| Dressage |
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 Held on the first day of competition, dressage tests the gaits, suppleness and obedience of the horse through a series of prescribed movements. Similar to the “set patterns” of figure skating, dressage marks can range from 10 for excellent, to 0 for not performed. The aim of the dressage test is to make the horse calm, supple and keen, thus achieving perfect harmony with its rider. The overall aim is to post a low score here, as any further errors over the next two days will be added to the dressage score. At the end of the weekend, the horse with the lowest overall score wins, hence the sought-after phrase “finished on their dressage score”.
ABC’s FOR RIDERS ON COMPETITION DAY
A. Warm-up Of course, every horse is different and the warm up should suit the individual horse. Your warm-up should consist of work in all paces. Horses who are fitter or have higher energy levels may require an hour or more warm-up in order to be settled and concentrate on the dressage test. Horses who are naturally slower and less energetic benefit from a shorter warm-up with many transitions. Cantering just before the test usually lends energy to the other paces which would otherwise be lethargic. The horse should come to the arena relaxed, responsive, flexible and with enough energy to complete a test without distress. Keep in mind the weather conditions at the time of the event and adjust the warm-up time accordingly, ie. hot humid weather will wear a horse down fast while cold or damp weather will make them more energetic. However, watch out for chills and stiff muscles. B. As with the cross country and show jumping, take the time to walk your dressage ring and become familiar with the footing, especially in grass rings. C. The View from ‘C’ – “What is the Judge looking for?” All paces must show a clear rhythm. At the training level the horse/pony should be working in a round frame with some engagement. Accuracy is an easy way to gain extra points at any level. Entrance: straight, on the center line, free and forward Halt: straight, balanced, without resistance Departure: straight, forward, willing, flexed for turn at C Turn at C: balanced, bent and flexed correctly, going forward Long sides: free, forward and straight Short sides: ride into corners without unbalancing horse 20 metre circle: use of half of small arena and one third of large arena, figure round through 4 quadrants, ride out of corners when placed at C or A, bent and flexed to curve of circle through length of body (15 metre circles the same, using three quarters of the width of the arena) Transitions upward: horse responds immediately to leg aids, straight, frame remains relaxed, rhythm established within 2 strides of transition Trot: definite 2 beat, covering ground actively, topline relaxed with poll highest point of frame, flexed inwards, appears uphill in frame Canter: clear 3 beat, covering ground, definite period of suspension giving “jump” to the stride, straight, appears uphill in frame Transitions downward: forward, straight, establish rhythm immediately, topline relaxed, coming from behind, rounds back into transition, steps under behind Medium walk: clear 4 beat, topline relaxed with poll highest point, swinging through back, covering ground, walking up to contact, flexion in joints of hind legs and stepping under body Free walk: stretch down and forward with nose without snatching at reins, free through shoulders, swinging in back, overtracking with hind legs, appears to be pushing actively off hind legs with every stride, straight Diagonal: straight line from marker to marker meeting the track one stride before marker and leaving track as rider passes marker Loop: leaving track as rider passes marker, clear change of flexion and bend through apex, returning to track one stride before marker changing flexion and bend again Free work; trot or canter with long reins: horse stretches down and forward over topline, maintains rhythm with longer freer stride, remains on figure, quietly accepts gathering of reins to a shorter frame Lengthen stride; trot or canter: definite transitions, lengthening of the stride without speeding up, appears to lengthen in topline, must be uphill in frame with engagement to produce lengthening 15 metre half circles (to change direction): fluid circle three quarters the width of arena, change of flexion bend to return to track one stride before marker 
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