Curvet

/kɜːrˈvɛt/ noun

Definition

A horse's leap where all four feet leave the ground and the back legs kick up; a prancing or leaping movement.

Etymology

From Italian 'corvetta,' diminutive of 'corva' (curved), or French 'courbette' (a curving leap). The term comes from the curved trajectory of the horse's jump.

Kelly Says

Classical dressage uses curvets as a prestigious movement—the horse leaps forward in an arc, which looks like it's dancing! This is a real competitive movement in equestrian sports.

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