fun fact! while that move is mainly for show now, it originated from when we used horses in wars and battles so they trained the horses to do this and absolutely obliterate anyone behind them
(yes that means someone would be on the horse while it does this)
I am in love
Holy whoa
If I remember right, we don’t actually have much (and by that I mean any) evidence of the “airs above the ground” (which is what the whole set of fancy, high end, hard as hell dressage moves are called) actually being used in warfare.
They were, in fact, more for what they just did-being really fucking impressive. Aaaaand the reason a crapton of royal military painting use these same damn moves. Look how strong my horse is! Look how well trained he is! Look at what a goddamn good rider I am! Fuck yeah, I’m just that much better and more badass than you! Go pick a fight with someone else.
Besides… you ah, you really don’t want your horse’s belly exposed like that in the middle of a fight. That’s a good way to get a gutted horse, and probably a dead rider. Which would put a crimp in your day.
However! It’s still cool as shit. (The curious should totally check youtube for Lipizzaner horses [I can just about promise most if not all the horses below are Lipizzans or Andalusian/Lusitano]and/or haut ecole dressage. Even if your not a horse-y person, its just fucking impressive.)
Levade: horse holds a position on hind legs, roughtly 30-35* from the ground. (As I understand it, the tighter the angle, the better….?)
Capriole: literally “goat jump”, it’s that one up there ^^^, a horse jumps from a raised position and kicks out with his back feet
Ballotade: Like the capriole, the horse jumps almost straight up, with all four feet tucked underneath their body. Alas, no gifs, but he literally looks like he’s fucking flying.
Courbette: horse raises up on his hind legs, tucks the forelegs under and legit does a bunny hop. The more hops, the more fucking impressive.
Mezair: Take the courbette, untuck those forelegs and tell the horse to lash out, like he’s trying to beat someone’s brains in. For reals. Again, no gifs tho.
And last but not least, not technically an “airs above the ground” but generally taught along side ‘em and just as fucking hard-the Piaffe. Like Donkey said, look at me, I’m trottin in place!
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