A "baucher" is also a type of bit , named after the man.
83-474: François Baucher (1796–1873) was a French riding master whose methods are still debated by dressage enthusiasts today. His philosophy of training the horse changed dramatically over the course of his career and is often considered in two distinct phases or "manners." Baucher published a number of works on equitation, including the Dictionnaire raisonné d'équitation , "Reasoned dictionary of equitation" in 1833;
166-412: A canter more hopping than a jumping motion. He further claimed that the piaffe was incorrect, with stiff hind legs and the horses stepping sideways or backwards, the forelegs having little action since the horse was on the forehand, and the hind legs having most of the action. He said the passage was stiff, instead of elastic and springy, and Baucher had to use a great deal of leg, spur, and whip to keep
249-583: A coefficient. Scribing (also known as pencilling or writing) is the writing down of the scores and comments of judges at dressage events so that the judge can concentrate on the performance. In addition to this, the scribe should check the identity of each competitor, and ensure that the test papers are complete and signed before handing them to the scorers. The scribe should have some knowledge of dressage terminology, be smartly dressed and have legible handwriting. The scribe should also be professional in manner, neutral and not engage in small talk or make comments. It
332-426: A horse collects, more weight moves to the hindquarters. Collection is natural for horses and is often seen during pasture play. A collected horse can move more freely. The joints of the hind limbs have greater flexion, allowing the horse to lower the hindquarters, bringing the hind legs further under the body, and lighten and lift the forehand. In essence, collection is the horse's ability to move its centre of gravity to
415-399: A horse is galloping and excited, it may be necessary to use even more rein pressure to ensure the restraining aids are respected, which may even result in a harsh jerk. This is reserved for the worst-case scenario, when the horse needs to be rapidly re-balanced (for example, due to an upcoming obstacle ), and usually only occurs if the horse is ignoring the rider or if the rider did not prepare
498-400: 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, the horse responds smoothly to a skilled rider's minimal aids . The rider is relaxed and appears effort-free while the horse willingly performs the requested movement. The discipline has a rich history with ancient roots in
581-658: A recognized show and perhaps even the FEI levels of competition." Scribing or pencilling is also an integral part of a judge's training as they look to become accredited or upgrade to a higher level. At the international level, dressage tests governed by the FEI are the Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I, Intermediare II, and Grand Prix. The dressage tests performed at the Olympic Games dressage competition are Grand Prix. This level of testing demands
664-409: A single- or double-joint is most commonly seen. Harsher snaffle bits, such as twisted wire, corkscrews, slow-twists, and waterfords are not permitted, nor are pelhams , kimberwickes , or gag bits . Upper level and FEI dressage horses are shown in a double bridle , using both a bradoon and a curb bit with a smooth curb chain. Traditionally, the snaffle is used to open and lift the poll angle, while
747-439: A stop-go motion, and much of the work was therefore done at the walk, which Baucher termed "the mother of all gaits" (directly opposing the masters before him, who mostly worked in the trot). Baucher would continue in the walk until he could perform very tight changes of direction. He then moved onto the trot, and transitions between the walk and trot, keeping the effet d'ensemble the whole time. The rassembler , an exercise that
830-413: A value of 2, which then doubles the marks given for that segment. Movements that are given a coefficient are generally considered to be particularly important to the horse's progression in training, and should be competently executed prior to moving up to the next level of competition. The scores for the general attributes of gait, submission, impulsion, and rider performance mentioned above are scored using
913-447: A widely accepted classical dressage principle. Techniques from his first period are still employed today. In particular, direct and lateral flexions are prescribed by many popular natural horsemanship trainers and clinicians including Pat Parelli and Clinton Anderson . The controversial practice of rollkur is sometimes erroneously labelled Baucherist due to the flexion observed, however Baucher instructed his flexions to be performed on
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#1733093720586996-417: Is also a part of Portuguese and Spanish bullfighting exhibitions. Dressage tests are the formalized sequence of a number of dressage movements used in competition. Although horses and riders are competing against each other, tests are completed by one horse and rider combination at a time, and horses and riders are judged against a common standard, rather than having their performance scored relative to
1079-414: Is indeed one of the greatest criticisms of the method . Some advocated the use of galloping, free gaits, or spurring to get the needed impulsion. Baucher never included an exercise for impulsion in his book. The closest idea he had was a technique of getting the horse to respond extremely quickly off the leg, by barely touching the horse with his calves, before immediately spurring him (without use of hand) if
1162-421: Is often attributed to the evolution of Baucher's "second manner", there is no indication this is in fact the case . His "second manner" emphasizes the importance of teaching the horse to keep his neck upright, carry it himself without the aid of his rider, and continually sustain his optimal balance and mobility. The ramener was still used as a control device, however in this latter mode Baucher no longer pulled
1245-489: Is permissible to use abbreviations provided they are accepted and intelligible. According to the United States Dressage Federation, "Anyone can volunteer at a schooling show to scribe. Schooling shows are not recognized as official shows but are a great way to practice riding tests or to learn to scribe for a judge. Once you have scribed at a schooling show and at the lower levels, you may ask to scribe at
1328-399: Is segmented into a number of sequential blocks which may contain one or more movements. Each block is generally scored between zero and ten on a scale such as the following: Since 2011, all international tests, and some national tests have also allowed half marks (0.5 – 9.5) in all blocks. Along with each mark a "comment" may be given, which can describe things a rider and horse lack during
1411-636: The Dialogues sur l'équitation , "Dialogues on equitation" (with Louis Charles Pellier) in 1835; and the Passe-temps équestres , "Equestrian pastimes" in 1840. Baucher's most celebrated work is the Méthode d'équitation basée sur de nouveaux principes , " Method of riding based on new principles "; the earliest extant edition is the third, published in 1842. The numerous following editions up to 1863, when his contract with his publishers expired, are essentially reprints of
1494-810: The Spanish Riding School in Vienna , Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre in Lisbon, Portugal, and the Cadre Noir in Saumur . Baroque horse breeds such as the Andalusian , Lusitano and Lipizzan are most often trained to perform the "airs" today, in part due to their powerfully conformed hindquarters, which allow them the strength to perform these difficult movements. There is a popular belief that these moves were originally taught to horses for military purposes, and indeed both
1577-410: The half-halt and vibrations to decrease muscular tension. To do so, he rejected his long-time use of simultaneous application of hand and leg, and came up with the idea of 'hand without legs, legs without hand.' In this method, the rider's hand was used to regulate action and the rider's legs acted to increase impulsion. This was a great change from Baucher's earlier techniques—keeping horses sharp to
1660-520: The Duc de Nemours, M. Thirion, and especially the German equestrian Louis Seeger . Baucher's method went strongly against the traditional philosophy of his time, which maintained that one could not balance and collect a horse without movement. Baucher believed the opposite, that balance and collection must be developed at a halt before movement should be introduced. He also drew searing criticism due his claim to be
1743-538: The Grand Prix test. Once the team medals are determined, horses and riders compete for individual medals. The team competition serves as the first individual qualifier, in that the top 25 horse/rider combinations from the Grand Prix test move on to the next round. The second individual qualifier is the Grand Prix Special test, which consists of Grand Prix movements arranged in a different pattern. For those 25 riders,
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#17330937205861826-676: The Spanish Riding School and the Cadre Noir are military foundations. However, while agility was necessary on the battlefield, most of the airs as performed today would have actually exposed horses' vulnerable underbellies to the weapons of foot soldiers. It is therefore more likely that the airs were exercises to develop the agility, responsiveness and physiology of the military horse and rider, rather than to be employed in combat. The earliest practitioner who wrote treatises that survive today that describe sympathetic and systematic training of
1909-504: The USDF in America, British Dressage, Dressage Australia etc.). The lower levels ask horses for basic gaits , relatively large circles, and a lower level of collection than the international levels. Lateral movements are not required in the earliest levels, and movements such as the leg yield , shoulder-in , or haunches-in are gradually introduced as the horse progresses, until the point at which
1992-430: The animal did not immediately move off. However, this technique did not provide a great deal of impulsion. With the effet d'ensemble established at the halt, Baucher begins work at the walk. If at any time the horse loses the softness of the jaw and neck, it is re-established within the gait or, if it can not be established there, the animal is immediately brought back to the halt until the horse submits. This resulted in
2075-415: The animal's training, temperament, balance, and the situation in which the half-halt is given. The degree of the aid is usually performed by instinct and feel, a result of experience from the rider, and often one half-halt will be slightly different from the one preceding it, depending on the horse's balance and the requirements of the upcoming exercise. However, the aids should not be so great that they signal
2158-415: The arena for dressage tests to specify where movements are to be performed. Cones with letters on them are positioned on the sidelines of the arena for reference as to where a movement is to be performed. The small arena is 20 by 40 m (66 by 131 ft) and is used for the lower levels of eventing in the dressage phase, as well as for some pure dressage competitions at lower levels. Its letters around
2241-497: The arena — at C, E, B, K, F, M, and H — which allows the horse to be seen in each movement from all angles. This helps prevent certain faults from going unnoticed, which may be difficult for a judge to see from only one area of the arena. For example, the horse's straightness going across the diagonal may be assessed by judges at M and H. Although the judge's positions are known by their closest letter, only C, B, & E are actually directly behind their respective marker, with
2324-453: The bit pressure from the ground - applying gentle but consistent pressure to one side until the horse would "give", then releasing the pressure immediately. Once the horse relaxed to the right and left consistently, he would begin the jaw flexion (in effect, both sides at once, resulting in the horse giving to pressure from the bit to find the release, versus pushing against the bit, tossing his head, etc.). Baucher also incorporated flexions of
2407-406: The body follows the line of travel. Straightness allows the horse to channel its impulsion directly toward its center of balance , and allows the rider's hand aids to have a connection to the hind end. When working on straightness in the horse, a common exercise is used called 'shoulder in'. The exercise is the beginning of straightness in the horse as well as collection and can increase impulsion in
2490-476: The contact as the reins are lengthened. Contact—the third level of the pyramid—is the result of the horse's pushing power, and should never be achieved by the pulling of the rider's hands. The rider encourages the horse to stretch into soft hands that allow the horse to lift the base of the neck, coming up into the bridle, and should always follow the natural motion of the animal's head. The horse should have equal contact in both reins. The pushing power (thrust) of
2573-422: The curb is used to bring the nose of the horse towards the vertical. Half-halt The half-halt is a specific riding aid given by an equestrian to his horse , in which the driving aids and restraining aids are applied in quick succession. It is sometimes thought of as an "almost halt," asking the horse to prepare to halt in balance, before pushing it onward to continue in its gait. The main purpose of
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2656-420: The discipline became an international sport with the influence of Olympic Equestrian competition. The rules on permitted cavessons (nosebands) saddles, saddle pads, etc., are subject to change and do change as more and more styles and stylish equipments are introduced into the marketplace. Dressage horses are shown in minimal tack . They are not permitted to wear leg protection including boots or wraps during
2739-441: The discipline. It is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, mirroring the leg of the dressage rider, which is long with a slight bend in the knee, a deep seat and usually a pronounced knee block. Dressage saddles have longer billets and use shorter girth than other types of English saddles to minimize the straps and buckles underneath the rider's legs. The saddle is usually placed over a square, white saddle pad. Colored trim on
2822-408: The dressage phase of eventing. Riders are not allowed to use Kineton nosebands, due to their severity. Beads and colored trim are permitted along the brow band of the bridle. The dressage horse at lower levels is only permitted to be shown at recognized competitions in a snaffle bit , though the detail regarding bitting varies slightly from organization to organization. The loose-ring snaffle with
2905-451: The first to articulate a reproducible method of achieving lightness with horses of any conformation or breed. His most outspoken adversary and rival, Louis Seeger , in 1852 published Herr Baucher und seine Künste - Ein ernstes Wort an Deutschlands Reiter , "Monsieur Baucher and his Methods". Seeger wrote that his impression of the horses was poor, that they lacked energy and impulsion with the hind legs dragging out behind them, especially at
2988-490: The freestyle, judges award technical marks for the various movements, as well as artistic marks. In the case of a tie, the ride with the higher artistic marks wins. Competitive dressage training in the U.S. is based on a progression of six steps developed by the German National Equestrian Foundation. This system is arranged in a pyramid or sequential fashion, with "rhythm and regularity" at the start of
3071-435: The front and hind legs in rhythm. The second level of the pyramid is relaxation (looseness). Signs of looseness in the horse may be seen by an even stride that is swinging through the back and causing the tail to swing like a pendulum, looseness at the poll, a soft chewing of the bit, and a relaxed blowing through the nose. The horse makes smooth transitions, is easy to position from side to side, and willingly reaches down into
3154-409: The great importance put on the hand and preparation of the forehand, using the reinback to shift the center of gravity backwards and to increase respect for the hand, there is no exercise used by Baucher to increase respect for forward movement and impulsion or preparation of the hindquarters. Many of Baucher's students had issues with the lack of impulsion resulting from using his technique, and this
3237-523: The ground or at a halt, never sustained and not in motion. Despite the misunderstanding and controversy surrounding Baucher's "first period", many trainers today are finding validity in the work he did during his career. The flexions which Baucher developed, Grand Prix movements such as tempi changes, and the principle of "hand without leg, leg without hand" are all familiar to contemporary students of horsemanship. The beloved and much-studied classical dressage trainer Nuno Oliveira also studied Baucher and, in
3320-444: The half-halt is to rebalance the horse, asking it to carry its weight slightly more on his hindquarters and less on its forehand . Additionally, it may be used as a warning signal to the horse, calling its attention back to the rider to tell it that it is about to be asked to do something, such as perform a transition between or within a gait, make a turn, perform a difficult movement, or jump an obstacle. It can also be used to encourage
3403-408: The haunches, including rotations of the croup around the shoulders. This intended to teach the horse to keep his haunches straight and to help move them backward in the rein back . The rein back was used to teach the horse to move his whole body mass away from the bit (to increase the power of the hand), and also to help close the angles of the hind legs, which would help increase impulsion . Despite
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3486-577: The horse can compete in the FEI levels. Apart from competition, there is the tradition of classical dressage , in which the traditional training of dressage is pursued as an art form. The traditions of the masters who originated Dressage are kept alive by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre in Lisbon, Portugal, and the Cadre Noir in Saumur, France. This type of schooling
3569-460: The horse going (contrary to the correct way, where the rider appears to be doing nothing at all), and that horses would throw themselves around in the pirouette , instead of easily turning around. Contemporary critics include some modern dressage riders who are opposed to Baucher's "first period" training techniques on the basis of its perceived harshness, while the principle of "hand without leg, leg without hand" (from his "second period") has become
3652-407: The horse is called impulsion , and is the fourth level of the training pyramid. Impulsion is created by storing the energy of engagement (the forward reaching of the hind legs under the body). Proper impulsion is achieved by means of: Impulsion can occur at the walk, trot and canter. It is highly important to establish good, forward movement and impulsion at the walk, as achieving desirable form in
3735-457: The horse is required. The half-halt may be performed two ways, both of which are commonly used by various skilled horse people. The first is a split-second application of the driving aids, to create energy, which is then quickly and immediately harnessed with the restraining aids, and then released. The second is the opposite approach: an application of the restraining aids, asking the horse to "almost halt" and bring its hindquarters under itself in
3818-410: The horse properly in advance. The driving aids are created by the legs and by softening the seat. According to Thomas Ritter, the best time to apply the half-halt is the moment when the hind leg it is meant to control touches the ground. "When it first touches down in front of the vertical, it carries, i.e. the haunches flex. That is the correct moment for the half halt. As soon as the hind leg passes
3901-408: The horse should stand still. Applying both hands and heels to effect collection was termed the effet d'ensemble . A prominent aspect of Baucher's method is "flexion" (and relaxation) of the horse's jaw in response to light pressure from either the snaffle or curb bit. Indirectly, this motion was intended to effect flexion at the poll. This part of Baucher's training taught the horse to relax to
3984-570: The horse to make a transition. In dressage , the primary restraining aids will be made by bracing the lower back and briefly preventing the hips from following, while adding slight rein pressure, although very well-trained and sensitive horses will respond simply to a deepening of the seat. When jumping, especially if the rider is in two-point position, the rider may instead apply the restraining aids by sinking down slightly into their heels and bringing his shoulders more upright, adding slight rein pressure as needed. In extreme situations, such as when
4067-435: The horse to take a lighter contact with the bit. The half-halt should not make the horse break into a different gait. However, repeated half-halts are used to help collect a gait. The gait that it's in needs to half halt to get right on to the next gait, as in a gallop. Half-halts are universally useful, regardless of riding discipline, although they are used in great abundance in the dressage arena, where perfect control of
4150-752: The horse was the Greek general Xenophon (427–355 BC). Despite living over 2000 years ago, his ideas are still widely praised. Beginning in the Renaissance a number of early modern trainers began to write on the topic of horse training, each expanding upon the work of their predecessors, including Federico Grisone (mid-16th century), Antoine de Pluvinel (1555–1620), William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle (1592–1676), François Robichon de La Guérinière (1688–1751), François Baucher (1796–1873), and Gustav Steinbrecht (1808–1885). The 20th century saw an increase in writing and teaching about Dressage training and techniques as
4233-445: The horse's nose towards his chest. Instead, he advised the rider push the horse's body closer to its head (fixed by the rider) so that flexion of the poll increased and the head became vertical. This technique had its origins in the rassembler . The effet d'ensemble was no longer used on horses to re-establish lightness, but for certain horses that were resistant and defensive, in order to achieve submission. Baucher then began using
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#17330937205864316-449: The horse. At the apex of the training scale stands collection. It may refer to collected gaits: they can be used occasionally to supplement less vigorous work. It involves difficult movements (such as flying changes ) in more advanced horses. Collection requires greater muscular strength, so must be advanced upon slowly. When in a collected gait, the stride length should shorten, and the stride should increase in energy and activity. When
4399-537: The horse. According to Seeger, who watched Baucher ride in Berlin: The whip seems to be a necessary instrument for Mr. Baucher. One never sees him without it, nor riding without using it ... Mr. Baucher uses it with extraordinary severity.' Over the course of his lifetime, Baucher made various modifications to his methodology. Baucher was severely injured during mid-life when a large chandelier fell on him while preparing one of his horses for exhibition. Though this accident
4482-807: The international equestrian governing body called the Fédération Équestre Internationale or FEI. The highest level of modern competition is at the Grand Prix level. This is the level test ridden in the prestigious international competitions ( CDIs ), such as the Olympic games, Dressage World Cup, and World Equestrian Games . Dressage governed by the rules of the FEI include the following levels: "small tour" (Prix St. Georges and Intermediate I) Intermediate A, Intermediate B and "big tour" (Intermediate II, Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special). In addition, there are four to six lower levels, occasionally more, regulated in individual nations by their respective national federation (such as
4565-481: The judge's experience and training, with the highest qualified being registered with the FEI for international competition. Judges are strictly regulated to ensure as consistent marking as possible within the limits of subjectivity, and in FEI competitions, it is expected that all judges' final percentage be within five percent of each other. There is always a judge sitting at C, although for upper-level competition there can be up to seven judges at different places around
4648-479: The leg instead of restraining them in the effet d'ensemble . It also simplified his method, making it easier for the amateur or average horseman to replicate. This method also employed the use of only one rein at a time, instead of both. Baucher was controversial during his lifetime and his methods continue to draw divided passions from contemporary horse riders and trainers. Critics among Baucher's own contemporaries included Count Antoine Cartier D'Aure , P.A. Aubert,
4731-434: The long side of the arena. However, these are infrequently, if ever, used for competition except in a freestyle. At the start of the test, the horse enters the arena at an opening at A. Ideally this opening is then closed for the duration of the test. However, this is not always logistically possible, particularly at smaller competitions with few volunteers. Judges are registered through their national federation depending on
4814-412: The long sides of the arena, nearest the corners, are 6 m (20 ft) in from the corners, and are 12 m (39 ft) apart from each other. The letters along the center line are D-L-X-I-G, with X again being halfway down the arena. There is speculation as to why these letters were chosen. In addition to the center line, the arena also has two "quarter lines", which lie between the center line and
4897-467: The most skill and concentration from both horse and rider. Movements included in Grand Prix dressage tests are: Tests ridden at the Olympic Games are scored by a panel of seven international judges. Each movement in each test receives a numeric score from 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest) and the resulting final score is then converted into a percentage, which is carried out to three decimal points. The higher
4980-451: The movement, or what they have. Any of the definitions of each numeric mark can only be used in the comment if the mark corresponds with the definition. In addition to marks for the dressage movements, marks are also awarded for more general attributes such as the horse's gaits, submission, impulsion and the rider's performance. Some segments are given increased weight by the use of a multiplier, or coefficient. Coefficients are typically given
5063-509: The next level. The most popular horse breeds seen at the Olympics and other international FEI competitions are warmblood horses bred for dressage. In classical dressage training and performances that involve the "airs above the ground" ( described below ), the "baroque" breeds of horses are popular and purposely bred for these specialties. There are two sizes of arenas, small and standard. Each has letters assigned to positions around
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#17330937205865146-794: The other competitors. At the upper levels, tests for international competitions, including the Olympics, are issued under the auspices of the FEI . At the lower levels, and as part of dressage training each country authorizes its own set of tests. For example, in the US it is the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Dressage Federation . In Great Britain, dressage is overseen by British Dressage . Pony Clubs also produce their own tests, including basic walk/trot tests which cater for child riders. Each test
5229-467: The other judges being on the short sides (on a plane with C, and two metres in from the edge of the arena for M & H, and at the A end of the arena and five metres in from the long side of the arena for F & K) rather than on the long side where the letter would seem to indicate. Dressage competitions consist of a series of individual tests with an increasing level of difficulty . The most accomplished horse and rider teams perform FEI tests, written by
5312-465: The outside edge, starting from the point of entry and moving clockwise, are A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F. Letters also mark locations along the "center line" in the middle of the arena. Moving down the center line from A, they are D-X-G, with X being directly between E and B. The standard arena is 20 by 60 m (66 by 197 ft), and is used for tests in both pure dressage and eventing . The standard dressage arena letters are A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F. The letters on
5395-404: The percentage, the higher the score. However, in eventing dressage the score is calculated by dividing the number of points achieved by the total possible points, then multiplied by 100 (rounded to 2 decimal points) and subtracted from 100. Thus, a lower score is better than a higher score. Olympic team medals are won by the teams with the highest combined percentages from their best three rides in
5478-451: The process, then immediately applying the driving aids to maintain the gait. In both cases, the driving and restraining aids should never be applied for a prolonged period, as that will only cause the horse to lean against the bit, tighten its back, and finally ignore the aids. The yielding of the aids is just as important as the application of the aids. The degree of pressure applied by the aids will vary greatly between horses, depending on
5561-406: The pyramid and "collection" at the end. The training scale is helpful and effective as a guide for the training of any horse, but has come to be most closely associated with dressage. Despite its appearance, the training scale is not meant to be a rigid format. Instead, each level is built on as the horse progresses in training: so a Grand Prix horse would work on the refinement of the first levels of
5644-547: The pyramid, instead of focusing on only the final level: "collection." The levels are also interconnected. For example, a crooked horse cannot develop impulsion , and a horse that is not relaxed will be less likely to travel with a rhythmic gait. However, this training scale as presented below is a translation from the German to the English. Rhythm, gait, tempo, and regularity should be the same on straight and bending lines, through lateral work, and through transitions. Rhythm refers to
5727-414: The rassembler, and they contained the horse in the rassembler rather than "pulling back" as in the effet d'ensemble . This posed a problem, as the horse had been taught in the effet d'ensemble that immobility was the correct response to leg aids. Baucher's horses often became dull to the spur, making "impulsion difficult to obtain." Baucher therefore employed the whip, using taps to get movement from
5810-417: The rear while lifting the freespan of its back to better round under the rider. The "school jumps", or "airs above the ground", are a series of higher-level classical dressage movements where the horse leaves the ground. These include the capriole, courbette, the mezair, the croupade, and levade. None are used in modern competitive dressage, but are performed by horses of various riding academies , including
5893-538: The sake of mastery. As an equestrian sport defined by the International Equestrian Federation , dressage is described as "the highest expression of horse training " where "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements". Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games . Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods,
5976-444: The same book. The 12th edition, published in 1864 and called the deuxième manière or second manner , contained notable changes from his original method, and was continued in his 13th edition published in 1868. Baucher's "first manner" is characterized by an attempt to "annul the instinctive forces" of the horse. To do so, he gradually applied both hands and heels at the halt, his theory being that they should cancel each other out and
6059-486: The scores from the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special are then combined and the resulting top 15 horse/rider combinations move on to the individual medal competition—the crowd-pleasing Grand Prix Freestyle to Music (Kür) . For their freestyles, riders and horses perform specially choreographed patterns to music. At this level, the freestyle tests may contain all the Grand Prix movements, as well as double canter pirouettes, pirouettes in piaffe, and half-pass in passage. For
6142-423: The sequence of the footfalls, which should only include the pure walk, pure trot, and pure canter. The regularity, or purity, of the gait includes the evenness and levelness of the stride. Once a rider can obtain pure gaits, or can avoid irregularity, the combination may be fit to do a more difficult exercise. Even in the very difficult piaffe there is still regularity: the horse "trots on the spot" in place, raising
6225-410: The test, nor are they allowed to wear martingales or training devices such as draw or running reins or the gogue anywhere on the showgrounds during the competition. Due to the formality of dressage, tack is usually black leather, although dark brown is seen from time to time. An English-style saddle is required for riding dressage, specifically a "dressage saddle" which is modeled exclusively for
6308-438: The trot and canter relies heavily on the transition from a good, supple, forward walk. Impulsion not only encourages correct muscle and joint use, but also engages the mind of the horse, focusing it on the rider and, particularly at the walk and trot, allowing for relaxation and dissipation of nervous energy. A horse is straight when the hind legs follow the path of the front legs, on both straight lines and on bending lines, and
6391-512: The trot, and the hind legs were stiff. He claimed that they were difficult to sit, dead to the leg, moved flat, and traveled on the forehand; that they could not take up even contact with the reins and had great difficulty bending the joints of their hind legs, swishing their tail in displeasure when asked; that they were stiff at the canter, including during the one-tempi flying changes (which were not practiced or believed to be possible before Baucher first trained them), and could not collect, having
6474-417: The various levels is demonstrated through the performance of "tests", prescribed series of movements ridden within a standard arena. Judges evaluate each movement on the basis of a standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to ten – zero being "not executed" and 10 being "excellent". A competitor achieving all 6s (or 60% overall) might typically then move up to
6557-418: The vertical, however, it starts to thrust. If you were to half halt against the thrusting leg, the horse would brace against you and either go against, above or behind he bit. If you half halt when the leg is in the air, you would shorten the stride and prevent the hind leg from stepping under. It would have to set down prematurely, maybe not even reaching the vertical, much less reaching in front of it. That way,
6640-520: The white saddle pad is permitted. A dressage saddle is required in FEI classes, although any simple English-type saddle may be used at the lower levels. At the lower levels of dressage, a bridle includes a plain cavesson , drop noseband , or flash noseband . Currently, drop nosebands are relatively uncommon, with the flash more common. At the upper levels a plain cavesson is used on a double bridle. Figure-eight (also called Grackle) nosebands are not allowed in pure dressage, however they are allowed in
6723-462: The words of Bettina Drummond who studied with him for seventeen years, "achieved his phenomenal results by grafting the principles of Baucher onto a classical foundation.". Dressage Dressage ( / ˈ d r ɛ s ɑː ʒ / or / d r ɪ ˈ s ɑː ʒ / ; French: [dʁɛsaʒ] , most commonly translated as "training") is a form of horse riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an art sometimes pursued solely for
6806-424: The writings of Xenophon . Modern dressage has evolved as an important equestrian pursuit since the Renaissance when Federico Grisone 's "The Rules of Riding" was published in 1550, one of the first notable European treatises on equitation since Xenophon's On Horsemanship . Much about training systems used today reflects practices of classical dressage . In modern dressage competition, successful training at
6889-439: Was meant to increase both mobility and collection. The horse was taught to move its hind legs further underneath his body, concentrating the center of gravity. In the effet d'ensemble, the legs keep constant pressure, with the spurs used at the girth. In the rassembler, the legs were used intermittently, with the spurs applied further towards the flanks. The rein aids were also continuous in the effet d'ensemble , and intermittent in
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