If you're ready to see how your schooling is progressing, entering some dressage training level tests is the best way to get an honest assessment from a professional eye. It's that first real step into the competitive world, but it's also a fantastic way to make sure you aren't skipping any rungs on the developmental ladder. Whether you're on a young horse just starting out or you're a rider finding your seat, these tests are designed to prove one thing: that you and your horse have a basic understanding of rhythm, suppleness, and relaxation.
It's easy to look at the patterns and think they're "simple." After all, there are no flying changes, no half-passes, and no fancy extensions. But anyone who's spent time in the sandbox knows that doing the basics perfectly is actually one of the hardest things in the sport.
Why Training Level is the Real Foundation
A lot of riders are in a hurry to get to the "cool stuff," but rushing through your dressage training level tests usually comes back to haunt you later. Think of these tests as the basement of a house. If the foundation is shaky, the roof is eventually going to collapse.
At this stage, the judges aren't looking for a horse that moves like a total superstar. They want to see a horse that is happy, moving forward with a clear beat, and not fighting the bit. If your horse is "on the bit," that's great, but at Training Level, the judges are more interested in seeing a horse that stretches into the contact rather than one that's held in a tight, artificial frame. If you can show a consistent rhythm and a willing attitude, you're already halfway to a decent score.
Understanding the Test Progression
Usually, there are three different tests within the level. They get progressively a little more "busy" as you move from Test 1 to Test 3.
Test 1 is basically the "welcome to the arena" test. It's designed to be straightforward. You'll do plenty of 20-meter circles, some diagonal lines to change direction, and transitions between walk, trot, and canter. It's mostly about showing that the horse can steer and stay balanced.
By the time you get to Test 3, the requirements are a bit more demanding. You might have more frequent transitions, and the expectations for the horse's balance and "throughness" are slightly higher. This test serves as a bridge. If you can ride Test 3 well, you're usually ready to start thinking about First Level, where things like leg yields and lengthening of strides come into play.
Nailing the Geometry
One of the easiest ways to throw away points in dressage training level tests is by riding poor shapes. You wouldn't believe how many 20-meter circles end up looking like eggs, diamonds, or squashed tomatoes.
Judges love accuracy. If the test asks for a 20-meter circle at B, and you start at B but end up three meters past the centerline, you're losing points for no reason. * Use the markers: Learn exactly where your circle should touch the rail. * Ride your corners: Don't cut the corners, but don't bury the horse in them either. At Training Level, the horse isn't expected to bend deeply into the corners, but you should still use them to balance the horse before the next movement. * Straight lines: When you're on the centerline or a diagonal, keep that horse straight. A wiggly centerline makes it look like the horse isn't truly between your aids.
The Importance of the Free Walk
The free walk on a loose rein is often a "double coefficient" movement, meaning the score is multiplied by two. It's a huge opportunity to boost your total percentage. In dressage training level tests, the judge wants to see the horse really reach down and out with its neck, stretching toward the ground while maintaining a purposeful, four-beat walk.
The biggest mistake riders make here is dropping the reins and letting the horse fall apart. You want to follow the horse's mouth down with your hands while keeping enough "feel" that you don't lose the connection entirely. If your horse trips, looks around, or starts jogging, those double points start disappearing fast.
Perfecting the Halt and Salute
It sounds silly, but the halt is a movement just like any other. It's the first and last impression you give the judge. In dressage training level tests, you usually enter at A and halt at X.
A lot of people treat the first halt as a "get it over with" moment. Instead, try to make it crisp. Don't let the horse "dribble" into the halt. It should be a clear transition from the trot (or walk, depending on the test) to a dead stop. Keep the horse square—meaning all four legs are lined up like a table. Even if the rest of your test is a bit messy, starting and ending with a rock-solid, square halt shows the judge that you're disciplined and paying attention to detail.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We've all been there—nerves get the better of us, and suddenly we forget how to ride. Here are a few things that tend to trip people up:
- Rushing: There's a difference between "forward" and "fast." If you're just booting the horse around the ring, the rhythm gets frantic, and the balance goes out the window.
- Changing the Tempo: Try to keep the same trot throughout the whole test. If your trot on the circle is much slower than your trot on the long side, it looks like the horse isn't truly in front of your leg.
- Tension in the Rider: If you hold your breath, your horse will feel it. Remember to breathe. It sounds cliché, but it honestly makes a difference in how the horse moves under you.
- Looking at the Horse: Don't stare at your horse's neck. Look up where you're going. If you're looking at the ground, your weight shifts forward, and you'll likely end up with a horse that's heavy on the forehand.
Preparing for the Big Day
Before you actually head to a show to ride your dressage training level tests, practice at home—but don't over-practice the specific pattern. If you ride the exact test every single day, some horses get "test smart" and start anticipating the turns. Instead, practice the movements (the circles, the transitions, the halts) in different parts of the arena.
It's also a great idea to have someone "call" the test for you, even if you've memorized it. Having a reader can take a bit of the mental load off so you can focus on your horse's rhythm and your own position. Just make sure your caller knows the rules about where to stand and how to read clearly!
The Judge's Perspective
At the bottom of your score sheet, there's a section for "Collective Marks." This is where the judge evaluates the overall picture. They look at the horse's gaits, their desire to move forward, and your effectiveness as a rider.
Even if you have a "whoops" moment—like a wrong lead in the canter—don't let it ruin the rest of your ride. Fix it quietly and keep going. Judges appreciate a rider who stays cool under pressure. They aren't looking for a robot; they're looking for a harmonious partnership. If you can show that you and your horse are working together and having a decent time doing it, you're going to see those scores climb.
The bottom line is that dressage training level tests are about showing the basics are solid. Don't worry about being fancy. Focus on being accurate, staying relaxed, and keeping a steady beat. If you do those things, the rest will usually fall into place.