new Dressage Test changes - 2023 Ridingthe

Equestrian Australia released new dressage tests for Preparatory to Advanced levels on the 1st of january 2023. This process is usually done every four yearswith the new tests replacing those from 2019 (FEI tests were updated in 2022). Many of the tests have minor or no changes to them whilst a few have been extensively reworked, meaning it is very important to go carefully over the new tests to ensure you don’t miss any changes or mix the old tests with the new when competing. With some of the changes it will be fairly easy for riders to start on ‘cruise control’ and ride the ‘old’ movements instead of the new ones.

Proposed changes are thoroughly examined before they are released, with many trainers, coaches, judges and riders from the uS Equestrian Federation and Dressage Federation all partaking in the analysing and rewriting. As a result, dressage riders should find that the wording and terminology used is more consistent and easier to understand, as well as assisting the progression through the levels.

Dressage tests are designed to show the horse’s training is progressing steadily and correctly in a logical sequence whilst allowing the horse to develop healthy postural muscles and topline and increasing the rider’s knowledge and skills. There are three tests in every level up to FEI, which allow riders to start at the first one and when they are confident and fulfilling the requirements they can try test 2 and then test 3 and this will indicate their readiness - or not - for moving up to the next level.

Why should tests be changed?

riding the same tests all the time makes for horses and riders to anticipate and not pay attention as much as they should, leading to losing marks as the horse doesn’t wait for the rider’s aids and starts to perform the test ‘by itself’. As well, the riders may even lose their way as they take it for granted that they know the test!

After tests have been used for a few years, judges may notice certain movements just were not being ridden well or were tempting incorrect training to be able to perform the required section - it is these observations which are then put forward to improve the tests in the future at the four-yearly overhauls.

EquiDirectory recently released the new 2023 eDressage Test Diagram booklet for every dressage lover, owner and rider to view. They have reported over 3500 downloads of the eDressage Diagram booklet with many riders preferring to learn visually - finding this format easier to remember the new tests rather than just reading the pattern. They hosted a recent webinar with Montfrans from the ‘rider’s Coach’, who is a highly experienced level 2 dressage

by Elizabeth Tollarzo

focused on the immediate changes but also touched on how to ride the tests from a training perspective and the expectations of the judge. This made the webinar very informative for riders and coaches who use dressage tests to improve their training, looking for motivation whilst also building confidence around the test riding itself.

Reading The New Tests Carefully

jacqui was very clear in the importance of reading the test sheets carefully - the movements at the top of the test sheet show what is being introduced for each test. These are the necessary requirements to be able to perform the test satisfactorily and it is these that will help the riders ensure they are able to perform the required movements. The ‘purpose’ is on the top of each test sheet - these are the areas often overlooked as the riders just focus on the numbered movements - “I don’t know that these are read as much as they could be’,” said jacqui, “but it tells you the goal - it’s indicating that the horse must demonstrate the correct basics.” jacqui went on to say “the judge’s expectation and the marks they award, in turn give you as the rider or your riders if you’re a coach, feedback around their readiness for the next level, and that’s really very different, to simply being able to navigate the pattern.

“So again, looking at the eDressage Diagram book, it’s quite cool because the test diagrams on the bottom of the test sheet help with orientation of your circles in each size arena.” This, jacqui said, is useful in the preparatory tests where 40 by 20 arenas could be used. “Prep and Prelim are really for young or inexperienced horses.”