What Are The Benefits Of Dressage?
Charles de Kunffy gives a wonderful definition of Dressage and its ideals in his book, Training Strategies for Dressage Riders. “Dressage, in general, is horsemanship that is based on love and respect for horses. It is aimed at the improvement of the horse’s natural abilities to fulfill his ultimate potential. It results in a happy horse that usually lives longer, stays healthier, and performs better and for a longer time than one not dressaged. The method of dressage includes only natural means for the development of the horse. It is based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust between horse and rider. It is based on kindness and reward rather than punishment, and it excludes the use of force.” Classical Dressage is not torture, but an art with the quest to let go of our own ego and become one in harmony with our horse. In classical dressage you base your training on the understanding that for a horse to work in a happy, healthy and balanced manner there must be: Rhythm Relaxatio
