Well-known in Europe in the fourteenth century, the observation of horse's teeth goes back at least two thousand years. So, what does an equine dentist do, and which horses could benefit from their practices? An experienced horse dentist would basically equilibrate a horse's teeth in various ways. All horses could benefit from the services of an equine dentist, although only a small proportion receives them.

Understanding horse owners would call in an equine dentist as part of the standard procedure knowing that it will surely improve the horse's performance and prolong its life even up to a decade. Many horses have persistent problems which cause uneven eating, distortions of facial muscle development and a build-up of pressure, which in turn can lead to constant headaches. Incorrect filing can radically change the angle of impact and effectively prevent the horse from eating.

Ironically, only veterinary practitioners are legally empowered to practice equine dentistry, although many are not capable of the most basic form of it. This may be because in dressage both the horse and its rider demonstrate the power, suppleness and joy related to ballet. At its best dressage is a sport of beauty and is only possible when there is a true partnership with the horse and rider.

The impact made by Xenophon on the equine skills of Ancient Greece show through in the present dressage. A dressage saddle is used within dressage only; this is an English-style saddle. Although very formal there are many competitions in dressage throughout the world, these cater for all abilities. Certain movements are to take place in the vicinity of specific letters.

Riders taking part in competitive dressage realise they need to concentrate on the piaffe, passage, half-pass, extended trot, and tempi changes. Grooming not only allows us to give our horses a neat healthy coat, it also gives us the opportunity to go over our beautiful animals from head to toe, to notice any abnormalities such as cuts, wounds, irritations, fevers that your horse may have developed.