First Level

See the top-placed pairs from our latest virtual dressage competition!

See the top-placed pairs from our latest virtual dressage competition!

Learn the steps to ride this movement that appears in First Level Test 3.

Dressage trainer Madeleine Austin gives advice on this common problem.

Kate Fleming-Kuhn explains how to be sure you and your dressage horse are prepared before moving up a level.

Lisa Pierson answers a reader question and explains how to balance your horse in the canter with exercises to improve engagement.

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

If you want to set yourself apart at First Level and earn points that others don’t, check out these two movements where mistakes are commonly made.

In celebration of the facility’s 60th anniversary, we take a look at the past, present and future of this iconic home of classical dressage training.

Biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze discusses encouraging self-carriage as she critiques Cristina Kayvon-Pierce at First Level.

Rider biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques Barb Shannahan on Aero.

How one Adult Amateur and her rescued Pinto made it to the 2016 U.S. Dressage Finals.

Through a miracle of technology and modern medicine, a dressage rider regains her hearing and her ability to reconnect with horses.

One dedicated rider and her team bring an unlikely dressage hero into the spotlight.

Margaret Freeman shares a tip on lengthenings in First Level tests and discusses the importance of staying straight.

Learn about this classical straightening exercise that produces throughness.

Learn how to begin schooling First Level movements with a 4-year-old.

This First Level movement is your means for developing your horse’s topline and belly muscles, both critical to successful upper-level work.

Learn how riding the First Level leg yield prepares for advancement in dressage training.

Focus on rider balance and coordination of aids.

Make an educated and confident decision about moving up.

Suzanne von Dietze critiques Carmen Deville Makover and her PRE stallion at First Level.

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

Biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques Madison Ingraham at First Level.