Training Level Archives - Dressage Today https://dressagetoday.com/category/instruction/training-level/ Dressage Today is the training and educational resource for dressage riders at every level. Videos and instructional articles offer tips. Tue, 12 May 2026 17:53:08 +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 Training Level Archives - Dressage Today https://dressagetoday.com/category/instruction/training-level/ 32 32 Ask the L: Are My Horse and I Ready for First Level? https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/first-level/ask-the-l-are-my-horse-and-i-ready-for-first-level/ Tue, 12 May 2026 17:52:58 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=20232 In this Ask the L, dressage trainer and judge Aviva Nebesky helps a Training Level rider determine if she and her horse are prepared to successfully move up to First Level.

The post Ask the L: Are My Horse and I Ready for First Level? appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> 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.

The post The Unwritten Rules of Dressage Test Riding appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> 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.

The post The Golden Rules of the Dressage Warm-Up Arena appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> Dressage 101: How to Create a Lesson Plan for Each Training Session https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/how-to/dressage-101-how-to-create-a-lesson-plan-for-each-training-session/ Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 http://ci0202779f90022693 It's easy to lack focus when you're not under the direction of your trainer. Hilary Moore Herbert teaches you how to design beneficial lesson plans that will help you and your dressage horse ride with more purpose.

The post Dressage 101: How to Create a Lesson Plan for Each Training Session appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> 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.

The post Tips for Training Through Third Level From Hilda Gurney appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> Ask the L: Should I Rise or Sit the Trot for Training and First Level? https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/first-level/ask-the-l-should-i-rise-or-sit-the-trot-for-training-and-first-level/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:07:56 +0000 https://dtmembership.wpenginepowered.com/news/ask-the-l-should-i-rise-or-sit-the-trot-for-training-and-first-level/ In this Ask the L, dressage judge and trainer Aviva Nebesky answers a reader question about whether she should rise or sit the trot for Training and First Level tests—and whether she'll get a higher score for sitting.

The post Ask the L: Should I Rise or Sit the Trot for Training and First Level? appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> Adult Amateurs: Use Biomechanics to Improve Balance and Communication https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/adult-amateurs-use-biomechanics-to-improve-balance-and-communication/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 21:44:12 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=18170 Stephany Fish Crossman evaluates an adult amateur to explain how rider biomechanics are key to a successful partnership with your dressage horse.

The post Adult Amateurs: Use Biomechanics to Improve Balance and Communication appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> Help Your OTTB Excel in Dressage https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/help-your-ottb-excel-in-dressage/ Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:48 +0000 https://dressagetoday.com/?p=18079 Due to their athleticism, quick ability to learn and willingness, Thoroughbreds can make ideal dressage partners. Use these tips from Olympic dressage rider Kasey Perry-Glass to help your OTTB succeed.

The post Help Your OTTB Excel in Dressage appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> Improve Elasticity in Horse and Rider https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/improve-elasticity-in-horse-and-rider/ https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/improve-elasticity-in-horse-and-rider/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2020 05:00:00 +0000 http://ci0271c7bd600025a9 Equestrian biomechanics expert Susanne von Dietze critiques a Training-Level combination.

The post Improve Elasticity in Horse and Rider appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]> https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/improve-elasticity-in-horse-and-rider/feed/ 3 George Williams: How Horses’ Hind Legs Work https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/george-williams-how-horses-hind-legs-work/ Tue, 23 Jul 2019 16:41:49 +0000 http://ci0202779ce0062586 A horse's hind legs work in three ways: thrusting power, reach and carrying power.

The post George Williams: How Horses’ Hind Legs Work appeared first on Dressage Today.

]]>