DRESSAGE TEST LEVELS EXPLAINED

Our dressage tests have been designed shorter than a normal dressage test so that the video file size can be kept small. This makes them compatible with use on the Internet. Even though they are shorter than a conventional dressage test they are still testing and educational for both you and your horse. They have been tried out by a number of different riders of varying abilities on a wide range of horses. The levels are as follows:

Download the tests

STARTER DRESSAGE TESTS
ARE AIMED AT:

• ANY RIDER WANTING TO GAIN EXPERIENCE
• NOVICE HORSES
• NERVOUS OR NOVICE RIDERS
• DISABLED RIDERS
• RIDING SCHOOL PUPILS
• FIRST TIMERS

The judge will be looking for:

INTERMEDIATE DRESSAGE TESTS
ARE AIMED AT:

• MORE EXPERIENCED RIDERS ON YOUNG OR NOVICE HORSES
• SCHOOL MASTER HORSES WITH YOUNG OR INEXPERIENCED RIDERS
• RIDERS WHO HAVE COMPETED IN DRESSAGE BEFORE
• RIDERS WHO FEEL READY TO PROGRESS FROM THE STARTER TESTS

The judge will be looking for all the skills in the Starter Dressage Tests, plus:

• A rounder outline
• Relaxed throughout
• A greater degree of flexion and suppleness.
• A greater degree of engagement, i.e. working ‘uphill’
• A difference within the paces i.e. be able to lengthen and shorten the stride
• Some lateral work

ADVANCED DRESSAGE TESTS
ARE AIMED AT:

• HORSES AND RIDERS WHO ARE COMPETING REGULARLY
• HORSES WHOSE FLATWORK IS WELL ESTABLISHED
• RIDERS WHO ARE WANTING COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK BEFORE THEY MOVE UP A GRADE

The judge will be looking for all the skills in the Starter and Intermediate Dressage Tests, plus:

• Established collected, working, medium and extended work.
• Established lateral work
• Working with total engagement