Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Joyce P. Kaufman

Abstract

This paper has two main areas of focus. The first area details the history and development of dressage, from its original military function into its current form as an Olympic sport. The second area presents psychological tools and methods that can be used by all dressage riders to enhance performance and the relationship between horse and rider. The history of dressage and the psychological tools that help riders reach their optimal mental state may seem unrelated. However, there is a correlation. The history of dressage records how conflicting philosophies and psychological outlooks during different time periods affected the training of horses and the relationship between horse and rider. The history of different philosophies, psychologies and their results have given modern competitors enough information to make a choice as to which philosophy of riding and training they will follow in order to reach their personal goals. The psychological tools suggested in this project complement the training philosophy that I consider to be most beneficial to both horse and rider. This paper will be presented in two segments. The first is the history and development of dressage which will show the opposing philosophies and their results. The second segment will consist of the psychological tools that are consistent with the ideal of periods in time where the relationship between horse and rider were most harmonious and dressage was at its height as a form of art.

Comments

WSP Major: Business of Competitive Sport

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