A Guide To Dressage

What to look for in a test

The judge looks to see that the horse is willing, relaxed, supple, fluid and attentive at all times during the test. Any show of resistance, tension or stiffness is penalized.

The horse should appear to perform the movements of his own volition, with no obvious prompting from the rider.

THE MOVEMENTS

Halt

The halt must be square and completely immobile.

Walk
The walk should be cadenced, four-beat gait with no shuffling or jogging.

Rein-back
A backward movement where the horse should step evenly with front and hind legs a specific number of steps.

Collection

The horse shortens his frame and stride, becoming more elevated with increased suspension between steps.