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The Dressage-Arena-Letters

Where did the dressage-arena-letters originate?....

I have read so many different versions of the origins of the letters that it is impossible to know what is fact and what is folklore. And what about the strange choice of letters?

A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F-D-L-X-I-G-?

Wouldn’t a sequence be easier?

There is speculation as to why these dressage-arena-letters were chosen. Some think that as far back as the 19th century the ménage of the German cavalry was surrounded by barracks designated by these letters.

In any case what is important is the reason for marking an area whether it be a dressage-arena, a ménage, a field ......

A point of reference for riding figures and movements will help you stay correct and accurate. In training and riding it helps you to evaluate the straightness of the horse and the accuracy of your aides.

Remember riding-tips...#2 ?

"Riding is the art of communicating to the horse your desire to be carried from point A to point B..... (on his back)....:)"

Well, the letters will help you do this without accidentally veering off course or taking the scenic route.....

Remember, the basics of the training of the horse, are the same for any equestrian pursuit. What we are looking to do with our riding ....

...is to develop the horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to work, making him calm, supple and attentive to his rider. (USDF)

Regardless of our riding styles at the basic level it does not matter what saddle you ride in or .....who your friends are. :)

Visualization

The dressage-arena-letters can help us visualize whether you think of dressage as:

a competitive sport,

or as an art,

I like to think of the dressage-arena as a canvas. Visualizing a picture that you are drawing helps you to ride the figures and the movements in a more relaxed, yet precise manner and it makes it fun!

No you do not have to be an artist but you do need to be able to visualize the finished product of what you are trying to create. Many of us have an easier time learning things if we can visualize them rather then memorize them.

Lets Get Started... by taking a look at the size and proportion of our canvas. It comprises a rectangle made up of 3 - 20 x 20 meter squares. X is the center of the rectangle. Notice the distance from the end of the arena to M-F-K and H.