First Level
Results from the Dressage Today Virtual Show III
See the top-placed pairs from our latest virtual dressage competition!
Results from the Dressage Today Virtual Show II
See the top-placed pairs from our latest virtual dressage competition!
How to Correctly Ride a Change of Lead Through Trot
Learn the steps to ride this movement that appears in First Level Test 3.
How To Teach Your Horse to Pick Up the Correct Canter Lead
Dressage trainer Madeleine Austin gives advice on this common problem.
Are You Ready to Move Up to Second Level?
Kate Fleming-Kuhn explains how to be sure you and your dressage horse are prepared before moving up a level.
How to Help Your Horse Maintain Balance in Canter
Lisa Pierson answers a reader question and explains how to balance your horse in the canter with exercises to improve engagement.
At What Level In Dressage Are You Required to Sit the Trot?
Find out when you should be prepared to ride the sitting trot in dressage competition.
First Level Frustrations
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.
Tempel Farms: An Educational Landmark
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.
Shift Balance To Encourage Self-Carriage in Dressage
Biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze discusses encouraging self-carriage as she critiques Cristina Kayvon-Pierce at First Level.
Carry Your Hands to Maintain an Active Core
Rider biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques Barb Shannahan on Aero.
From Feedlot to Dressage Finals
How one Adult Amateur and her rescued Pinto made it to the 2016 U.S. Dressage Finals.
The Soundtrack of Our Lives
Through a miracle of technology and modern medicine, a dressage rider regains her hearing and her ability to reconnect with horses.
A Noble Champion Emerges
One dedicated rider and her team bring an unlikely dressage hero into the spotlight.
A Common Mistake in First Level Lengthenings
Margaret Freeman shares a tip on lengthenings in First Level tests and discusses the importance of staying straight.
How to Ride and Utilize Shoulder-In with Ernst Hoyos
Learn about this classical straightening exercise that produces throughness.
Hilda Gurney: First Level Movements with Young Horses
Learn how to begin schooling First Level movements with a 4-year-old.
Tone Your Horse's Topline by Riding the Canter Lengthening
This First Level movement is your means for developing your horse’s topline and belly muscles, both critical to successful upper-level work.
How To Ride First Level Leg Yields
Learn how riding the First Level leg yield prepares for advancement in dressage training.
Are You Ready for First Level Dressage?
Make an educated and confident decision about moving up.
Improve Reaction Time in the Circle of Aids
Suzanne von Dietze critiques Carmen Deville Makover and her PRE stallion at First Level.
Warm-Up Exercises for First Level Dressage
Lisa El-Ramey Hyslop shares her tips for a proper warm-up.
Develop Straightness at First Level
Biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques Madison Ingraham at First Level.