Second Level Archives - Dressage Today https://dressagetoday.com/category/instruction/second-level/ Dressage Today is the training and educational resource for dressage riders at every level. Videos and instructional articles offer tips. Fri, 08 May 2026 20:14:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://s3.amazonaws.com/wp-s3-dressagetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/09180459/DT-Favicon-150x150.png Second Level Archives - Dressage Today https://dressagetoday.com/category/instruction/second-level/ 32 32 The Unwritten Rules of Dressage Test Riding https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/unwritten-rules-dressage-test-riding-janet-foy/ Fri, 08 May 2026 20:11:08 +0000 http://ci020277a080062586 Do you understand the tacit "rules" of riding a dressage test—the ones that aren't in the rule book? FEI and USEF judge Janet Foy offers her insights on the unwritten tenets of test riding to help you maximize your scores.

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]]> The Golden Rules of the Dressage Warm-Up Arena https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/the-golden-rules-of-the-dressage-warm-up-arena-29955/ Tue, 05 May 2026 17:22:33 +0000 http://ci0202779c80032586 Four top dressage instructors offer their tips and insights on the rules and etiquette of the dressage warm-up arena to help you stay sane amid the pre-test chaos.

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]]> Tips for Training Through Third Level From Hilda Gurney https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/tips-for-training-through-third-level-from-hilda-gurney/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:45:13 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=20084 Learn lessons from a judge's perspective as Hilda Gurney shares her tips for Training through Third Level.

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]]> How Can I Keep My Horse Bending in the Walk Pirouette? https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/fourth-level/horse-bending-walk-pirouette-kristina-harrison-2/ Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:23:00 +0000 http://ci0202e9cb30002641 Kristina Harrison helps a rider fine-tune her aids and improve her horse's suppleness for the walk pirouette in this reader Q&A.

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]]> Work Without Stirrups to Quiet Your Hands and Develop a Secure Seat https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/work-without-stirrups-to-quiet-your-hands-and-develop-a-secure-seat/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 23:39:56 +0000 https://dtmembership.wpenginepowered.com/news/work-without-stirrups-to-quiet-your-hands-and-develop-a-secure-seat/ FEI judge Axel Steiner helps a rider move up from First to Second Level by challenging her to ride without stirrups to refine her position, better use her leg aids and activate her core.

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]]> Use the Counter-Canter for Uphill Balance and Expression https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/use-the-counter-canter-for-uphill-balance-and-expression/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 22:11:17 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=17752 In this Ask the L, Aviva Nebesky talks about counter-canter in First Level Test 3, including what judges are looking for and how it's scored.

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]]> The Connection Between the Rider’s and Horse’s Backs https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/the-connection-between-the-riders-and-horses-backs/ Fri, 03 Jan 2025 22:03:47 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=17366 Adjusting your position can create a better connection with your horse's back and help him find the balance into a more open frame.

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]]> Evaluating Progress at Second Level https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/evaluating-progress-at-second-level/ Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:12:54 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=16546 Read a favorite review of one combination's development before and after their move up to Second Level.

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]]> 8 Shoulder-In Problems and Solutions https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/8-shoulder-in-problems-and-solutions/ https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/8-shoulder-in-problems-and-solutions/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:18:10 +0000 https://dressagetoday.wpengine.com/?p=14445 The shoulder-in is the first lateral movement involving collection that you encounter as you move up the dressage levels. Introduced at Second Level, it is one of the most important movements for you and your horse to master. First, it allows you to move the horse’s shoulders. This is necessary for more advanced collection that […]

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]]> https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/8-shoulder-in-problems-and-solutions/feed/ 2 Tips to Fix a Crooked Rein-Back https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/tips-to-fix-a-crooked-rein-back/ https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/tips-to-fix-a-crooked-rein-back/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2020 22:26:19 +0000 http://ci026d844b200026aa Check out this training advice from dressage professional Linda Schultz

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