Quadrille Team
(please click photo for larger image)

"Quadrille," ("quad" meaning four), quite simply, is a team of four horses and riders who perform a series of synchronized movements. The history of Quadrille is quite rich, originating to the early royal courts of Europe where performances to music on festive occasions was part of the pageantry of the times.  Famous for its quadrilles as an integral part of its performances is the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Through the years cavalries of the world performed quadrilles, today such beautiful rides being performed by the Cadre Noire of Saumur, France. Also famous in modern times for its beautiful musical ride is the Royal Mounted Police Force of Canada.

Quadrille is recognized today as offering a valuable educational and recreational activity. Horses (and riders) must be compatible and learn to balance and pace themselves in an organized fashion through the various movements and figures. Many horses actually perform better and more relaxed with music. Teams of four are used in competition, but larger teams can be used in exhibition performances.

The main criterion in competition is the team’s performance as a cohesive group. Teams are judged in Compulsory routines on their ability to performed required Dressage movements according to acceptable standards. In Freestyle competitions, creative choreography , musical interpretation and the team’s artistic skill are added to the judged criteria. Quadrille, while presenting a unique challenge to horse and rider, provides enjoyment and a special exhilaration for the team, in addition to being a real crowd-pleaser, whether the turnout is in traditional dress or more flashy costume.