The Art of Harmony — Dressage
Dressage is one of the most graceful and technically complex disciplines in equestrian sport.
It evaluates rhythm, balance, precision, and the harmony between horse and rider.
Often described as “ballet on horseback,” dressage combines discipline, sensitivity, and artistry in every movement.
🕰 History
Dressage originated in Ancient Greece as a form of military training. Riders taught their horses not only strength and speed but also obedience, agility, and precise movement in battle.
The modern version took shape during the 17th–18th centuries in European military academies.
The famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna became the cradle of classical dressage — preserving centuries-old traditions of communication and balance between horse and rider.
🌍 On the International Stage
Dressage is governed by the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) and has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912 (Stockholm).
Today, competitions are held at several levels:
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Grand Prix – the highest level, used in the Olympics and World Championships
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Intermediate / Prix St. Georges – advanced competitive levels
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Freestyle – artistic performances choreographed to music
Each movement is scored by judges on a scale from 0 to 10:
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0 – not executed
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5 – satisfactory
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10 – excellent
The final result is calculated as a percentage.
A score of 70% or higher is considered excellent, while above 80% marks the world’s elite performers.
🇰🇿 Dressage in Kazakhstan
Dressage in Kazakhstan is steadily developing. Modern arenas and training centers operate in Almaty, Astana, and Karaganda.
The Kazakhstan Equestrian Federation organizes competitions according to FEI standards and prepares young athletes for international events.
More and more Kazakhstani riders are competing abroad, and some sports schools have already introduced dressage into their training programs for children and youth.
🌟 Interesting Fact
In dressage, the highest possible score — 10 points — is extremely rare. It symbolizes absolute harmony between horse and rider.
In 2010, the legendary stallion Totilas became the first in history to score over 90%, setting a world record that remains a benchmark to this day.