Dressage dates back many years to when Greeks used it in war times, because the word "dressage" literally translates to mean "training." Discover how dressage has evolved into many levels of competition, including the top Grand Prix level, with helpful advice in this video on horse training and dressage.
So, the history of dressage is quite interesting. Dressage actually is a French word which means training. The actual definition of dressage is to train, so dressage is useful in any discipline, not just actual dressage competition. So, dressage dates back many years ago, where the Greeks actually discovered it for the use of the war times, and horses were used to different, you know, participate in different movements that that would help them participate in the wars and going against other countries. So, dressage has come a long, long way from back then, and we now use it in this day and age to compete internationally in Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, and it goes all the way up to the Grand Prix level which is where I compete. And it has many different levels from training level, first level all the way through to fourth level, Prix St. George, and then up to the Grand Prix which is the Olympic level and it's very diverse. Many people enjoy this sport all the way from junior junior riders, young riders, adult amateurs to professionals, and it's a it's a very unique sport because if you want to compete you can absolutely compete at the highest international level. And if you want to compete for fun you can do that too, and if you want to just ride as a hobby you can definitely do that as well. So, it's a very unique sport, and I enjoy it because it's very challenging and it requires a lot of dedication, a lot of time and energy and training, and a team to really keep you at that level and keep you focused and going there. And the horses, it takes years to develop a horse to the Grand Prix level; probably at least six years, and it's definitely a sport that you enjoy and stick to, and it's very rewarding.
