sport was once referred to as the "Military".
Eventing
competition that resemble the current competitions were first held in 1902, at
the Championnat du Cheval d'Armes in France, but were not introduced into the
Olympic Games until 1912. Dressage originally demonstrated the horse's ability
to perform on the parade ground, where elegance and obedience were key. Cross
Country began as a test of stamina, courage, and bravery over difficult terrain,
important for a horse on long marches or if the horse was asked to carry a
dispatch across country. TheStadium Jumping phase sought to prove the horse's
continuing soundness and fitness after the difficult cross-country day.
The Olympic eventing competition was originally open only to male military officers in active duty, mounted only on military charges. In 1924, the event was open to male civilians, although non-commissioned Army officers could not participate in the Olympics until 1956. Women were first allowed to take part in 1964; equestrian sports are one of the few Olympic sports in which men and women compete against one another.
The South Dakota Dressage Society also supports the development of the Hunter / Jumper disciplines in the Region.
Horses used in hunter over fences and hunter under saddle
(or "flat", non-jumping) classes are called Show Hunters, and are judged on
their movement, way of going, manners, and jumping form. Conformation is judged
to some extent as well. Thus, smooth, quiet-moving, well-built horses with an
excellent temperament are desired. A related flat class in many breed
competitions very similar to Hunter Under Saddle is English Pleasure - Hunter
Type, called simply "English Pleasure" in some places. Although a somewhat
different style of horse than the classic hunter may be shown, the goals of good
manners, performance, quality and conformation are still emphasized.
Horses may be of any breed. Regardless of breed, the horse should have a long stride with little knee movement, good jumping form with correct bascule, and should be well-mannered. For top level competition, movement and jumping form become increasingly important.
The show jumper is generally a horse that has more power and energy than a show hunter. Because only jumping ability is scored, conformation, manners, and way of going are critical only as far as they affect soundness and ability to jump. Jumpers are often taller and more powerfully built than hunters, often with a bit more speed. Horses may be of any breed.