Dressage is rooted in classical Greek horsemanship and was influenced by the athletism needed from the mounts of knights and warriors of the Middle Ages. However, it was not until the Renaissance Era that dressage was recognized as a worth while pursuit for equestrian acheivement. The great riding masters (generally still military personnel) of this period developed a logical training system which has changed little over the last hundred years. What has changed is the reason for the training. Origionally, most dressage like movements were required on the battle field to evade enimies, or on the parade grounds to impress royalty; today, however, dressage is used as a basic training method to develop the athletic ability of the horse. This ability can be tested in formal dressage competitions.
Any horse can (and should) be schooled in dressage to maximize the horse's - and rider's - potencial. The best dressage horses will have excellent bacis gaits (walk, trot and canter) together with a good temperament and sound conformation. The horse naturally suited for dressage will have athletic gaits, be light on its feet and have the scope to take short, springy strides as well as free, long and swinging ones.
