First level dressage…
A very very important level for sure, and usually one of the fullest classes at shows. In this article we will dive into the nooks and crannies of everything involving first level dressage.
Know the Purpose of First Level Dressage
One of the most overlooked concepts of first level dressage is, in fact, the entire purpose behind it. Not only is there a specifically defined purpose for the level itself, there are also clearly written out directives for each movement of every test of the level.
So the first place to start is by actually looking at, and reading the test! Don’t just memorize the movements. The test sheets offer valuable information to guide you. By reading the tests sheets thoroughly, you’ll get an understanding of what is required and expected of you and your horse at that level. Take a look:
At the very top the USDF gives you the exact purpose of first level. So take a look at that, and you may realize that you are not ready for the level. Or you may feel more confident in knowing that you do in fact meet the criteria.
Next, look under the column “directives.” This tells you what is expected of each individual movement.
So please read over the entire test sheets! You’ll have a better understanding of what the judges are looking for. You can find all test sheets HERE.
So What are the Judges Looking for?
For any first level test performed, the judges will be looking to see that the horse and rider are demonstrating that they understand the purpose of the level, or that they are in the process of doing so.
So let’s back up for a moment and look at the purpose of training level. In order to do first level, you should be pretty solid on training level’s purpose.
Training level is all about correct basics, showing suppleness longitudinally and laterally, free forward movement with clear rhythm and steady tempo, accepting contact with the bit, and geometry. And all of the movements in the tests of training level are set up to allow the rider to demonstrate these things.
First level – this includes all of the elements of training level plus what has been added for first level. So now we are introduced to improved balance, lateral suppleness, and throughness. So the judges are not only looking for correct basics, but they are looking for a step up from that.
Another purpose of first level is for the horse to show an improved thrust that will enable lengthenings of the strides.
Also take note that in first level, the horse needs to be “on the bit,” whereas at training level the horse only needs to be accepting contact.
So really take a look at the purpose of first level, and if you and your horse are not showing improved basics and/or not able to go on the bit, the judges will think that you are not ready for first level. They will be able to determine this after your initial centerline, so the remember that the entrance to your test is going to set the baseline.
First Level Dressage – Fundamentals
Now let’s dig into the meat of the level!
Corners
The general rule about corners is that the arc of your corner should be the size of the smallest circle performed in that test/level.
In training level, that would be a 20 meter circle. So all your corners should be the size of a quarter of a 20 meter circle.
In first level, you are introduced to 10 meter circles. So your corners should be the size of a quarter of a 10 meter circle.
Centerline – Halt
If you remember from training level, you are allowed a few walk steps into your halt from the trot. This means that the judges don’t expect a horse competing at training level to be able to go immediately from trot to halt with the snap of a finger. So you are allowed a few walk steps in the transition down to halt.
At first level, however, the horse and rider need to do better. Ideally, you need to get to the halt precisely from the trot without any walk steps. If you end up with 1-2 little walk steps, it won’t cost you too much, but if you have more than 2, your score will plummet.
The same goes for coming out of the halt. Ideally, you need to get back up to the trot without any walk steps.
Geometry
“Geometry” is first introduced at intro level. And since every level thereafter builds upon the previous level, you can see that geometry is of utmost importance at EVERY level, forever and ever. First level geometry starts to get more complicated with the introduction to new shapes and figures.
So take the time to learn your arena geometry. Seeing it on paper makes a world of difference in helping the brain to learn and retain geometry of the shapes.
Read THIS to learn about the geometry and accuracy of the 20 meter circle. Use the diagrams there to map out your 15 and 10 meter circles for first level.
First Level Dressage – Movements
Lengthenings
For first level you have “lengthenings” and NOT “extensions!” Just remember that and don’t get too carried away. If you push too much, you will send the horse onto the forehand and you will lose your regularity of tempo. Meaning, your horse’s gait will get interrupted with some odd steps or a stumble.
The judges are only looking for a moderate lengthening of the frame/stride, with regularity and quality of the gait, straightness, and clear transitions.
TIP: Instead of going all for nothing straight out of the corner and hoping for the best, make your lengthening modest, but make the transitions into and out of the lengthening dramatic. This will show the judge a clear difference. So slow down a bit in the corner, then push a little through the lengthening, and then bring it back just as the horse’s nose hits the far corner.
TIP: For the canter lengthening in test 1-2 they give you a secret weapon; the corner. All other tests above this, you must make your transition from lengthening/extended back to working canter on the straight away at a specific letter. But for test 1-2 they give you the entire corner to get back to working canter. So use that to your advantage instead of trying to make a dramatic transition at the letter, which could result in a break to trot.
The Leg Yields
To learn all about the leg yield, read THIS and THIS.
TIP: For 1-2, you have a very long, drawn out leg yield. DO NOT try to make it to the wall early. This will not impress the judges, and it will most likely affect the quality of the movement. And, you’ll get knocked for your accuracy. Take your time and produce a quality leg yield. You have a lot of time there, so use it.
TIP: In 1-3 you have to make a steeper leg yield AND come off the wall. Many people neglect to train this at home, so make sure you practice this, correctly, way ahead of a show. Also, many horses like to get their shoulders glued to the wall, making this type of leg yield difficult. But if you look at your test, you’ll see that it gives you time to really prepare. You have the entire space between two letters to get your horse’s shoulders unglued from the wall before you start the movement. Use that space to discreetly position the horse before the leg yield.
Stretchy Trot Circle
Ooooohhhhhh My! First, read THIS to learn how to correctly ride this movement.
TIP: The stretchy trot is often ruined when the horse is tense. Even when you can perform this movement well at home, the stress of being in the show ring can often ruin the relaxation needed in the movement. So, you should consider which of the three tests would be best for your particular horse. For example, if your horse is better at the beginning of the test and gets morse tense as the test continues on, you might want to opt for doing test 1-1. The stretchy trot is right at the beginning of the test so you can get that in before your horse gets too hyped up.
The Walk
Everything about the walk will be the same for all lower levels. Basically, you can’t ruin it with a jig. And all walk movements have double coefficients, forever and ever.
TIP: Read all about how the walk is crucial to your overall score HERE.
Canter Loops
First level dressage tests give a brief introduction to the counter-canter via the canter loops in test 1-3. A horse is going to need to have good balance in order to perform these loops well.
It’s really important to know that these canter loops are not ridden the same way as the training level trot loops. In training level, the rider must change the bend around the middle loop part. But for the canter loops the bend stays the same throughout.
TIP: make sure you maintain your own position to help the horse balance through the loop. Once you approach the loop, sit a little more to the inside, (inside seat bone and step a little more into the inside stirrup), with a strong inside leg at the girth and a strong outside leg farther behind the girth. Keep the inside flexion. Think of wrapping your horse around your inside leg, all the while pushing the shoulders in the direction of the wall where you are headed and pushing the haunches other way. This will ‘hold together’ a horse who is new to this movement.
TIP: Once you get through the hard ‘loop’ part, horses tend to shoot out of it as they come back to the wall. Be prepared for this and control your horse. Lots of half halts.
Conclusion
If you read all of the directives for each movement, you’ll notice that almost all of them mention “regularity.” So a huge part of being successful is not all about the actual movements, but rather, it’s more about how your horse is moving when doing the movements.
This is where your basics come into play to save the day. So focus on relaxation first, and then steady tempo. Without those two basic ingredients, none of the movements will score well.
So mind your basics!
Keep Riding, Keep Refining
The Refined Rider
