Balotade

/ˌbæloʊˈtɑːd/ noun

Definition

In horsemanship and dressage, a leap or jump where a horse raises both front legs and springs forward without the back legs leaving the ground.

Etymology

From Italian 'ballotata' or French 'balotade,' derived from 'ballotter' (to toss or bounce), reflecting the horse's motion; the term became standard in classical dressage vocabulary.

Kelly Says

The balotade is pure equestrian artistry—it's one of the most difficult classical dressage movements where the horse basically has to hop on its hind legs, and it requires years of training to perfect, making it the 'pirouette of jumping.'

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