by Stacie Moyle

Created on: August 04, 2011

Dressage is a challenging sport. In order to guide competitors towards a solid foundation in basic dressage principals, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) created three Introductory Level tests, labeled A, B, and C. Each test progresses in its difficulty as they prepare a rider for Training Level and beyond.  All aspiring dressage riders will do well to pay close attention to the requirements of the Introductory Level dressage tests. Copies of the USDF Introductory Level tests can be obtained by going to the USDF website at http://www.usdf.org

The Purpose of the Introductory Tests

All USDF and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) tests have a stated purpose printed at the top. The purpose of Introductory Level is, “To introduce the rider and/or horse to the sport of dressage. To show understanding of riding the horse forward with a steady tempo into an elastic contact with independent, steady hands and a correctly balanced seat. To show proper geometry of figures in the arena with correct bend (corners and circles).”  In other words, the rider should be able to show that the horse quietly accepts the contact with the bit.  Further the horse should appear relaxed and content in doing so. The rider should have a clear understanding of riding the horse with focus and control demonstrated by accurately executing the pattern.

Requirements of Introductory Tests

In the past, there were only two Introductory Level Dressage Tests, both of the done solely at the walk and trot. New for 2011 was the addition of a third test, Test C which introduces a short segment of working canter. All tests require a working trot rising, a medium walk, free walk, 20 meter circles, and a halt performed through the walk. The working trot is one that shows energy in a correct tempo in which the horse stays balanced. It should appear active without being rushed. The medium walk differs from the free walk in that the horse is presented on contact in an ordinary walking stride whereas in free walk the horse is allowed to stretch long and low on a loose rein thereby encouraging ground covering strides.  For the halt, the horse is allowed to take come down from the trot through a few steps of walk. This encourages the rider to think forward even in the down transition while allowing the young developing horse the chance to balance underneath itself in the transition. Similarly, when going from halt to trot, the horse may also take a walk stride or two to develop the trot.

Presentation of an Introductory Level Dressage Test

When reviewing the tests, you will see a set of Directive Ideas beside each movement. These Directive Ideas are the criteria on which the judge is basing the score for that movement. For instance, when the test calls for a 20m circle at the working trot, the judge is looking to see that it is round, correctly sized, and that the horse maintains rhythm and shows correct bend. Introductory Level dressage tests also have different Collective Marks at the end of the test.  The overall test is scored on these qualities, gaits, impulsion, submission, rider position, rider’s effectiveness of the aids, and the geometry and accuracy. When riding and preparing to show a test, it is important to keep in mind that these are the factors the judge is using to evaluate the ride.  By focusing on these qualities, the rider will be building the most important elements of a correct dressage training foundation. Ultimately, a rider who takes the time to develop the requirements of the Introductory Level dressage tests, will move on to Training Level and higher sooner and with more success.

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