Always wanted to know: Markers of the dressage arena

Recently we received a question for ‘Always wanted to know’. The question was ‘Why do we have these markers around the dressage arena and why in this order. We did some research with some international judges, but they did not know the answer. Thanks to some Anky fans, we now have the answers for you!

The markers of the dressage arena originate from the markers around the old Imperial German Palace stable courtyard which doubled up as a schooling arena as it was so huge. These letters were chosen by the German Cavalry.  They had a 20 x 60 meter area in between the barracks which had the letters posted above the doors. The letters in the middle of the arena are D-L-X-I-G, with X marking the center.

They used this markers and each marker has his own meaning:
K          Kaiser/Konig- Emperor/king
F          Furst- Prince
V          Vassal- Servant
P          Pferdknecht- Groom
E          Ehrengast- Guest of honour
B          Bannertrager- Standard bearer
S          Schatzkanzler- Chancellor of the exchequer
R          Ritter- Knight
H          Hofmarschall- Lord chancellor
M          Meister- Steward

The letters starting from the point of entry and moving clockwise, are A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F. A number of mnemonic devices are used to remember this sequence, such as the phrase ‘All King Edwards’ Horses Can Make Big Fences’. Letters also mark locations in the middle of the arena, moving down to the center line, there are D-X-G with X in the center. The standard arena for the Z level and higher levels is 20 m by 60 m (66x197 ft). The standard dressage arena letters are A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F.