Dressour

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The schooling of a horse to respond to subtle commands and perform controlled, precise movements, as practiced in competitive equestrian sport
2. Methodical training of a horse so that it executes refined gaits and figures in response to the rider's gentle signals
3. Equestrian instruction aimed at developing a horse's obedience, balance and suppleness through systematic exercises

Etymology: The French verb "dresser" once meant to set upright or make straight, from Vulgar Latin "directiare," which comes from Latin "directus," "straight." Its sense of arranging and preparing things gradually extended to preparing and training animals, and from that came "dressage," the French noun for training a horse to respond precisely to its rider's aids. The form "dressour" is an older French-influenced spelling, and the modern English standard is "dressage." Both trace back to the same French root, so the term's core idea is still putting something into right order: a horse trained to move correctly and obediently under its rider.