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Dressage
Dressage is considered by many equestrians to be the most advanced form of riding, as it requires years of training on the part of both horse and rider.
The term dressage is French for “arrangement,” or “training,” and its roots probably originate from the training of military horses. Military horses needed to be supple, powerful, well collected, and highly trained, all traits which are highly valued in dressage horses. All horse breeds can be used for dressage, although Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Lipizzanas and Iberians are all popular choices. British Dressage Ltd was set up in January 1998 to take over as the governing body of the sport. With more than 13,000 members, 10,000 registered horses and 2,000 days of competition per year, dressage is one of the fastest growing Olympic equestrian disciplines.
During a dressage routine, the horse performs a number of complicated physical movements which require immense physical control. The dressage horse has a strong, muscular conformation combined with an extravagant, elevated movement so stability of the horse’s limbs is essential. This is achieved in part by providing the horse with a supportive, broader shoe, especially those with ‘tighter’ hoof conformation, typical of continental breeds. Conventional metal shoes have been widely used in dressage and have been the best option for many years but they transmit rather than absorb shock and limit the hoof’s natural ability to flex during high impact movement. However, their protective role is essential in maintaining the integrity of the hoof wall.
