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Model # P1180

Shown in Bay

Dressage developed from the high-school equitation of the 15th to 18th centuries, which was popular in the royal courts of Europe. Movements that had originally been developed for use in battle were combined into a demonstration of horsemanship that show-cased the stamina, agility

and obedience of the horse and the skills of his rider. Dressage as a competition sport was only developed in Europe in the first part of the 20th century, and Dressage was first included in the Olympic Games in 1912, at the Stockholm Olympic competition.The horse chosen for Dressage schooling needs to possess specific traits and abilities.
He needs to be a well balanced athletic horse, with an alert, confident temperament. The paces and gate of the horse will greatly influence his ability to perform the dressage movements, and even though training can improve the horses movements, there is no good substitute for natural athleticism. A good ground covering walk is the first quality to look for, followed by an elastic trot, and a light, fluid canter. Combining these movements will result in a promising dressage student. After rider and horse are properly matched, it becomes a focus of dedication and ongoing training, which will last for years.The horses most often preferred for Dressage are the Warmblood, particularly Dutch and German, and the Thoroughbred with his long frame and spirited temperament. Better yet, a horse combining the best of both: a Warmblood with enough Thoroughbred blood to lighten up the heavy bone structure. This "combination" horse will do very well in competition and command a high price.
It is a delicate balance of skill and temperament between the rider and his horse, which combine to create the gracefully elegant Dressage movements.
With regard to this Dressage model, the horse rises and draws up his forelegs into a bent position, and rests on his hindlegs with the hocks sharply bent. A temporary defiance of gravity.

Size: Height 4 1/2", Length 4"