Dressage is one of the oldest forms of Classical Riding in the world. The foundation for Dressage began in Vienna, Austria at the military installation known as the Spanish Riding School. Being a military installation the school was closed to the public and for years only a privileged few such as presidents, heads of state, kings, queens, and dignitaries were allowed to view the performances of these magnificent animals.

At one time The Riding School housed large numbers of stallions in the past now there are less than 30. During the past and yet today the mares are used for breeding while only the stallions perform. The school uses one breed of horse only, The Lipizzan. The Lipizzan is born black and turns white as it matures. For years the Lipizzan has been under the protection of the Austrian government. A protected breed, the Lipizzan's of the Spanish Riding School were not allowed to leave Austria or even breed to mares out side of the School. The only Lipizzan's allowed out of the country were those found unsuitable for the Dressage Program. Now the school sells stallions ( although not many) and the Piber stud in Austria has a list of colts, stallions, mares and fillies for sale on a regular basis.

Often as many as 70 - 75 mares came be found in resident at the stud with foals. Usually the older horses are sold or are chosen for the school.

During World War II the Lipizzan and the Spanish Riding School were in danger of being eliminated. The mares and stallions had been separated and Austria was on the verge of invasion. The head of the Riding School needed help! He turned to a long time admirer of the Lipizzan, U.S. General George Patton. Thanks to the efforts of U.S. soldiers and General Patton the magnificent white horses were saved from extinction as the Army brought the mares out of occupied territory. The story of this daring undertaking was portrayed in a movie, "The Miracle of the White Stallions."

Unlike times past, today the Lipizzans can be found all over the world. They are bred and sold everywhere! The United States has several Lipizzan farms. The Spanish Riding School is now open to the public and branch groups of riders and Lipizzans tour the world entertaining people from all walks of life. Some traditions have not changed over the years. It has always been and still is the policy of the Spanish Riding School to keep one black horse on the premises. They consider it to be good luck. Dressage has had a real face lift throughout the years. 

What about Dressage in the 90's? Dressage is a difficult, technical, and very disciplined form of riding, an Art! It takes years to develop a horse to the highest level of Dressage, Grand Prix. Unlike in the past, Dressage is an open sport today. Professional and amateur riders alike on all breeds of horses are competing side by side. The modern Dressage show circuit is very structured. There are numerous levels of Dressage, Intro Level - FEI Grand Prix  (See "The Tests".)

The level system was developed by committees of the AHSA - American Horse Show Association and the USDF - United States Dressage Federation. Dressage training is helpful for any breed of horse regardless of the discipline he/she is in. The objective of Dressage is to obtain harmony between horse and rider. The horse should be relaxed and should use his back by pushing off with his back feet instead of pulling himself forward with his front feet. He should be "on the bit" which means chewing, frothing, and not leaning on the reins. He should over track meaning that his back foot should step beyond the foot print left by the front foot. His face should be vertical.

A great team (horse/rider combination) should appear to function as one unit, performing the movements effortlessly. It should appear as though the rider is just sitting there and the horse is executing the movements all on his own! This is a very simple explanation of the Dressage objective but gives you a general idea of the goals involved. Any horse who achieves these objectives will be easier to handle and more relaxed and as a result will perform better no matter what discipline he is in.

The Fdration Equestre Internationale is the international governing body of Equestrian sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee. It is the organization, which establishes rules and regulations for the conduct of international equestrian events in the Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Vaulting and Endurance Riding disciplines.  Click the image at the right to learn more:

In the U.S., Dressage is governed by the United States Dressage Federation (USDF).  Click the image to the right to learn more.  The USDF organization is divided into geographic regions.  Click HERE to visit the USDF Region 9 website (Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma)

The Southern Eventing and Dressage Association (SEDA) formerly the Louisiana / Mississippi Dressage and Combined Training Association (LMDCTA) is a local group whose mission is to educate and offer opportunities to equestrians.  Click the image to the right to learn more.

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