Royal Mews Dressage Arena

Dressage Arena

Measuring 70' by 140', the floor of the arena raked out sawdust, with markings across the centre line and quarters, and is often used by troops and nobles in practising with their horses.

Here one hears words like capriole, courbette, croupade, and levade... all part of the keen and fashionable equestrians dictionary.

Such sights one might witness as a horsewoman showily trotting her mount 'piaffe' (trotting in place) then performing a 'pirouette'. Such majesty... it can be no surprise that on occasion King Charles has a orchestra play while steeds execute moves that can be described as nothing else but Equestrian ballet.

The Dressage Arena is a favourite haunt of William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle: Master of Horse to Charles II of England.

Exits to:
 * Privy Garden
 * Knightsbridge Barracks
 * St. James' Park