In her new video series on EQUESTRIAN+, U.S. Dressage Team member AnnA Buffini explains that successfully progressing through the levels requires systematic training, quality fundamentals and patience. “Progress isn’t always linear—some days will be better than others—but consistency and proper technique will pay off,” she noted. “Keep in mind that by focusing on the quality of your movements, clear aids and positive training experiences for your dressage partner, you’ll create a foundation for success.”
As you progress to more advanced movements, Buffini stresses that your goal is not just to achieve the movement but to execute it with harmony, balance and expression. “And the quality of your relationship with your horse will ultimately determine the quality of your movements,” she said.
Buffini shares three key strategies for developing your dressage horse’s flying changes, lateral movements and trot lengthenings from lower to upper levels.
1. Crisp Transitions and Quality Canter for Flying Changes
“Flying changes are often considered one of the most challenging yet rewarding elements of dressage training. From basic prerequisites to advanced tempi changes, patience and proper technique are key to your success.
“The quality of your walk-to-canter transition is perhaps the most important indicator of your horse’s readiness for flying changes. A prompt, balanced transition shows that your horse is quick to respond to your leg, balanced enough to engage his hindquarters, responsive to subtle aids and mentally prepared for more complex work.
“The foundation of a successful flying change is a well-balanced, adjustable canter with good rhythm and a clear three-beat sequence, uphill balance with engaged hindquarters, adjustability (ability to lengthen and collect) and straightness without falling to either side.”
2. Developing Lateral Work Throughout the Levels
“Lateral movements are the cornerstone of dressage training. From basic leg yields to the sophisticated zig-zags seen in Grand Prix tests, lateral work helps create suppleness, engagement and is the foundation for more advanced work. The leg yield serves as the gateway to all lateral movements. Even at the Grand Prix level, this fundamental exercise remains essential for maintaining suppleness and responsiveness.
“Just like yoga for horses, these movements progressively build strength and flexibility and help create an overall more balanced and responsive horse. Remember that the goal is always to make your horse feel better—more supple, more engaged and more balanced.
“By systematically layering these movements and using them to correct imbalances, you create a horse that can perform with harmony, precision and expression at any level of competition.”
3. Build Trot Lengthenings Through the Levels
“Developing proper trot lengthenings in dressage requires patience, consistency and a forward-thinking approach. Rather than treating each type of trot as a separate movement, successful riders build each gait progressively.
“When training trot lengthenings, focus on keeping your horse’s hind-end engaged, maintaining an uphill balance, a relaxed rhythm and soft connection. And even when you’re working with young horses, focus on precision while establishing the basics.
“Remember that the goal of dressage is not just to achieve movements but to improve the horse’s overall quality of gaits, suppleness and happiness in his work. The progression from lengthening to medium to extended trot takes years to develop properly, but building a solid foundation ensures beautiful extensions at the higher levels.”
About AnnA Buffini
AnnA Buffini is a young dressage professional based in San Diego, California. She has been part of the U.S. Dressage Team, competing on five major international Nations Cup teams and in two FEI Dressage World Cup™ Finals, placing sixth in 2023 in Omaha, Nebraska. As a junior, she won the 2014 USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship and the 2016 USEF U25 Dressage National Championship. She trains with Olympian Guenter Seidel.
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