Riding A Dressage Test

Here we will go through riding a basic novice dressage test, explaining what the judge is looking for, some common mistakes and how to improve.

A 20m x 40m dressage arena and markers with a rhyme to help you remember their places.

Movements 1 & 2
Make sure you allow plenty of room to turn up the centre line. Look straight at the judge and SMILE. Practise at home riding straight lines. Work away from the sides of the school or down the centre so as not to rely on the edge to keep you straight.

Do not allow your horse to fall out / drift to the right as you prepare to track left. Do not cut the corners, stay straight down the long side and maintain the same rhythm throughout.

• Movement 3
  Concentrate on riding 2 half circles. Remember a 20m circle does not go into the corners of the school. Ensure you go straight across X for 2 or 3 strides. Change your diagonal ( if rising ) and change your horses bend.
  

   

  

• Movement 4
  Show a difference after the half circles and ride correctly into the corner.

   

  Wait until you are straight to ask your horse to lengthen. This is not medium, all the judge is looking for is that your horse is learning to stretch. Lengthen his outline whilst staying in the same rhythm and not rushing. When past X start to soften and allow him to come back to working trot. ( On a more experienced horse we can work more to the marker). Aim to reach the arena side a little before the marker so you are straight and balanced for the corner.

  
  

  
  
  

• Movement 5
  Make sure you again ride the corners correctly maintaining a good rhythm. Do not allow him to run and rush after the lengthened strides. Then as 4 across the diagonal.

   

  
  
  

  

• Movement 6
  Use the corner to help you balance him and prepare for the canter strike off. It is always difficult on a young horse after a lengthen they can get the aids confused when you ask for the canter strike off. They will just go forward to lengthen again. So prepare well, ˝ halt, be very positive with your aids and once in canter do not cut the corner. Ride straight to E. Ride an accurate 20m circle then straight to F. Ask for trot as you approach F, not as you reach it so that you are trotting by F and so balanced and able to ride the corner.

   

  
  

  

• Movements 7 & 8
  Ride a balanced corner, and prepare to walk at A. It is very easy to make the transition abrupt or fall into walk. Use the corner to think about the transition. Squeeze with your legs, sit tall then walk rather than pulling with your hands. Relax in the walk, do not try to rush.

   

  B-M change rein, free walk on a long rein. This is not a LOOSE rein. Allow him to stretch down and out and lengthen his frame. Do not throw the reins at him and hold the buckle. Not only is this not correct but you will have trouble retaking a contact at B. At B pick up the contact again , not rushing and stay calm!

  At M trot. Pick up a good active trot. Use the corner to help you. Again prepare for the canter transition between C & H. Use the space and corner do not be in a rush to strike off. Ride straight down the long side and again ride an accurate 20m circle. Ride straight to K and again be trotting as you hit K.

  
  

  

• Movement 9
  By trotting as you reach K this gives you time to balance him and ride the turn up the centre line. Do not overshoot! Think about turning from K. Ride straight up the centre line and ride a positive forward halt. Do not just pull on the reins at the last second prepare the halt transition. Once stopped wait until he is relaxed, then take your hand off the reins to salute. Always pat your horse after a halt. A test is just as nerve racking for them!!

   

  
  

  As you can see the corners are very important. Not only does it show that you can ride accurately using the arena but it helps you prepare for each movement.

  Keep the rhythm and tempo consistent throughout.

  If one movement goes wrong, relax and concentrate on the rest.

  Remember to breathe!!!

  It is very easy to tense up and this is felt immediately by your horse. Enjoy it!

  The other thing to remember is that your horse will not miraculously go better than at home. Be realistic in what you hope for and PRACTICE!