Dressage is a sport where horse and rider perform a series of predetermined movements set out in a dressage test with precision and grace. It emphasises the harmony between the two, showcasing the horse’s athleticism and the rider’s skill in communication and control.
A judge marks the test. They give you a mark out of ten for how well you carry out each instruction. At the end of the test the marks are added up and the winner is the horse and rider with the highest score.
The good news is that you have probably already started doing some Dressage! When you are riding at home and getting the pony to do the things that you want him to do you are already practising the basics of dressage.
To improve you and your pony, you might want to have lessons with an instructor. This includes the lessons that you have at a rally, where you will get help with your riding which will make the pony behave better and listen to you more.
As you and your pony get better and your confidence grows you may want to take part in a competition. If you cannot remember your dressage test, don’t worry as someone can read the test out loud to you (apart from at Area Competitions and the Championships).
Check out what Events and Competitions you can enter through our Calendar.
Level | Test |
Novice | Novice Freestyle Dressage to Music 2023 |
Intermediate | Intermediate Freestyle Dressage to Music 2023 |
Open | Open Freestyle Dressage to Music 2023 |
Pairs | Pairs Freestyle Dressage to Music 2023 |
www.dressage-master.com – Provides audio versions of all Pony Club dressage tests for downloading to MP3 players or Smartphones, for learning or revising them anywhere, even while riding the test through. The tests, called in real time, are accompanied by the beat of a metronome. This allows the movements and timing of the tests to become synchronised in the sub-conscious, ready for easy recall, at the right time and place as the test is ridden.
www.dressageanywhere.com – Allows to you to practise your Pony Club Dressage Tests at home before a live competition. Enter a Pony Club class online, upload a video of yourself performing your test and have it judged by a top level judge.
www.dressagediagrams.com – Offer diagrams of the movements to go with all Pony Club Tests.
Please see the contact details to the right.