Dressage Testing Regulations

Our Testing Philosophy

The World Dressage Federation will offer riders at all levels the opportunity to enter worldwide competitions by submitting video within the time frame of an event.

These tests are being designed to reward good training, correct movement, relaxation, and will be judged by that criteria. Finally the playing field has been leveled so that any horse who is trained properly and moves over his back has the opportunity to score well.

Judges will be moved by artistic expression, harmony between horse and rider, and both the horse’s and rider’s correct level of physical development for the level entered.

Testing Levels

Level 1 | Foundation

  • Test 1 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 2 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 3 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 4 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 5 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 6 [Link to DOWNLOAD]

Level 2 | Working

  • Test 1 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 2 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 3 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 4 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 5 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 6 [Link to DOWNLOAD]

Level 3 | Collection

  • Test 1 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 2 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 3 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 4 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 5 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 6 [Link to DOWNLOAD]

Level 4 | Master

  • Test 1 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 2 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 3 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 4 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 5 [Link to DOWNLOAD]
  • Test 6 [Link to DOWNLOAD]

Rules

  • Test may be ridden in a full dressage court of 20 meters x 60 meters, or a small arena 20 meters x 40 meters with dressage letters posted
  • Any level surface may be used
  • Snaffle bridles, single or double jointed or bit-less bridles may used.
  • Any type of saddle may be used
  • Simple spurs, no rowels allowed, and whips may or may not be carried
  • Rider must wear a helmet
  • Test must be filmed from the position of C
  • Videos must be time-stamped and labeled one test per video
  • Sound must be on during the recording and recording must be continuous with no editing once the test begins
  • Test may be called for rider
  • Participant has a full month to accomplish their test but no tests will be accepted after the deadline

Scoring

  • Each movement in each test has a possible score of 1-10
  • 1 point for proper engagement and working over the back
  • 1-3 points for consistent rhythm
  • 1-3 points for accuracy
  • 1-3 points for relaxation

Collective Marks

  • Horse’s correct level of physical development for level entered
  • Harmony between horse and rider
  • Rider’s correct level of physical development for the level entered (rider’s seat and use of the aids)
  • Artistic Impression is a mark for the overall performance with a coefficient of 2

A Glimpse of the Future of the World Dressage Federation

  • This year all tests will be judged using voice over videos of each test submitted. This will assist members in understanding how to improve their performance and ground them in the classical foundation method. Eventually, a more typical written test will be produced via .PDF with comments from the judges and the final score will be posted on the WDF website
  • The WDF plans to produce tests up to the Grand Prix dressage level and some combined tests with dressage and low level jumping classes
  • Regional Championships would be a fun addition depending on demand. This could be in person riding or via video submittal