Dressage Defined

By Judy Westlake

National Levels:

Introductory Level is comprised of very simple walk  trot tests.  These tests are used to introduce beginning riders and /or horses to dressage competition.

Training Level is a basic test of walk, trot and canter in working gaits.  

First Level adds lengthening at the trot and canter to develop thrust or pushing power as well as the first lateral movement, leg yielding at the trot.

Second Level is the first time collection is required and incorporates collected movements such as shoulder-in, haunches-in, counter canter, and rein backs.  From the collected gaits, medium trot and canter are developed.

Third Level adds trot and canter half passes as well as flying changes at the canter.  Third level also adds extended trot and canter as well as medium trot and canter.

Fourth Level, which is considered medium level in dressage, adds sequences such as flying changes every fourth and third stride as well as canter pirouettes.  This level is designed to prepare the horse and rider for the international levels.

International Levels:

Prix St. Georges incorporates shoulder-in, half passes, medium and extended gaits.  More 4  tempi and 3 tempi changes are required as well as half canter pirouettes.

Intermediare 1 adds canter zigzag, half passes, flying changes of 3 and 2 tempis, full canter pirouettes as well as more complicated transitions.

Intermediare 2 is the first test that requires Piaffe (trot in place) and Passage (an animated trot) as well as flying changes every stride.

Grande Prix has all the elements, including Piaffe and Passage, one tempis, full canter pirouettes, and difficult canter zigzag half pass.  This test is used in the Olympics.  Grand Prix Special is a shorter version of the Grand Prix with more complicated transitions.