DRESSAGE  Dressage in its correct form is the equivalent to ballet - graceful and controlled but with life and expression.  To achieve "perfection" takes years of training but it is extremely rewarding.   However dressage can be performed at various levels so it is not an exclusive club.  This section outlines the various levels attainable and what has to be achieved for each level as well as advising on terminology, etiquette and training.  There is also a links section. Governing Body British Dressage apply the rules and regulations and comes under the BEF umbella for representation with the FEI. The different levels of attainment are:-   Preliminary   Novice   Elementary   Medium   Advanced Medium   Prix St. Georges   Intermediare I   Intermediare II   Grand Prix   At each level there are set tests which examine the combined accuracy of horse and rider; these tests have increased technical content depending on the level to reflect the development of the horse as he progresses up the training ladder. Preliminary  A very simple test only demanding basic changes of rein and large circle work in walk, trot and canter with easy transitions;plus halt.  Judges are looking for evidence of correct, but basic training. Novice The horse has to demonstrate lenthening of stride in trot and canter and also perform half 10m circles in trot and half 15m in canter. Elementary More demanding in that the horse has to perform lateral work, counter canter and rein back; medium trot has also to be executed. Medium The half pass is now introduced as is the pirouette in walk; collected and counter canter with a simple change are also required. Advanced   Medium As above but with flying changes thrown in. Prix St. Georges   Intermediare I   Intermediare II   Grand Prix   Grand Prix Special   British Dressage Structure Points are not awarded in preliminary classes so competitors can remain at this level (which is an introductory level to help horse and rider get the general feel of affiliated competition and accustom both to the experience) for as long as they wish without ever having to advance if they do not want to.  If you decide to go up a level that's fine, you can return to preliminary tests, but once you begin to attain points - and reach the "37" mark, you are then prohibited from further preliminary level competion. Once at Novice level, if you score 60% or higher you gain one point; 67% or higher though is a maximum of 7 points.  See below for more on the scoring structure. Whatever level you are at, classes are split into two - restricted and open sections depending upon the number of points a horse has so as to try and maintain fair competition. British Dressage are doing all they can to encourage more people to affiliate i.e. take up dressage competition to recognised standards (because the level of judging is consistent; BD judges have to undergo accredited training to maintain standards).  To this end shows known as AREA FESTIVALS have been introduced. These are chamionship-style shows open to anyone with a score of 57% or above at preliminary to medium level.  If you finish in the top three at one of these competitions, then you automatically qualify for the Area Festival Finals. Dressage has summer and winter seasons, both ending with championships at all levels. So you given it some serious thought and you are ready to bite the bullet - what next? First Steps Register yourself with British Dressage Register your horse with British Dressage.  If you are not the owner, then that person must be a BD member. Your horse must also be registered with the British Horse Database. If you are still not sure about making a full commitment before trying your hand then you can purchase a class ticket which allows you to enter up to 6 affiliated competitions in a year on either a registered or non-registered horse. You will have to abide by the Rules and although you are eligible to keep any rosette(s) and prize money, if the event you win is a qualifier for another competition that qualification is passed to the next eligible candidate (i.e. a full BD member); you will not receive any points or grading. As well as purchasing a class ticket, you will also pay the appropriate entry fee.  Please visit the British Dressage website for current registration rates Other Points to Note There are rules concerning the types of bits and spurs allowable for the different levels of competition; rules regarding bridles also change as to progress up the ladder. Likewise the dress code changes also. Sometimes entries to a class exceed the requisite number so balloting takes place.  If you enter a class but unfortunately you are balloted out then you will receive a "priority" sticker to attach to the entry form of the next competition you decide to go for. Once a British Dressage member, you may continue to compete in unaffiliated competitions, but of course you cannot win any points. When competing your horse must display either a bridle number or saddle cloth number (these are obtained from British Dressage). For riders between the ages of 12 and 21 there is the British Young Riders Dressage Scheme (BYRDS); for riders aged 8 to 11 years there is "Fledglings".  These children do not need to be a member of British Dressage to be eligible for this.   The Scoring System Before we go any further let's take a look at the arena: The letter sequences around both arenas are the same, it's just that the Long Arena obviously has more.  There appears to be no logic in the sequence so it is just a case of learning which letters are where! The Short Arena measures 20m x 40m.   The Long Arena measures 20 x 60m. The theory behind the longer sides is to allow more space for extended paces both on the straight and across the diagonals. Advanced Medium Classes and aove all take place in the Lond Arena.   What are judges looking for in a test? Whatever the level you are performing at, judges are looking for some basic criteria for their starting point of awarding marks.  As you are riding think "RICCSS" to keep these criteria uppermost in your mind  Rhythm Whatever pace you are working in, there is a correct tempo for that pace and this must be maintained throughout a movement at the designated pace.  Upward and downward transitions should also be executed in a smooth manner.   Impulsion Whatever pace you are working in, the horse must perform with activity and energy - no half hearted "if I must" responses!   Contact The horse should work and perform the required movements within the lightest contact on the reins from the rider; there must be no evidence that the rider is pulling against the horse or vice versa.   Collection When a horse is truly collected he is able to shorten the length of the steps he takes because he bring his hind legs more underneath his body in order to carry more weight (as in, for example, piaffe).  Of course a horse does this to some extent (or should do) during a downward transition.   Suppleness The horse executes to designed movements with freedom and without resistance.  He should flex(bend) readily (in the appropriate direction) on circles and turns  Straightness Remember that a horse should be flexed in the direct of the movement so therefore when moving directly forwards (or backwards) his body should be straight from forelock to dock - no inclinations or tilt of head t left or right. The manner in which a horse can perform the designated movements i.e. how accurately and with what degree of suppleness, collection etc. is the theory behind the different levels. Obviously not every horse has the physical requirements to be a capable and competant dressage horse.  You have to be realistic and view your horse very critically and make a reasoned decision depending upon what your aspirations are in the same way as a rider knows a horse's jumping limitations and accepts that just because he leaps a Newcomer's course quite easily, doesn't mean he can make it to Grade A.   So what should you look for in a horse required for dressage?   There are undoubtedly horses that have a natural aptitude for dressage by their presence, conformation, natural paces and temperament.  So, whilst training can immensely improve on what nature created, a horse that is a daisy-cutter cannot be turned into a hackney! The obvious first consideration is the conformation as, if from the outset, you are working against the physical structure then your task will be much harder and it will be that much more difficult for the horse to work and achieve what is being asked of him; of course in some instances you will be asking the impossible.  Ok, it is accepted that the 100% perfectly put together horse rarely exists, so we look for as many positive features as possible. Right, you've gone to inspect a horse and on the conformation front - The general overall appearance should be of a horse that looks proportioned. With the horse standing relaxed, note the neck - does it look put on upside-down, is it set low - as the horse may have difficulty raising its head as training works more towards collection; is it set very high - so that the underneath flesh is rigid.   The tail should not be clamped down, nor should it be held out stiffly. The legs should be set nicely square at each "corner" of the torso.  What are the feet doing - turning in, turning out. The knees and hocks should also face forward, no knock-knees or cow hocks.  Observe the throat region; this area does not want to be thick otherwise true flexion at higher levels is compromised. Look for a good facial expression; a horse that looks a bit miserable or sour doesn't present a good image in the arena!  He needs to look as if he is enjoying himself as much as his rider. Now watch the horse walk Avoid those that drag hooves as this indicates lazy joints, joint weakness or lack of flexibility. Look for a good stride length which is even.  Check that none of the limbs is swung. The tail should be slightly lifted but in a relaxed manner i.e. not held stifly. Look for long loose stridges with the hindleg stepping well under the body (see also "Trot") And how about trot Again, look for dragging hooves/forging, And dishing. Observe the tail; once again this should have a slight but relaxed lift. Whilst hind leg engagement is something that improves with a horse's training, look for a good active hock and a good step under the body. Likewise with movement from the shoulder; much can be done to improve this but look for a degree of natural lift and spring to the stride.   DRESSAGE LINKS     British Dressage   Helpful Navigation Competing Index Vet Clinic Horsetalk Noticeboard Equine Training