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USDF Dressage Tests

Dressage Introductory Level

• • The starting point for beginners, designed to introduce basic skills.

  • Focuses on simple gaits: walk, trot, and sometimes free walk.

  • Tests include large circles (20 meters) and straight lines, emphasizing relaxation and rhythm.

Dressage Training Level

• • The first "official" level in many national competitions.

  • Adds canter to the repertoire, along with more precise transitions (e.g., walk-to-trot, trot-to-canter).

  • Movements include 20-meter circles and some stretching exercises with the goal to develop impulsion (controlled power) and the horse’s ability to move forward freely.

Dressage First Level

• • Builds on Training Level with increased difficulty.

  • Introduces 10-meter circles at the trot, 15-meter circles at the canter, and leg-yielding (a lateral movement).

  • Requires more engagement of the horse’s hindquarters and beginning collection (shortening of stride with energy) with an emphasis on improved balance and connection between horse and rider.

Dressage Second Level

• • Marks a transition to intermediate skills.

  • Includes collected trot and canter, plus medium trot and canter (lengthened strides) with a goal of greater collection and suppleness, with the horse responding to subtle aids.

  • Movements like shoulder-in and travers (lateral movements) are introduced.

Dressage Third Level

• • A step up in complexity, requiring more strength and coordination.

  • Features extended gaits, half-pass (a diagonal lateral movement), and single flying changes (switching leads at the canter) with the purpose of refined collection and preparing for advanced work.

  • Tests the horse’s ability to shift weight back and maintain rhythm.

Western Dressage Tests

Western Dressage Introductory Level

• • The entry point for beginners, focusing on foundational skills.

  • Gaits: working walk, working jog, and free walk (no lope required).

  • Movements include 20-meter circles, straight lines, and a halt (typically 4 seconds).

Western Dressage Basic Level

• • A step up, introducing the lope and slightly more complexity.

  • Gaits include working walk, working jog, working lope, and free walk with movements such as 20-meter circles in jog, 15-meter circles in lope, and transitions between gaits.

  • Tests assess the horse’s ability to maintain a steady rhythm and begin showing balance with the goal to develop suppleness, forward movement, and light contact with the reins.

Western Dressage First Level

• • The start of more refined work, building on Basic Level and testing engagement, impulsion, consistent contact and more hindquarter engagement.

  • Includes lengthened jog and lope, plus 10-meter jog circles and leg-yielding that focuses on harmony, rideability, and the beginning of collection (shortened strides with energy).

Western Dressage Second Level

• An intermediate stage with increased collection and lateral work.

• Movements include shoulder-in, travers, collected jog and lope, and medium gaits (extended strides) with the purpose of strengthening the horse's ability to shift weight back and maintain balance. This requires greater suppleness and responsiveness to subtle aids.

Western Dressage Third Level

• • A more advanced level, introducing complex transitions and movements.

  • Features movements such as half-pass, single flying changes (lope lead switches), and extended gaits with the goal of preparing the horse and rider for higher-level competition.

  • Emphasis: Precision, impulsion, and maintaining rhythm through challenging patterns.