Australian Dressage Levels and required Movements. 

Australian Dressage Levels and required Movements. 

To dressage lovers the movements and requirements of each level and test are second nature but to some of us not so educated in the sport they can be a bit confusing, from counter canter to half pass, what movements are actually required for each level and when are they introduced. Below we go through some of the levels and what each test involves, including what the judges will be looking for.   

Equestrian Australia has set tests from Preparatory to Advanced level, after that the FEI tests are used so let us take a look at the EA tests which the majority of us are probably most familiar with.  

Preliminary –  To demonstrate correct basics, that the horse is supple and moves freely forward in a clear rhythm with a steady tempo, accepting contact with the bit.   

To be ridden in a snaffle, trot can be sitting or rising unless stated and halts may be through the walk.  

Test 1.1 – Introduces working trot, working canter, medium walk, free walk, and 20m circles in trot and canter  

Test 1.2 – Adds stretch circle in a trot  

Test 1.3 – introduces serpentine, changing of bend on a shallow loop, canter trot transition on diagonal 

Novice –  To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and in addition to the requirements of Preliminary Level, has developed the thrust to achieve improved balance and throughness and maintains a more consistent contact with the bit  

To be ridden in a snaffle, trot can be sitting or rising unless stated  

Test 2.1 – Introduces 10m half circle in trot, 15m circle in canter and lengthening of stride in trot 

Test 2.2 – adds leg yielding and lengthening of stride in canter 

Test 2.3 – has the addition of 10m circle at trot, change of lead through trot and counter canter  

Elementary –  To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and having achieved the thrust required in Novice, now accepts more weight on the hindquarters (collection); moves with an uphill tendency, especially in the medium paces; and is reliably on the bit. A greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance, and self-carriage is required than at Novice Level  

To be ridden in a snaffle, all trot sitting unless otherwise stated  

Test 3.1 – introduces walk-canter transitions, collected and medium trot and canter, shoulder in and rein back  

Test 3.2– Adds half turn on hind quarter and simple changes  

Test 3C – add in counter canter in serpentine  

Medium –  To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and having begun to develop an uphill balance at Elementary, now demonstrates increased engagement, especially in the extended paces. Transitions between collected, medium and extended gaits should be well defined and performed with engagement. The horse should be reliably on the bit and show a greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance and self carriage than at Elementary Level  

To be ridden in a snaffle or double bridle and all trot sitting  

Test 4.1 – introduces extended paces, half pass at trot, single flying change and walk pirouette  

Test 4.2 – addition of Renvers, release of reins at canter, half pass at canter  

Test 4.3 – introduced rein back to trot  

Advanced –  To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and has developed sufficient suppleness, impulsion and throughness to perform the Advanced tests which have a medium degree of difficulty. The horse remains reliably on the bit, showing a clear uphill balance and lightness as a result of improved engagement and collection. The movements are performed with greater straightness, energy and cadence than at Medium Level  

To be ridden in snaffle or double bridle and all trot sitting  

Test 5.1 – collected walk, counter change of hand in trot, very collected canter, multiple flying changes on diagonal.   

Test 5.2 – counter changes of hand in trot and canter, tempi changes every fourth stride, working partial pirouettes in canter  

Test 5.3 – Tempi changes every third stride, 10m half circle in counter canter, half working pirouettes in canter.  

A horse and rider combination may then move into FEI competition (Seniors) which includes progression through Prix St-Georges, Intermediate 1, 2, a and B, Short Grand Prix, Grand Prix, and Grand Prix Special. FEI also offers tests for Ponies, Under 25yo, Young Riders, Juniors, Children, Young Horse and of course the show stopping Freestyles!  

You can browse FEI tests at Dressage Tests | FEI 

 

Ref: Dressage Rules & Tests | Equestrian Australia