Training Level Dressage

Training Level Dressage is used to test the suppleness of the horses muscles and their willingness. For many competitors and horses this is the starting point of their dressage career. Here is where they develop the necessary skills, training and musculature to perform the advanced level movements of the higher levels.

The training level is comprised of 3 tests, which confirm that the horse is supple and moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit. These tests include walk, trot and canter work. They also contain movements that require the rider to lengthen their reins allowing to horse to stretch his neck downward. The movements in Training Level shows that the horse correctly maintains contact with the bit and that the rider is not "holding" him in the correct frame. Without these characteristics, the upper level movements will not be possible.

Required movements for training level dressage include:
Medium walk
Free Walk - across diagonal or loop
Working Trot - sitting or rising 20 meter circles & changing of rein across the diagonal, loose rein to allow horse to stretch forward and downward
Working Canter - 20 meter circles and half circles
Halts - either trot-halt or trot-walk-halt

Training Level Dressage Video Clips & Tests
(These tests are based on the 2011 USDF Dressage Tests.)

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