From: patty@alpha.larc.nasa.gov (Patty Howell)
Newsgroups: rec.equestrian
Subject: Re: Basic Dressage Question
Date: 27 Jan 1993 21:51:28 GMT
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA  USA
NNTP-Posting-Host: alpha.larc.nasa.gov


Hi Colleen,

People will give you answers on this one from the very simple
to quotes from the rulebook - I'll (try to) go for simple.

In order, it's simply Training Level, First Level, Second Level,
Third Level, Fourth Level, Prix St. George, Intermediare,
and Grand Prix. The last three levels represent the 'international'
or FEI levels, which are the same tests all the world over. Training
through fourth are particular to the U.S. (meaning other countries
have different lower level tests) [There is also a 'fifth level' which
is equivalent to Prix St George, but it's hardly ever offered at
shows, and I've just heard talk of a 'pre' training level.] Requirements
get more and more difficult as you progress up the levels.

Within each of these levels, there are 1 to 4 'tests' to choose from.
So, when you go to a show, you might enter first level test 2, first
level test 3, and second level test 2 (no requirement to go in order -
it could be that you just don't like second level test 1). These tests
are written and published - changed every 3 or 4 years or so. The point
being that long before the show, you'll know what you need to do.

The large dressage arena is 20m x 60m, and has letters at specific
locations - see below (off scale, but you get the idea)

             K   v   E   s   H
        ------------------------------
        |                            |
        |                            |
    A   |    D   l   X   i   G       |  C
        |                            |
        |                            |
        ------------------------------
             F   p   B   r   M

The judge sits at C, you always enter at A, halt and salute the judge at X.
(This is always movement #1) For which you get a score from 0 (not performed)
to 10 (unheard of) So, a training level test might look like this:

   1. A   Enter, working trot sitting
      x   Halt, salute
          Proceed, working trot sitting

   2. C   track right
      MXK change rein, lengthen stride at the trot, rising
      K    working trot sitting

   3. A   circle left 20m 
          .
          .
          .

   So, you get the idea?  At each of the numbered movements, you
   would get a score from 0 - 10, the points are totalled, and
   a percentage is calculated. Usually, scores above 60% are
   very good, above 70% really excellent. I have never seen
   anything above high 70's. Each of the movements has an
   explanation to the right of what the judge is looking for
   (like immobility at the halt or smoothness of the transitions),
   and a space for the judge to make comments to justify the score.
   Like, you came in at A, your trot was nice and straight and
   rythmic, but when you halted he stuck his nose up, and took
   one step to the side. Your score might be 4, comments like
   nice entry, resistance at halt, halt not square, not immobile
   might be beside it. At the end of the class, you get your test
   to see what the judge said. There is also a section at the end
   for 'overall impressions.'
       
   "Higher level" dressage horse to some people means anything above
second level, to others it means FEI levels. Combined Training horses
at olympic level compete their dressage phase at about 2nd-3rd level.
Above that, you're pretty much going to specialize just in dressage
(there's just not time for everything :) ). 

Does that answer your question, or have I just danced all around it?

Patty