What is dressage?
Dressage training involves a systematic and planned method of training that involves the physical development of both horse and rider. Dressage training is the foundation of many equestrian sports including jumping, eventing and western riding.
What is the dressage training pyramid?
Dressage means “training that is broken down into six levels beginning with basic rhythm and working up to collection. This is also called the pyramid of training.
What are dressage tests?
Each part of the training pyramid corresponds to a dressage level. Each level within dressage consists of three tests. These levels are Intro, Training, First, Second, Third and Fourth Levels. There are also the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) upper competition levels of Prix St. Georges, Intermediate and Grand Prix.
Each test sets out the expected movements at that level. For each level, there is a purpose to the test which goes back to the pyramid of training. Patterns of movements required in the tests align themselves with the level of training.
How are dressage tests judged?
The dressage tests are performed in front of one or more dressage judges. Dressage judges are experts in the sport of dressage. Tests are performed in a 20-meter x 60-meter arena with a smaller arena being used at some levels.
Within the test there are separate movements that flow from one movement to the next, each movement is marked from 0-10. 10 being excellent, 5 sufficient and 0 no movement was performed.
At the end of each test, the dressage judge also gives four general impression scores for the performance. All the points are then added and divided by the total possible score to give a percentage mark for that test performed by horse and rider.
A scribe sits with the judge and writes down the judge’s comments and marks. The tests are given back to the riders for them to use to improve the training of the horse and rider. In this way, dressage tests are valuable tools for training and progressing up training pyramid.
What do the marks mean in dressage?
The judge will award marks for each movement of the test in a range of 10 to 0.
The scale of marks is as follows:
10 – Excellent
9 – Very good
8 – Good
7 – Fairly good
6 – Satisfactory
5 – Marginal
4 – Insufficient
3 – Fairly bad
2 – Bad
1 – Very bad
0 – Not executed
Not executed means that no element of the required movement has been performed.
Where marks of below 6 are awarded, judges should record the reason why the
mark was given next to the movement on the test sheet. Marks of 9 or 10 are for exceptional quality of movements.
Each movement is scored separately. This means that a mistake in one movement (such as picking up the wrong lead) only affects that movement not the whole test.
What is the difference between Western style dressage and English dressage?
Both English and Western Dressage both focus on balance, collection, and proper use of aids and cues. While the goals for horse and rider is very similar in English and Western Dressage, there are some important differences in how this goal is achieved. The most significant difference is the English Dressage horse is evaluated based on the principles of the traditional Dressage horse.
The main differences between the two disciplines lie in attire and tack, movements, and patterns, and scoring systems. As well, the Western Dressage horse is evaluated with the conformation and movement of today’s Western horses in mind.
How do I know what test to ride at a show?
If you have a coach, she or he will help you plan on which test to ride. As a guide, you should ride one level below where you are training. For example, if you are schooling the movements of Level 1, you should show at Training Level.
Do I need an Equestrian Canada membership to show at Westman Dressage shows?
All riders need:
- at least one of the following memberships: Westman Dressage Membership, Dressage Winnipeg Membership, Pony Club Membership, Dressage membership from another province (e.g. Regina and District Dressage Association and Saskatoon Dressage Association), or Manitoba Horse Trials Membership.
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- a Manitoba Horse Council Membership or other provincial membership (required for insurance coverage purposes; please provide a copy)
If you are riding in an Equestrian Canada Bronze or Gold show you will need to have an Equestrian Canada Bronze or Gold membership. You do not need an Equestrian Canada membership if you are showing in the Manitoba Horse Council Prairie Crocus show.
What do the arena letters stand for?
The short answer: no one really knows. If you find out, please let us know.
Where can I find copies of English or Western Styles dressage tests?
For English Dressage go to https://equestrian.ca/compete/athlete-resources/tests/
For Western Style dressage go to https://westernstyledressage.ca/rules-and-tests