About
Dressage (a French term meaning "training") is a path and destination of competitive horse training, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics. Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless. For this reason, dressage is occasionally referred to as "Horse Ballet." Although the discipline has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, mainly through the influence of Xenophon, dressage was first recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance in Western Europe. The great European riding masters of that period developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then and classical dressage is still considered the basis of trained modern dressage.
Early European aristocrats displayed their horses' training in equestrian pageants, but in modern dressage competition, successful training at the various levels is demonstrated through the performance of "tests," or prescribed series of movements within a standard arena. Judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to ten - zero being "not executed" and 10 being "excellent." A score of 9 (or "very good") is considered a particularly high mark, while a competitor achieving all 6s (or 60% overall) should be considering moving on to the next level.
the Levels
INTRODUCTORY LEVEL:
An introduction to
the principals of dressage and to dressage as a discipline the horse must be
submissive, have a nice rythm, be able to perform small circles.
TRAINING LEVEL:
To confirm that the
horse's muscles are supple and loose, and that it moves freely forward in
clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit.
FIRST LEVEL:
To confirm that the horse, in addition to the requirements of Training Level, has developed thrust (pushing power) and achieved a degree of balance and thoroughness.
SECOND LEVEL:
To confirm that the horse, having demonstrated that it
has achieved the thrust (pushing power) required in First Level, now shows
that through additional training it accepts more weight on the hind quarters
(collection), shows the thrust required at medium paces and is reliably on the
bit. A greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness,throughness, and
self-carriage is required than at First Level.
THIRD LEVEL:
To confirm that the horse has achieved the requirements of Second Level. It now demonstrates in each movement, especially in medium and
extended paces and in the transitions to and from collected movements, rhythm,
suppleness, acceptance of the bit, throughness, impulsion, straightness and
collection. There must be a clear distinction between the paces.
FOURTH LEVEL:
To confirm that the horse has achieved the requirements
of Third Level. These are tests of medium difficulty designed to confirm that
the horse has acquired a high degree of suppleness, impulsion, thoroughness,
balance and lightness while always remaining reliably on the bit, and that its
movements are straight, energetic and cadenced with the transitions precise
and smooth.
Objectives of the FEI levels of competition
(These tests are used worldwide.):
PRIX ST. GEORGES: Test of medium standard. This test represents the
medium stage of training. It comprises exercises to show the horse's
submission to all the demands of the execution of classical equitation and a
standard of physical and mental balance and development, which will enable him
to carry them out with harmony, lightness and ease.
INTERMEDIARE I:
Test of relatively advanced standard. The object of
this test is to lead horses on, progressively and without harm to their
organism, from the correct execution of Prix St. Georges to the more demanding
exercises of Intermediate II.
TNTERMEDIARE II:
Test of advanced standard. The object of this test is
to prepare the horses for the Grand Prix.
GRAND PRIX:
Test of the highest standard. The Grand Prix is a
competition of the highest level, which brings out the horse's perfect
lightness, characterized by the total absence of resistance and the complete
development of impulsion. The test includes all the school paces and all the
fundamental airs of the Classical High School, of which the artificial paces,
based on an extreme extension of the forelegs, are no part. For this reason,
the school leaps, no longer practiced in a great many countries, do not figure
in the test.
GRAND PRIX SPECIAL:
Test of the same standard as Grand Prix. This is a
competition of the same level as Grand Prix where especially the transitions
are a matter of great importance.
THE FREESTYLE TEST:
This is a
competition of artistic equitation to music. It includes all the required
movements and gaits of the standard tests of the same level. The competitor
is, however, absolutely free in the form and manner of the presentation he
chooses within a fixed time. The test should clearly show the unity between
rider and horse as well as harmony in all the movements and transitions.
Horses and riders of all levels may compete in freestyle in either: 1)Musical
Freestyle (Training-Fourth Level) or 2)FEI Musical Freestyle (Prix St.
Georges- Grand Prix) or 3)FEI Pony and Young Rider Freestyle.
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Training |
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1st |
1st |
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2nd# |
2nd# |
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3rd^ |
3rd^ |
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4th |
4th |
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PSG* |
PSG* |
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Int. I |
Int. I |
Int. II |
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Int. II |
GP |
GP |
Levels in bold mean it is the horses
primary level or current level. The class in non-bold is the level the
horse can also compete in with moderate sucess.
# The FEI Pony Tests are equivalent to second
level
* The FEI Young Riders tests are equivalent
to PSG
^ The FEI Junior Riders tests are equivalent
to third level
The FEI Four-Year-Old Tests are equivalent to first level
The FEI Five-Year-Old Tests are equivalent to
first level
The FEI Six-Year-Old Tests are equivalent to
third level
Horses who primary level is Grand Prix should
not be shown in any other level and/or discipline. Since GP requires a certain
level of dedication, training, and conditioning as well as it is very
demanding.
JUNIOR RIDERS TEST:
The FEI Junior Riders Test is equivalent to third level. Individuals are eligible as Juniors until they reach the age of 18.
YOUNG RIDERS TEST:
The FEI Young Riders Test is equivalent to PSG. Individuals are eligible as Young Riders from when they reach the age of 16 until they reach age of 21.
PONY TESTS:
The pony test is equivalent to second level. The rider and pony can be any age.
Age Groups in Competition:
For purposes of qualification for and participation in competitions conducted under ASDF rules, age groups are as follows:
- Young Riders: 14yrs to 17yrs
- Juniors: 18yrs to 21yrs
- Seniors: 22yrs and over
Thanks to the ASDF and the USDF.
Resources
60-day Horse Conditioning
Canadian and U.S. Dressage Tests and Diagrams
Classical Dressage with Sylvia Loch
Conditioning the Dressage Horse
Dressage Connection
Dressage Daily
Dressage Extensions
Dr. Ritter's Articles
Sustainable Dressage
The Training Scale
Tips for Musical Kur
Ultimate Dressage Forums
United States Dressage Federation