<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="65001"%> Introductory Level Dressage
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Introductory Level Dressage

Introductory Level Dressage is the very beginning of the horse and rider's development. This level is done only at the walk and trot. The horse is judged on its ability to understand the rider's aides, acceptance of the bit, submission, relaxation and development of the correct bend.

The introductory level is comprised of 2 tests. These tests include walk and trot work. Horses are not expected to perform any movements at the canter. They contain mainly straight lines and 20m circles in medium walk, free walk and rising trot. These movements are designed to show the horses ability to perform the required movements in a willing, supple way. The horse and rider are judges on the following: Gaits (freedom and regularity), Impulsion (desire to move forward, relaxation of the back), Submission (attention & confidence, harmony, lightness and eas of movements; acceptance of the bit with nose slightly in front of vertical), Rider's position and seat; correctness and effect of the aides. These elements are necessary as the horse and rider progress to more difficult levels. Each Introductory level test is shown below next to its corresponding video clip.

Required movements for introductory level dressage include:
Medium walk
Free Walk
Working Trot - rising - 20 meter circles & changing of rein across the diagonal
Halts - either trot-halt or trot-walk-halt

Introductory Level Dressage Video Clips & Tests
(These tests are based on the 2007 USDF Dressage Tests.)

Video Clips
Introductory Level Tests

Introductory Level Dressage - Test A

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Introductory Level Dressage - Test A
2007 USDF Dressage Tests

1
A - Enter working trot rising
X - Halt through medium walk, Salute
Proceed Medium Walk
2
C - Track Right Medium Walk
3
M - Working Trot Rising
4
B - Circle Right 20m, Working Trot Rising
B - Straight Ahead
5
Between B & F - Medium Walk
6
KXM - Free Walk
M - Medium Walk
7
C- Working Trot Rising
8
E - Circle Left 20m, Working Trot Rising
E - Straight Ahead
9
A - Down Centerline
X - Halt through Medium Walk, Salute

Leave Arena at A in walk on a long rein

Introductory Level Dressage - Test B
(Test begins at 1 min 20 sec)


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Introductory Level Dressage - Test B
2007 USDF Dressage Tests

1
A - Enter working trot rising
X - Halt through medium walk, Salute
Proceed Working Trot rising
2
C - Track Left Working Trot Rising
3
E - Circle Left 20m, working trot rising
E - Straight Ahead
4
FXH - Change Rein Working Trot Rising
5
Between C&M - Medium Walk
6
MXF - Free Walk on two diagonals
F - Medium Walk
7
A - Working Trot Rising
E - Circle Right 20m
E - Straight Ahead
8
MXK - Change Rein Working Trot Rising
9
A - Down Centerline
X - Halt through medium walk, Salute

Leave Arena at A in walk on a long rein

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