American Training Level Dressage Test

The levels of the dressage tests

Training level dressage tests are designed to show off the horse's talent and to evaluate his level of training. It can take years of practice and dedication to reach the upper levels of classical dressage training. Horses and riders of all ages take part in dressage competitions, and therefore there are multiple levels of tests, which increases in difficulty, giving everyone an opportunity to compete at a level that is appropriate to their skills.

The dressage tests are a prescribed series of movements that each horse and rider team must perform. Tests for the lower and middle levels of the sport are designed by a national governing body of equestrian sport- the USAEquestrian. There are five levels, each with a number of tests that increase in difficulty, preparing horse and rider for the next stage of training and competition.

Lower and Middle Levels

Training level: Tests 1,2, 3 & 4

First level: Tests 1,2,3 & 4

Second level: Tests 1,2,3 & 4

Third level: Tests 1,2 & 3

Fourth level: Tests 1, 2 & 3

Upper Levels

Prix St. Georges

Intermediare I

Intermediare II

Grand Prix

Grand Prix Special

Word of Warning

For all his power and strength, the horse is undeniably one of God's most sensitive creatures. Pressurised in his training, or crudely ridden, the horse may 'break down' in the same way as a human, if time, kindness and patience is not taken. Fashions may change by the day, but flesh and blood, muscle and joints, and the inner complications of the equine mind remain the same." Sylvia Loch

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