Understanding Dressage Levels

The Introductory level is the gateway to dressage for beginners or young horses. It involves only walk and trot to allow horse and rider to gain confidence without the complexity of canter. Typical movements in this level include 20-metre circles in both trot and walk, 10-metre circles in walk, and a half-circle of 10 metres in trot.

Progressing to Preliminary level introduces the canter. This level builds on the foundation laid at Introductory, incorporating medium walk and free walk on a long rein, as well as working trot and canter. Riders will navigate 20-metre circles in canter and 15-metre circles in trot, enhancing their control and the horse's responsiveness.

Novice marks a significant step up, with the introduction of medium trot and canter strides. Although these are initially limited to short sequences rather than full diagonals, they represent an increase in challenge. Additional movements at this level include counter canter on long sides and more demanding circle work, with 15-metre circles in canter and 10-metre shallow loops in trot.

At the Elementary level, riders are expected to demonstrate greater variation within the gaits, including extended walk and transitions between collected trot and canter. Lateral movements such as leg-yields become common, and more advanced tests may require shoulder-in. The level also introduces rein-back and simple changes through various figures like 10-metre circles, shallow loops, and serpentines across the centre line.

Medium level solidifies lateral movements and introduces more collected and extended paces. Working paces give way to more collected forms of trot and canter. Movements to master include collected walk, extended trot and canter, along with travers, half-pass, and walk pirouettes.

Advanced Medium is characterised by fewer circular movements but includes the introduction of flying changes. Riders will encounter movements such as 8-metre voltes in trot and continue to refine the precision of their lateral work.

As the final national level in British Dressage, Advanced level demands excellence in execution and finesse. Riders are expected to show lines with multiple flying changes and perform half canter pirouettes, along with extremely tight 5-metre circles in canter.

Moving into the international arena, Prix St Georges continues the progression from Advanced, focusing on refining the quality and collection of movements. This level features sequences such as 5 flying changes every 4 strides and builds towards even tighter control and synchronisation between rider and horse.

At Intermediate I, the complexity and difficulty increase further, with more frequent and challenging flying changes, full canter pirouettes, and intricate half-pass zig-zags in canter. This level sets the stage for the highest tiers of dressage competition.

Intermediate II prepares riders for Grand Prix level, focusing on the precision and collection required for one-tempis, as well as the highly technical passage and piaffe. These movements demand a high degree of skill and training.

The pinnacle of dressage, the Grand Prix level is showcased at major events like the Olympics and the World Equestrian Games. It features the most advanced and demanding elements, including sequences of up to 15 one-tempis and the pinnacle of dressage skills in the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle tests.