Why are dressage letters so chosen and positioned?

Question

Refers to horse riding dressage

Answer 1

The letters are positioned to help the rider determine at what point to make the next movement. I found them confusing when i first started dressage. They were first choosen in the Old German Imperial Court. But they were differant from the American version. In other countries such as England have 10 more letters than us. because they have bigger arenas. Hope this helps

Answer 2

i don't actually know why they were so chosen, but I do remember when I was learning to ride the easiest way to remember the basic (20 x 40) letters was the following rhyme:

All

King

Edward's

Horses

Carry

Many

Blundering

Fools

Answer 3

There are two theories: one is that they are the initials of the cities the Romans first conquered.

The most likely explanation for the dressage letters comes from the days of the Old German Imperial Court.  Courtiers representing the various dignatories would be positioned around the stable yard in a strict order with the horses ready to ride.

The ranks were:

K = Kaiser

F = First Prince

P = Pferdknecht/Ostler

V = Vassal

E = Edeling/Ehrengast/Guest of Honour

B = Bannertrager/Standard Bearer

S = Schzkanzier/Chancellor of the Exchequer

R = Ritter/Knight

M = Meier/Steward

H = Hofsmarshaller/Lord Chancellor