Classical Riding has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, through the influence of Xenophon around 400 B.C. Classical riding styles were first developed in the Middle Ages as movements essential in battle. The classical riding style known as dressage was again recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance in Western Europe . Masters developed training techniques that have become the foundation of competition dressage today. Early European aristocrats displayed their horses training in equestrian pageants which became precursors for today's exhibitions.

The primary purpose of the classical riding is to develop, through training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. Dressage, the French word for exercise or training, is often referred to as Horse Ballet.

Noble Horse's performances display elegant horse and riders who have studied the art of classical riding extensively. Training begins from the ground up, so our shows feature ground driving and in hand training. Performances also include solos as wells as drills of two, three, four and even six horses and rider combinations.

Two horse and rider combinations perform in unison, either mirroring each other or side by side. It takes great precision and timing to create a Pas De Deux.

Noble Horse features many 19 th century carriages. These restored antique carriages are used in both the shows and to give carriage rides on Michigan Avenue .

The horse is trained to perform classical movements without the aid of the rider via long reins. A handler drives the horse from several feet behind. Horses perform intricate movements of the passage, piaffe, levade, capriole, and piaffe.

Quadrilles are formations of four, six, eight or even more horse and rider pairs moving in unison. The history of Quadrilles dates back to military exhibitions.

The horse performs under instruction of the handler without saddle or bridle. This takes a special bond between horse and handler to perform with only the aids of body language and voice

The Airs above the ground are a series of higher-level dressage maneuvers where the horse leaps above the ground. These moves are performed by horses at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and the Cadre Noir in Saumur. Andalusians, Lusitanos, and Lipizaans are most often trained to perform these movements today, due to their powerfully-conformed hindquarters. Our famous Andalusian stallions Goloso, Acierto, and Gitano perform these movements throughout the shows. The Airs are as follows:

•  The levade : a position wherein the horse raises up both front legs, standing at a 45 degree angle, entirely on its hind legs in a controlled form that requires a great deal of hindquarter strength.

•  The courbette : a movement where the horse balances on its hind legs before jumping, keeping his forelegs off the ground and his hind legs together as he "hops."

•  The capriole : a jump in place wherein the stallion leaps into the air, tucking his forelegs under himself, and kicking out with his hind legs at the height of elevation.