Understanding Dressage Tests Internationally
Country Equivalences - Level Names
| Germany | The Netherlands | UK | US |
| Introductory | Introductory | ||
| E | B | Preliminary | Training Level |
| A*/A** | L1/L2 | Novice | First Level |
| L*/L** | M1/M2 | Elementary | Second Level |
| M*/M** | Z1/Z2 | Medium/Advanced Medium | Third Level |
| S* | ZZ | Advanced | Fourth Level |
| S** | ZZ-Licht | Prix St. Georges | Prix St. Georges |
| S*** | Miden Tour | Intermediate I/ II | Intermediate I/ II |
| Grand Prix | Zware Tour | Grand Prix | Grand Prix |
Introduction levels
Introduction classes are a US creation in which riders, who may only be starting out riding, can get a feel for competition. The classes are short, simple and allow the riders to only perform a walk/trot with a trot rising. Making it as simple as possible while still getting riders into the arena.
Preliminary and Training Level
The official beginning of rider and horse introduction to the show arena, internationally . The test uses all 3 gaits of walk, trot and canter, yet some tests still allow the rider to post the trot. This is primary for the horse, who may be young and lack the conditioning to support a sitting rider. Posting is also useful for a green rider, learning to balance their own weight and seat while riding.
Elementary through Advanced : 2nd - 4th Levels
The process of dressage is a incremental increase of horse and rider development. Slowing increasing the engagement of the horse, moving the weight bearing to the back legs and developing suppleness. This is also useful for a developing rider, who needs to learn their own balance, coordination and refinement of motion, even while riding a horse that has been trained and conditioned for the level or higher.
Prix St. Georges Level
The first level of international competition. This is where the tests are identical from country to country. The patterns are designed and controlled by the FEI. At this level, the horse has been schooled to perform most dressage movements and now is performing these moves with a greater degree of collection. This includes all forms of weight bearing: collection through the back, extensions, changes of gait and lateral movements. Ideally the horse is also submissive in response to any request by the rider.
Intermediate and Grand Prix Levels
The pinnacle of dressage training. The horse has become solid in his physical conditioning and is accepting of the demands ask of them. The natural elegant motion of the horse has been fully developed and judging is compared to the idea concept of perfection in a movement. At this level, all potential movements are to be performed at all 3 levels: collected, working and extended. Each gait also has built in lateral work to demonstrate the achievement of suppleness. The goal of the rider is to look as silent as possible, giving the appearance that the horse is doing these movements on their own. If achieved, the horse is considered a delight to ride with effort and ease.
Author: Debbie Kurth
Debbie is the patent owner of the “The Virtual Sports Competition” and creator/coder of VirtualHorseSport.com. A computer engineer and former Disney Imagineer, she has received her USDF Bronze and Silver medals, thanks to 3 amazing horses: Juliet, Splendid and Rainman. She was coached & trained by Swedish Dressage Trainer and S Judge, Ulf Wadeborn. She is presently the founder and CEO of Multimedia Designs, LLC.
