The word “dressage” is derived from the French word meaning “training.” Its origins date back more than 2,000 years, when the Greeks used dressage as a means of training for war. During that time, fighting on horseback is advantageous, so it was very important for the horse to be in sync with its rider. Dressage would involve moves like pirouettes, piaffes, and courettes, those that can be used on the battlefield.

While the Greeks did not use dressage saddles when riding horses, they are said to have used jointed bits to help them maneuver. The beginnings of a proper dressage saddle were developed by the Assyrians around 700-800 BCE. C. and consisted of a cloth tied around the horse’s waist.

The art of dressage declined during the Middle Ages when soldiers began to wear armor for protection. Their horses would be covered in heavy armor weighing anywhere from 50 to over 150 pounds, making the complex movements involved in dressage difficult. The dressage saddle evolved into stronger equipment that could reliably support an active soldier. The ridge and pommel were made higher so that the rider would not be knocked over. The seat was padded with wool or horsehair and covered with leather, somewhat similar to today’s dressage saddle.

The Renaissance period saw the return of dressage as warfare transitioned to firearms for combat. Armor was significantly reduced as one could engage the enemy from a great distance. Battles in this era required chargers: fast-moving horses so that strategic formations within the army could be executed. Dressage is once again understood as a critical action on the part of the horse.

It was also during the Renaissance that dressage saddle design began to branch out. In England, as fox hunting became popular, it also required a modification to the frame of the saddle. The pommel and the edge had to be lowered so that the jumps were safer and more comfortable. The fin angle was also adjusted so that the equestrian saddle could achieve a better position during a high jump.

Today’s dressage arose during the 20th century in the standards of Olympic sports. Instead of being used for warfare, dressage has become a competitive sport practiced by every country in the world. Men and women of all ages are now welcome to participate in this activity that is both rewarding and enjoyable. It is considered an ancient tradition that promotes lightness, balance and harmony between the rider and his horse.