The word "levade" is a term commonly used in dressage and refers to a particular high-angled movement performed by a horse. Its spelling can be explained by its IPA phonetic transcription: ləˈvɑd. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a strong "v" sound and ending with an "a" sound pronounced in a more open way. This word is frequently misspelled as "levadee" or "levada", but the correct spelling is vital for those in the equestrian world to communicate and understand each other's movements properly.
The term "levade" refers to a highly skilled and stylized movement in the equestrian discipline of dressage. A levade is a classic maneuver in which a trained horse raises its forelegs off the ground and brings its haunches down, flexing its hindquarters to an extreme degree. Primarily performed in place, the horse maintains a rigidly elevated stance, with the front legs remaining at a slightly shorter angle than the hind legs. This movement creates an impressive display of power, strength, and balance.
The levade is considered a highly advanced and difficult maneuver, requiring exceptional training, strength, and collection from the horse. It showcases the horse's ability to engage its hindquarters while demonstrating precision in maintaining the balance throughout the movement. Historically, the levade was a warhorse maneuver used on the battlefield to avoid an attack or to intimidate opposing cavalry.
The levade is often seen as a precursor to the high-school level movement, the pesade, in which the horse achieves an even higher elevation, creating a 90-degree angle between the forelegs and the ground. Both the levade and the pesade are considered high-level movements and are typically reserved for experienced and highly trained dressage horses.
Overall, the levade is a breathtaking and impressive display of equine athleticism, strength, and harmony between horse and rider. It is a testament to the horse's ability to execute complex and demanding movements while maintaining poise and grace.
The word "levade" is derived from the Old French term "lever" meaning "to lift" or "to raise". In the equestrian domain, "levade" specifically refers to a highly controlled vertical movement of a horse in which it raises its forelegs off the ground while keeping its hind legs partially bent. The term has evolved from its French origins to become a noun in several languages, often retaining its original meaning in the equestrian context.