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Dressage - Then & Now

Dressage
#1

Or…First Level as the Barely Broke Level…eg., Walk-Trot-Canter-Whoa & Turn.

I offer to the gentle reader why those of use “of a certain age” pine for the “old days.” We grew up learning to ride when the standards were a little bit higher than the expectations of most trainers today.

My husband knows I collect out-of-print horse training and dressage books. A few weekends ago, he went antiquing and found Anthony Crossley’s, “Training the Young Horse-The First Two Years” published in 1978. This is not that long ago for some of us…and reflects the standards in place at the time some of us started to “ride dressage”…including moi.

It is a fascinating read with the perspective of hindsight. In the book, Crossley lays out a 2 year plan (in 3-month intervals) from first few rides to use of the double bridle and schooling flying changes in months 22-24.

Phase
1 - Months 1-3: Self Carriage, Obedience, Suppleness
2 - Months 4-6: Purity of the paces, Turn on Forehand, Renvers, Lengthen Canter
3 - Months 7-9: Ley Yield at Canter,
4 - Months 10-12: Shoulder-In, Reinback, Simple change thru trot
5 - Months 13-15: Travers, Medium Trot, Turn on haunches, Canter thru walk,
6 - Months 16-18: Trot Half-Pass, medium canter, Counter Canter, Collected Canter
7 - Months 19-21: Extended Trot, 8m trot, 10m canter circles
8 - Months 22-24: Flying Changes & Double Bridle.

Assuming that a horse was typically first sat upon at about 4 yrs old, then a 6-yr old should be doing the movements laid out ~3rd level-4th level tests.

Compare that with the directives of the 2015 Dressage Tests. Today’s expectations seem quite dumbed down from what was expected of riders about 40 years ago.

Tr-1
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, is supple and moves freely forward in a clear rhythm with a steady tempo, accepting contact with the bit.
INTRODUCE
Working trot; working canter; medium walk; free walk; 20m circles in trot and canter.

TR-3
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, is supple and moves freely forward in a clear rhythm with a steady tempo, accepting contact with the bit.
INTRODUCE
Changing of bend on a shallow loop, canter-trot transition on diagonal.

1-3
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and in addition to the requirements of Training Level, has developed the thrust to achieve improved balance and throughness and to maintain a more consistent contact with the bit.
INTRODUCE
10m circle at trot; change of lead through trot; counter canter.

2-1
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and having achieved the thrust required in First Level, now accepts more weight on the hindquarters (collection); moves with an uphill tendency, especially in the medium gaits; and is reliably on the bit. A greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance and self-carriage is required than at First Level.
INTRODUCE
Collected and me- dium trot and canter, 10m circle at canter; shoulder-in; simple change; rein back.

2-2
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and having achieved the thrust required in First Level, now accepts more weight on the hindquarters (collection); moves with an uphill tendency, especially in the medium gaits; and is reliably on the bit. A greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance and self-carriage is required than at First Level.
INTRODUCE
Travers; half turn on haunches.

2-3
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and having achieved the thrust required in First Level, now accepts more weight on the hindquarters (collection); moves with an uphill tendency, especially in the medium gaits; and is reliably on the bit. A greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance and self-carriage is required than at First Level.
INTRODUCE
No new requirements

3-1
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and having begun to develop an uphill balance at Second Level, now demonstrates increased engagement, especially in the extended gaits. Transitions between collected, medium and extended gaits should be well defined and performed with engagement. The horse should be reliably on the bit and show a greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance and self carriage than at Second Level.
INTRODUCE
Extended gaits; half pass at trot; single flying change
Double Bridle Optional

3-2
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and having begun to develop an uphill balance at Second Level, now demonstrates increased engagement, especially in the extended gaits. Transitions between collected, medium and extended gaits should be well defined and performed with engagement. The horse should be reliably on the bit and show a greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance and self carriage than at Second Level.
INTRODUCE
Renvers, release of reins at canter, half pass at canter
Double Bridle Optional

3-3
INTRODUCE
No new requirements

4-1
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and has developed sufficient suppleness, impulsion and throughness to perform the Fourth Level tests which have a medium degree of difficulty. The horse remains reliably on the bit, showing a clear uphill balance and lightness as a result of improved engagement and collection. The movements are performed with greater straightness, energy and cadence than at Third Level.
INTRODUCE
Collected walk; very collected canter; walk pirouettes; multiple flying changes on diagonal.
Double Bridle Optional

4-2
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and has developed sufficient suppleness, impulsion and throughness to perform the Fourth Level tests which have a medium degree of difficulty. The horse remains reliably on the bit, showing a clear uphill balance and lightness as a result of improved engagement and collection. The movements are performed with greater straightness, energy and cadence than at Third Level.
INTRODUCE
Counter change of hand in trot and canter; tempi changes every fourth stride; working partial pirouettes in canter.
Double Bridle Optional

4-3
PURPOSE
To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and has developed sufficient suppleness, impulsion and throughness to perform the Fourth Level tests which have a medium degree of difficulty. The horse remains reliably on the bit, showing a clear uphill balance and lightness as a result of improved engagement and collection. The movements are performed with greater straightness, energy and cadence than at Third Level.
INTRODUCE
Reinback series; tempi changes every third stride; 10m half circle in counter canter

#2

We have a much deeper understanding of skeletal development, risks for soft tissue injury, etc. than in the past. While for some horses that may be a very reasonable timeline, broke to 4th level in two years is not feasible nor healthy for many horses.

What is the rush and why is not rushing being conflated with “dumbed down”?

18 Likes
#3

I do not understand the rush either - and do not feel like things have been “dumbed down”… I also question why an exercise like leg yield at canter is introduced far ahead of basic things like simple changes, medium trot, medium canter and collected canter? Shouldn’t your canter be well established and balanced and following through before you add a leg yield in there?

I am no professional dressage trainer to be sure… but some of that progression just seems a bit… amiss.

4 Likes
#4

I don’t think there is any difference here, big picture, between the OP and the young horse classes (5 yo etc)

THOSE horses are nearing real collection, so maybe a good 2nd level vs 4th, but I doubt ANYONE was doing 4th level on all horses in 2 yrs.

#5

I agree there are some exercises out of order in the OP’s post. I’m not in favor of rushing either. However, I do agree that some things have been dumbed down. Specifically, the allowing of posting at First Level.

There was a time around 1990 that Training Level Test 3 required sitting. First Level had Shoulder-in. Today I feel at the lower levels the tests are being designed more for the novice rider than for the horse.

3 Likes
#6

My original post only has Anthony Crossley’s training sequence as spelled out in his book…so any controversy is with Crossley.

This is then contrasted to the USEF Dressage Test directives…also copied verbatim from the actual 2015 tests.

I have provided no original thoughts on horse training.

My only “opinion” comments have been regarding rider expectations and to state my opinion that First Level = The Barely Broke Level and that riders should be aspiring to 3rd level as a minimum.

Based on the movements in the 24 month training program for a young horse, it seems that the movements of 3rd Level were considered a minimum for a riding horse based on Crossley’s program…which was intended to apply to all horses destined as riding horses.

1 Like
#7

So here’s my opinion.

Back in the Dark Ages when I was young, there were relatively few people “riding dressage.” Those that were, were really into it and probably very skilled riders with a deep background of horsemanship and riding behind them. The rest of us smurfs learned to ride, had fun hacking out, going to local shows with our nice-enough horses and generally being allowed to be reasonable amateurs who loved and cared for our horses. We didn’t have “trainers.”

Then life changed. Hacking out and local shows have all but disappeared. Specialization came into play much more, and those of us who grew up as reasonable amateurs have had to pick something to do so we can stay riding and be happy people.

Thus a large influx of the not so great and good into your rarified little world.

But, whatever branch of this sport we have picked, we are consistently looked down on by people like you, who think we should be aspiring to greatness, when all we want to do is ride and have fun with our horses and be reasonable amateurs.

Or indeed we actually are working our butts off to be as good a rider as we can be in middle age with a full time job and a family and other responsibilities, but we simply aren’t as talented as you apparently are, started later in life, didn’t have the training opportunities you had at an early age, whatever, so third level is actually pretty damned hard and quite an achievement. Hell, getting to a show and putting in a first level test is quite an achievement.

But really, you should be grateful for our lowly presence. We make sure the feed stores and tack shops and boarding barns and shows and veterinarians and farriers and trainers and barn workers and breeders and all those other facilities and professionals who you need stay in business.

Would you rather we had all taken up knitting instead?

13 Likes
#8

many including myself, are working towards third or beyond it, and doing quite well.

2 Likes
#9

My guess is that horses on the fast track still proceed quite quickly, and don’t go “up the levels” spending a year at First, a year at Second, etc. The lower level non FEI classes are in large part for the amateur rider or the lower level pro schooling horses for amateur riders, and as we know the bulk of amateur riders don’t get past First level. Indeed, for some of my friends, First is seen as a distant dream because you have to perfect Training Level first.

I would be curious to contrast Crossley’s progression with what happens at a high-level training situation where the horses are competing at the FEI levels by age 8 or 9.

1 Like
#10
#11

Anthony Crossley has another book, titled “Advanced Dressage” that kind of picks up where this one ends.

i don’t see how it is so hard to be schooling 3rd after 2yrs of training?
In the book it is assumed you ride 5 or 6 days a week, and the horse is sound. If you take any breaks or have lay ups it would take a little longer

4 Likes
#12

I agree…BUT, this is assuming the rider knows how to train and has done it before. Take a young horse just started and put it with a rider that has never ridden past Training Level, and the task becomes a bit more difficult.

1 Like
#13

I agree, also there are horses out there which might take a bit longer. Every Trainer I knew so far had some drop outs or wash outs… Which is ok if you have several horses going through your barn, if you just have one horse I think thats not desirable … And maybe they will do well after some more time.
I don’t know this trainer in the OP, but in my youth I learned that it takes about 1 year to get a horse to 1st level. After the second year it should be solid in 2nd level and aimed towards third level. If a horse is solid in 2nd level you can introduce the double bridle. And IMO some of the things which were mentioned in the first 6 months are maybe depending on the horse too early. I would do some things in a different order.

#14

It should be noted that the preponderance of riders today participate at First Level and below.

First Level has been dumbed down by barely requiring the use of sitting trot.

Not commenting or complaining just observing.

3 Likes
#15

I still have his book - I BOUGHT the book back in the early 90s. New. I disagree with this timeline - or feel that he is starting with a horse that already has a solid year under saddle. I think he is rushing the horse, and I don’t think that is healthy, both mentally and physically. Horses are not strong enough in this short timeline to do the work and do it properly. I have seen the results of rushing a horse, and you end up with false collection or angry horses or sore horses.

Have you actually seen some of those older dressage tests? I’m in a discussion group for L Grads, and someone posted a 2nd Level, Test 1 from 1975. It had NO collected work at all. Gaits were working, with 3 trot lengthenings (2 were posting, 1 was sitting), and canter lengthenings. The ONLY lateral work was shoulder in at the WALK. No leg yield, no trot SI, no travers or renvers. The changes of lead were all through the trot - no changes through the walk. There were 10 meter trot and canter circles. NO counter canter. That was it. Mostly straight lines, and working gaits.

I remember just a few decades ago, there was NO flying change in 3rd Level Test One. You could get your bronze without ever doing a flying change.

It wasn’t all that long ago the schaukel reinback movement was a Grand Prix movement, now you see it at 4th level. The 10 meter 1/2 circle canter/counter canter movement was at PSG, and now you see it at 4th level. I could go on and on, I do not believe dressage has been “dumbed down”, I do not believe it is “easier”. I believe the horses are fancier, and there is some shift in judging to reward that (personally, that shift makes me a bit sad, but overall, I still think dressage is improving).

I believe the riding has become better, the horses are fancier, the judging is better, tack fit is better - we have learned and grown through the decades. Not everything is better, of course, but overall, the quality has gone up. I know this isn’t a popular opinion with everyone.

The concept of allowing rising trot at First Level seems to offend many people here - personally, I think it is a good idea. First level horses are often 4 and 5 year olds - they don’t NEED that much sitting work, especially when they are tense. I’ve seen top competitors rise the trot at First level - I think they know what is best for their young horses! If you don’t approve of it, SIT the trot! But realize it is better for the younger horse’s back if you post.

10 Likes
#16

I wouldn’t use the word ‘offend’, but yeah, it bothers me a lot. If a rider can’t sit the trot, then they are basically a beginner imo (excluding those that are physically handicapped).

I do not believe the majority of Training and First Level horses are young. I’m repeating myself, but I believe those classes are mostly filled with lower level riders. I also feel that those riders with the young horses, specifically the pros, are sitting the trot. First Level horses should be schooling Second which introduces light collection and sitting.

You bring up the 1975 tests which were less complex, but I mentioned the circa 1990 tests which were more difficult at Training and First. I believe the original goals of the tests were to build on things so the horses can advance up the levels. This allowing positing trot at First Level doesn’t help in producing riders that can advance to sitting at Second.

#17

Oh, I agree, tests have gotten harder, easier, harder, easier. My point was that it wasn’t all HARDER in the good ol’ days. I remember when we had to sit one of the trot lengthenings at First 3. And when we had the stretchy canter circle (maintaining an uphill balance) in 2nd level, and the SI to Renvers (personally I love that exercise, but it caused a lot of angst).

I have seen big names - those who go back and show at Lamplight YHC that rise the trot at First Level. I appreciate the option. Personally I prefer sitting - but there are times when it is nice to have the option to get off a tense young horse’s back. And I do not believe a 4 or 5 year old should be sat on too much.

Of COURSE most of our Training and First Level riders are lower level riders - so do we want to eliminate them from the scene? Reality is, they are what makes our sport possible. They fill up the shows, volunteer for the shows, shop with the vendors, pay the trainers - without that grass roots support, dressage is GONE. In the US, we don’t have government support of our sport - so if we don’t have a sound economic base, we don’t have dressage. I still believe the change to allow posting at First Level does also benefit young horses and professional riders.

4 Likes
#18

So what? Seriously. Why do you care if someone who’s 45 just got into horses after 20 years of a family and careerr and is thrilled with the fact that they managed the 20m circle! I mean seriously why the heck do you care. Because those 45 people in that class pay for you to have your 4th level or PSG.

This really offends me. I train my own horse and we work at it slowly and railbirds who look down on me, well shame on you.

10 Likes
#19

No one is “looking down at you.”

The premise of the OP is that instead of thinking Training or First Level are some big achievement, the point of the OP was to point out that those levels are only the beginning and Third Level is a realistic goal for everyone and every horse.

And not to settle for less…or put up with trainers that say you can’t do it.

5 Likes
#20

When I speak of riders at First Level using the rising trot, i’m not speaking of riders with young horses, nor am I speaking specifically of riders who got into it after 20 years of family. I’m speaking of riders who do not or will not learn to do the sitting trot. So now we have riders who manage to get through First Level, and then hit the wall of Second. At Second the rider must not only sit, but must learn to work within the sitting trot, a skill they should have learned at or before First.

The Peter Principle comes into effect. They rise to level of their own incompetence.
However I will agree that at times the Levels have gotten more difficult, and that perhaps either Anthony Crossley was extremely talented or was fortunate enough to have a series of what we would consider “once in a lifetime horses”. I do have his book, my horses didn’t read it.

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