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.

Apr 03, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: April 5-6

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered!

Apr 03, 2025 ATC

USEA Adult Team Championships: Level Updates and Letter of Intent Reminders

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to offer the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the upcoming USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. The AEC will take place at Galway Downs in Temecula, California, from Wednesday, Aug. 27, to Sunday, Aug. 31.

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IEL Rider Carolyn Rice Has Come Full Circle

Seventeen-year-old Carolyn Rice, a high school junior from Johns Creek, Georgia, has spent the last 10 years riding at Willow South Riding School—the very place where she first sat on a horse. What started as a casual introduction quickly became a lifelong passion.

Apr 01, 2025 Eventing News

Top Riders Set to Compete in Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

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