Feb 01, 2013

An Explanation of Requirements In USEF 2010 Preliminary Dressage Test A, Movement 6; and FEI 2009 One-Star Dressage Test A, Movement 3

Based on the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, I am making this attempt to sort out the confusion on the USEF 2010 Preliminary Dressage Test A, Movement 6; and FEI 2009 One-Star Dressage Test A, Movement 3.

Based on the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, I am making this attempt to sort out the confusion on the above two movements. In Training level tests A and B, we ask for a circle letting the horse stretch completely forward and down. This is an accepted way to loosen the horse’s back while maintaining the rhythm and balance. *
The next stage of training comes when the horse is reliably on the bit. If the horse is properly on the bit and stretched to contact, it will follow the rider’s hand. If the rider either elongates the arm by giving forward or lets the reins slide through the fingers, while still keeping contact, the horse should reach out and slightly down.Ideally the head should not go below the point of the shoulder during this movement. Then the rider can reshorten the reins and return to the normal position of the head.The FEI test (CCI & CIC) asks for the lengthening for one horse’s length. We felt this was a little vague so specified the distance at 5 meters which is about the same thing.
The next stage in the training of the horse is to have the horse in enough self carriage so that the rider can completely give the reins and have the horse remain in the same position and balance.

I hope that this explanation clears up the mystery.

*based on the theories of Christoff Hess

*Originally published in 2010, this explanation has been reposted for your convenience.

Mar 31, 2025 Eventing News

In Memoriam: Margaret Good (1929-2025)

The USEA is saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret Joyce Good of Leesburg, Virginia. Margaret passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2025. Born October 8, 1929, in Clay Township, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Clark and Jane Pfiefer.

Mar 31, 2025 Eventing News

Redemptive Victory for Jessica Phoenix at The Event at TerraNova

At The Event at TerraNova last November, Canadian Jessica Phoenix narrowly missed winning the CCI4*-L with Fluorescent Adolescent, finishing second overall with two rails down. Today, the Olympic veteran found redemption and not only won the B&D Builders CCI4*-S with Freedom GS, but finished second once again with Fluorescent Adolescent.

Mar 31, 2025 Interscholastic

Final Countdown to the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships

The 2025 USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Eventing Championships are just one month away, and time is running out for program members to enter this unforgettable event! The Stable View Local Charities H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 2-4 will serve as host to both program championships again this year, and the max capacity of 400 horse and rider combinations is quickly filling.

Mar 30, 2025 Eventing News

Bec Braitling Stars in CCI4*-S Shake Up at Galway Downs International

Spring is a time to prepare for what’s ahead and many of this week’s international horse trials contenders at Galway Downs International took full advantage of ideal opportunities to build confidence, confirm training and find out where they can push the edges of their horse’s performance.

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