The "haute ecole" had virtually two purposes. One was to revive the ancient classical horsemanship of the ancient Greeks. Since there was a renewed interest in the classical arts, "ballet on horseback" definitely fit into this category. The School would perform shows to entertain the royal families and upper classes.
This advanced form of horsemanship was also used to train the horses (and riders) for battle. Since the horse was a huge advantage in the 16th and 17th centeries, it was vital to have a horse that was well trained.
1.) At 3 1/2 years old the stallions are brought to the school to be broke. Then the horses are taught the basics. Go, turn, stop. Walk, trot, canter.
2.)Then the horse is asked to do all of these things with collection and balance. Here is when the horse is introduced to the "Piaff and Passage" and other movements that are often seen in the Olympic dressage tests.
3.) Then the horse is taught to do the "Haute Ecole" which means "high school". Here is where the horse is trained to do the amazing jumps that the Lipizzaners are famous for.
In all it takes about 8 years to train a horse to the highest level of the Haute Ecole. And the horses are trained without the use of severe whips or spurs.
Click "Next" to see some of the movements and their uses in battle.
