Western Dressage

Western Dressage: Introductory Level (The First Steps) 

The Introductory Level provides a welcoming and fundamental introduction to the discipline of Western Dressage. This level focuses on establishing a relaxed, forward-moving horse and a rider who demonstrates correct basics and quiet, effective aids.

PURPOSE and FOCUS:

The goal of the Introductory Tests is to confirm the team is developing an understanding of core Western Dressage principles. The emphasis is on relaxation and harmony between horse and rider.

• Horse Acceptance: The horse should readily accept the aids and the influence of the rider.

• Correct Movement: The horse must move freely forward in a clear rhythm and steady tempo.

• The Jog: The jog should be a natural gait within the horse's scope, demonstrating a desirable swinging back.

REQUIREMENTS (Walk and Jog Only):

The Introductory Tests are performed only at the walk and jog (trot). The canter is not introduced at this level.

• Basic Position and Aids: The rider should demonstrate a correct basic Western position and the appropriate use of basic aids (seat, hands, legs).

• Figures: Riders perform simple figures, primarily focusing on 20-meter circles, straight lines, and precise halts.

• Rider Understanding: The rider must clearly demonstrate an understanding of the figures and geometry required in the test.

This is the perfect starting point to showcase the harmony, manners, and forward movement required to succeed in Western Dressage.

Western Dressage: Basic Level (Introducing the Lope) 

The Basic Level confirms the foundation established in Introductory and is the first level where the lope (canter) is required. This class demands increased suppleness, balance, and acceptance of the bit, demonstrating that the horse is ready for more complex maneuvers.

PURPOSE and FOCUS:

The goal of the Basic Level Tests is to ensure the horse is developing correct basics at all three gaits, building longitudinal suppleness (flexing at the poll and neck) while moving freely forward.

• Lope Introduction: The working lope is introduced, requiring the horse to maintain the correct lead and a rhythmic, slow cadence.

• Balance and Engagement: The horse must demonstrate improved balance and begin to show more engagement of the hindquarters underneath the body.

• Frame and Contact: The horse should be ridden on the vertical (or slightly in front of it) and show soft, steady contact while maintaining the relaxed, working attitude essential to Western Dressage.

• Jog Refinement: The jog must remain smooth and show a swinging back, maintaining the natural, comfortable gait characteristic of the Western horse.

Movements:

Tests include all three gaits (walk, jog, and lope) and simple figures like 10-meter half-circles and serpentines, requiring greater accuracy and control than the Introductory Level.

This class is for the team ready to prove they have the softness, control, and consistency required to compete successfully across all three Western gaits.

Western Dressage: Level 1 (Lateral Control) 

Level 1 marks the stage where the horse is confirmed in the basics and begins to demonstrate the thrust, collection, and lateral suppleness necessary for advanced training. This class significantly increases the technical demands on both the horse and the rider.

PURPOSE and FOCUS:

The goal of Level 1 is to confirm that the horse is "on the bit," showing throughness and the ability to differentiate its strides. In addition to the requirements of the Basic Level, the horse must demonstrate:

• Increased Balance and Thrust: The horse must show the power and balance required to perform lengthenings of the trot and lope, clearly demonstrating an increase in stride length and energy.

• Collection: The first steps of true collection are introduced, requiring the horse to slightly shorten its frame and engage its hindquarters more deeply.

• Lateral Movements: Shoulder-In is introduced (or similar lateral exercises). These movements require the horse to move sideways while bending, greatly improving suppleness and obedience to the rider's seat and leg aids.

• Accuracy in Gaits: The lope must be consistent, balanced, and shown in both working and lengthening versions.

Movements:

Tests include all three gaits (walk, jog, and lope), lengthenings of the jog and lope, and the accurate execution of lateral exercises and more complex figures (like smaller circles and serpentines).

This class is for the experienced team that is ready to showcase refinement, power, and precise control of the Western horse's body.