Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Not that anyone but me probably cares, but USEF has published the new National Dressage Tests for 2015 - 2018. I'll have printable PDFs on the website soon, but for now, here is the link to USEF where you can see the new tests for yourself. They are effective beginning December 1, 2014. I've been worried about the tests because the last time they changed them (in 2011), they moved the movements from Training Level Test 1 down to Introductory C which means I got stuck at Intro for longer than I had wanted to be. I've looked over the three tests from First Level, and thankfully, the purpose has remained exactly the same: USEF has also kept the three tests per level format. That worked well for me, so I am glad about that.
The skills introduced at First Level have also remained unchanged:
I am taking Speedy to a schooling show this weekend, and we'll be using the old tests. I wasn't planning on riding Test 2, but due to a change in plans, I will now be riding first Level Test 1 and 2 … Heaven help us as I haven't even read Test 2. Nothing like jumping right in! Look over the new tests and let me know what has changed, especially at Second Level. Who knows? I might get there sooner than I think!
17 Comments
jenj
11/3/2014 10:44:33 pm
I had JUST memorized 1-2 for an upcoming show and then they changed them. Pout. The movements are all very similar, just some smallish changes here and there.
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11/5/2014 09:36:16 am
I always memorize my tests, but for this show, I am asking for a reader. I know 1-1 pretty well, but what's the point of REALLY memorizing it if I am only going to do it once? And thanks!
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I looooooved the old First 2. It was fun. You changed direction a lot, but things didn't come up super fast to surprise you. I haven't looked closely at it, but it didn't look like it changed too much.
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Sweet on the breakdown. I liked 2nd 3, it flowed very nicely. I haven't looked at the new one yet. It sounds like 3rd 2 got a revamp, I'm intrigued. I didn't like 3-2 before. I don't know why they put 4 changes in the second test of a level. It should have been in the third test of the level, gotta do more, make that the qualifier!
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11/5/2014 09:40:03 am
I LOVE the comparison chart, but it made me laugh as we use these charts all the time at work. We always have so many changes to either the standards or other circular aspects that we need charts to show us what has changed! Either way, great tool - thanks for sharing!
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First of all: Good luck this weekend!!!! Don't sweat it and relax :)
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Ooh! Great point about the 3 second halts. I saw that too, and thought about how some horses are going to get docked considerably for that! Also, a good remark on the medium gaits across the diagonal. The whole diagonal is super hard to maintain a medium in, and one reason my scores at Second have been super low. I am really excited about that!
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11/5/2014 09:42:26 am
I worked on the 3 second halt tonight. Fortunately, Speedy G isn't a super forward horse so he's usually pretty happy to stand. I counted out the three seconds which is what I'll have to do for a show. In all honestly, I don't find this hard as I always take my time in the halt; I use the time to regroup and think about tracking left or right. I'm doing Training Level now and it doesn't seem like those have changed, at least for 3 which is what I've been learning. I did ride First Level 1 once before though and remember the 10 meter S loop. Good luck with your show! It will be interesting to see how these new tests ride.
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11/5/2014 09:43:30 am
I didn't see any changes at Training Level either so you should be good for a while. :0)
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11/5/2014 09:44:14 am
I practice when I am in bed trying to fall asleep. Nothing works quicker!
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11/5/2014 09:45:20 am
The tests have changed, but we'll use the old ones until the beginning of December when the new tests become effective, but it sure discouraged me from trying to memorize my tests for this schooling show! I already begged for a reader. :0)
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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