Origin of some dressage moves

[Stella2]

Could anyone say something about the origin of some dressage moves - renvers, shoulder in, shoulder fore and what is the name for flexing the head and ? neck to the outside, whilst keeping the body straight? Is the purpose of these moves simply to demonstate skill, obediance etc or do they serve other purposes such as suppling?

[amadeorider]

i thought that all dressage originated from the marines and stuff, when they used to do drills and displays. they had to demonstrate a good relationship between horse and rider so that they could outsmart the enemy and have total control of their horse at the same time? that might be a load of rubbish and im totally wrong, but if it is right then they must have been some of the most elegant looking soldiers ever!

[IrisSilverMoon]

^^^^^^^no, you were right...but it wasn't marines back then, just military. The cavalrys developed these movements for fighting in battle.