continues to grow throughout the world as a sport and a pastime. Initially, dressage's fundamental purpose is to develop, through training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. Many consider dressage as a necessary part of any horse's training, regardless of the discipline which they will compete in.

In competition, the rider and horse performed various movements and judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to ten. Competition occurs in a regulation size arena with specific apparel and equipment.

At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless.

Some of the most spectacular Dressage performances occur during the Grand Prix Freestyle (Kür) which is performed to the accompaniment of a musical score, often tailor-made for the performance. Freestyle is the pinnacle of Dressage execution and when it works, the result is breath taking.

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