In the world of equestrianism, where grace, precision, and harmony reign, classical Haute Ecole movements stand out. These exquisite maneuvers, rooted in tradition, epitomize equestrian elegance and mastery. Let’s explore this captivating realm, its history, mesmerizing movements, and significance in warfare and performance shows.
A Glimpse into History
Classical Haute Ecole originated in the Renaissance era, flourishing in European courts as a display of aristocratic prowess. Initially used to train warhorses, it evolved into an art form. Philip Astley, a former cavalry Sergeant Major, introduced these movements into the 1st Circus established in 1770 in London.
The Essence of Haute Ecole Movements
Classical Haute Ecole encompasses meticulously executed movements, demanding harmony between horse and rider. These movements, marked by grace and balance, symbolize the unique bond between human and equine.
1. Piaffe
The piaffe, often referred to as the “dance in place,” is a cornerstone of classical Haute Ecole. In warfare, this movement allowed mounted knights to maintain their position on the battlefield while keeping their horses alert and responsive. The rhythmic cadence of the piaffe provided a formidable presence, instilling fear in adversaries and showcasing the skill and training of both horse and rider.
2. Passage
The passage, a majestic display of elevated trotting It was utilized in warfare to maneuver through enemy lines with agility and precision. This elevated gait allowed cavalry units to navigate rough terrain while maintaining speed and readiness for engagement. The passage served as a strategic asset on the battlefield, showcasing the power and agility of well-trained warhorses.
3. Pirouette
The pirouette, a breathtaking 360-degree turn executed in place. It was employed in warfare to evade enemy attacks and outmaneuver opponents. This nimble movement allowed cavalry units to quickly change direction and engage adversaries from unexpected angles. The pirouette exemplified the agility and responsiveness of warhorses, providing a tactical advantage on the battlefield.
4. Levade
The levade, a dramatic movement in classical dressage, involved the horse raising its forehand off the ground while maintaining a deeply bent position at the haunches. In warfare, the levade was utilized as a defensive maneuver, allowing mounted knights to protect themselves from enemy attacks. This imposing stance presented a formidable barrier to adversaries, showcasing the strength and discipline of warhorses trained in classical Haute Ecole.
‘Modern Dressage’ includes the first three movements above, demonstrating their enduring significance. Jane Savoie’ s Dressage 101 is one of my favorites to recap on the basic movements.
Horse Performance Shows and the big four Haut Ecole Schools showcase all these movements and beyond. The schools train their stallions from 6 years old to perform in classical dressage and especially talented stallions are taught in the ‘Airs above ground’ movements. You can visit the schools and watch them train and perform to this:
- Spanish Riding School in Vienna,
- Cadre Noir in Saumur,
- Portuguese Equestrian School in Lisbon,
- Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez.
Airs above ground movements
In classical Haute Ecole, there are several “air above ground” movements, which are particularly breathtaking and demonstrate the exceptional athleticism, strength, and training of the horse. These movements involve the horse leaving the ground entirely or performing in a highly elevated manner. Here are some of the most notable air above ground movements:
Pesade
The pesade is a striking display of strength and balance, where the horse lifts its forehand off the ground and holds it in a vertical position. This movement requires the horse to engage its hindquarters and abdominal muscles to support its weight in this elevated position. The pesade showcases the horse’s incredible strength and collection, as well as its willingness to perform highly demanding manoeuvres. It was historically used in warfare as a defensive posture, allowing the horse and rider to present a formidable obstacle to adversaries. The movement is the basic movement of the ‘Airs above the ground’.
Levade
The levade is a highly collected movement where the horse raises its forehand off the ground while maintaining a deeply bent position at the haunches.
Courbette
In the courbette, the horse rears up onto its hind legs and then jumps forward while keeping its forelegs off the ground. This movement requires considerable strength and coordination from the horse and is a display of power and agility.
Capriole
The capriole is perhaps the most famous of the air above ground movements. In this manoeuver, the horse leaps into the air, tucking its forelegs beneath its body while kicking out with its hind legs. The capriole showcases the horse’s ability to perform powerful and coordinated leaps.
Croupade
Similar to the capriole, the croupade involves the horse leaping into the air and tucking its hind legs beneath its body. However, in the croupade, the horse keeps its forelegs on the ground, creating a more compact and controlled movement.
Ballotade
The ballotade is another variation of the capriole, where the horse kicks out with its hind legs while keeping its forelegs off the ground. This movement requires precise timing and coordination from both horse and rider.
In classical Haute Ecole, these movements transcend athleticism, embodying artistry, discipline, and devotion. Each movement tells a story of the enduring bond between horse and rider, forging a connection that transcends time and space.
I hope you enjoyed this blog on exploring the elegance of Classical Dressage Haut Ecole Movements its heritage and connection into the entertainment and horse performance show world.
Happy trails till next time.
