How to Ride the Training Level Test One Dressage Test
Training level dressage is quite simple, requiring only walk, free walk, trot and canter. If a horse and rider can perform all the gaits and steer reliably around the dressage court, they should be able to do Training Level Test One. Here is how to ride the test.
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Things You'll Need
- Suitable dressage or hunt seat tack and attire
- A dressage court (rectangular ring, 20 x 60 meters with dressage letters placed around it)
Instructions
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1
Enter the arena at the working trot and stop at X (the middle of the arena, between E and B), then salute. Proceed in the working trot.
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2
Turn left at C (middle of the short side of the arena in front of the judge). At E (middle of the long side), make a 20-meter circle to the left at the trot. When you get back to E, continue trotting down the long side.
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3
Between K (corner letter) and A (middle of the short side where you enter), pick up the left lead canter. Canter around the arena until you reach B (middle of the long side).
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4
At B, do a 20-meter circle to the left at the canter. Between the centerline and B, break to the trot. When you reach B again, continue along the long side at the trot.
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5
When you reach C, break to the walk.
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6
At H (corner letter), do a free walk across the diagonal, through X to F (opposite corner). A free walk is a loose, swinging walk where the horse is allowed to stretch his topline on a long rein.
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Gather your reins at F and continue walking around the corner until you reach A, then trot.
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8
When you reach E, do a 20-meter circle to the right at the trot.
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Between H and C, pick up the canter on the right lead and canter on around the corner.
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When you reach B, do a 20-meter circle to the right at the canter. Between the centerline and B, break to the trot. When you reach B, continue trotting along the long side and around the corner.
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When you reach A, turn up the centerline and trot until you reach X. Halt and salute, then exit the ring on a loose rein.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to stay relaxed and keep your horse relaxed through the whole test.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images
