Second Level
Results from the Dressage Today Virtual Show III
See the top-placed pairs from our latest virtual dressage competition!
Training Tips to Correct a Horse Who Gets Too Strong In Canter
Elizabeth Madlener explains how address this issue
Refine Horse and Rider Balance to Correctly Channel Energy
Equestrian biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques a Second-Level combination and suggests exercises to improve balance and prevent leaning.
Janet Foy on the 2019 Second Level Dressage Tests
An overview of the new Second Level dressage tests and a Q&A
Six Phases of a Second Level Ride with Hilda Gurney
FEI 'I' judge Hilda Gurney explains how to pull together the more advanced Second Level dressage movements and approach Second Level schooling sessions with planning and purpose.
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 Long Will It Take for a Dressage Rider to Reach Grand Prix Level?
Charlotte Bredahl-Baker answers this reader question, explaining factors that will affect a rider's journey to Grand Prix level.
You Don't Need a Fancy Horse In Order to Score Well on Walk Pirouettes
It’s a movement any horse with proper training can do well.
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.
Introducing Your Dressage Horse to the Double Bridle
Gina Smith explains how to begin incorporating the double bridle in your work when your horse is ready for it.
Evaluating Progress in a Second Level Pair
Biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques a Second Level combination.
Introducing Travers and Renvers with Hilda Gurney
These exercises prepare your horse to move up.
Develop a Dressage Training Plan to Move Up
An FEI rider explains how you can create a training schedule for a Second Level horse—but the “planning” principles apply to horses of all levels.
Tips to Let Go and Find Suppleness in Your Body
Biomechanics Expert Susanne von Dietze critiques Vanessa Meeks at Second Level
Janet Foy: How to Ride a Shoulder-In
This expert explains why shoulder-in is a go-to exercise in her dressage training.
A Noble Champion Emerges
One dedicated rider and her team bring an unlikely dressage hero into the spotlight.
How to Ride and Utilize Shoulder-In with Ernst Hoyos
Learn about this classical straightening exercise that produces throughness.
The Importance of Shoulder-in When Training the Dressage Horse
Dressage judge Sarah Geikie explains the importance of bend in riding the venerable shoulder-in exercise.
Understanding the New 2015 Dressage Tests
Janet Foy explains how the 2015 dressage tests have changed
What Does "Riding Dressage" Really Mean?
Mica Mabragaña explains how dressage is for every rider, every horse and every discipline.
The Unwritten Rules of Dressage Test Riding
Follow these points for each dressage level to improve your dressage test scores.
What to Look for When Buying a Baroque Horse
Kristina Harrison explains how to assess rideability, temperament, gaits and conformation when buying a Baroque horse.