Dressage, a French word that means training, is a lovely equestrian sport that developed from the military training of cavalry horses. When combined with art during the Baroque period,
Haute Ecole horses performed equestrian ballets for kings and emperors.
The purpose of dressage is to make the horse the best riding mount possible by improving its obedience, strength, suppleness and balance. With correct schooling, the horse can move under saddle as elegantly as he can at liberty. The horse is made more beautiful and comfortable in his gaits, and his soundness is preserved.
Audiences can still enjoy the equestrian artistry of dressage. At the Olympic Games, horse and rider teams from all over the world display their mastery of movements once ridden in the courts of Europe.