Dressage Test

Plus: What Your Horse’s Tail Tells You

Cesar Torrente gives you easy fixes to increase your scores and improve your ride at every level

USDF gold medalist Kim Herslow explains how mental preparation can help you ride a better dressage test.

Find out when you should be prepared to ride the sitting trot in dressage competition.

Gerhard Politz explains how correct rider assessment and the appropriate use of praise are key elements to effective instruction.

Use this conceptual tool to help your riding in a practical way.

Blogger and judge Margaret Freeman explains why higher scores are often worth the risk.

Learn how accuracy can give you an advantage in the show ring.

DT’s managing editor shares her appreciation for the unwavering support of her family.

Learn to ride a 10-meter loop, not a 13-meter over-ripe banana

Sports psychologist Jenny Susser, PhD, explains that developing the mental strategy of test-riding is a skill of successful riders that is often overlooked.

Top dressage judges Lilo Fore, Anne Gribbons and Hilda Gurney weigh in.

Lisa El-Ramey Hyslop shares her tips for a proper warm-up.

Use this timeline and checklist to plan ahead for a less stressful year.

Pan Am Games gold medalist Jan Ebeling shares tips on preparing the horse for competition.

Try these tips to memorize your dressage test and ride it with accuracy while staying calm and cool on show day.

Follow these points for each dressage level to improve your dressage test scores.

FEI 5* judge Janet Foy explains how attention to detail can earn you those extra points in the show ring—from making a strong first impression to riding each movement with precision, these helpful hints will turn your test from average to great.