Dressage Evolution: From Medieval Warriors to Renaissance Masters

The history of dressage is more than just the movements we see in modern competition—it’s an ancient art rooted in warfare, diplomacy, and the refinement of the equestrian arts. In this deep dive, Rupert Isaacson explores the evolution of horsemanship from the medieval period through the Renaissance and the early Baroque era, tracing how combat training transformed into the high art of dressage we know today.

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This video uncovers how medieval cavalry tactics, Iberian horsemanship, and Renaissance academies laid the groundwork for classical dressage, including how early masters like Duarte, Grisone, Fiaschi, and Corte shaped the riding principles that continue to influence us today.

If you’re passionate about historical equestrianism, classical riding, or the philosophy of horse training, this episode is a must-watch.

⏳ Timestamps for Key Periods in Dressage History:
📌 5:00 – The Fall of Rome and the rise of medieval cavalry
📌 10:00 – The Iberian influence: Moors, Spain, and the roots of classical horsemanship
📌 15:00 – The Portuguese King Duarte and the first written principles of dressage
📌 22:00 – Grisone’s riding academy and the origins of collected work
📌 28:00 – Fiaschi, music, and the integration of arts into horsemanship
📌 35:00 – The Gonzagas, Ferrara, and the Renaissance academies
📌 42:00 – Pignatelli, the missing link between combat and classical dressage
📌 50:00 – How Renaissance horsemanship set the foundation for modern riding

In this video, you’ll learn:
✔️ How medieval warfare shaped the biomechanics of dressage
✔️ The role of Iberian horses in the development of classical riding
✔️ Why Renaissance horsemanship was both a practical necessity and an art form
✔️ The surprising connection between bullfighting, cavalry, and haute école movements
✔️ How early riding academies paved the way for modern equestrian disciplines

The Renaissance was a golden age of horsemanship where elegance and effectiveness blended into the refined art of dressage. Understanding the influence of early horse masters and their techniques gives us a deeper appreciation of the classical principles of balance, collection, and lightness—fundamentals that remain at the heart of great riding today.

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📚 Books Mentioned:
The Italian Tradition of Equestrian Art: A Survey of the Treatises on Horsemanship from the Renaissance and the Centuries Following https://amzn.to/43SGQni

💬 What era of horsemanship fascinates you most? Drop a comment below—we love discussing the forgotten history of dressage!

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