Coming over to dressage land from eventing for fun/practice!
I saw that there is a 5 year old test. What is that exactly? What are the requirements?
I have a KWPN I plan to show all year ; Woukd be a bonus to get points/get awards/show at championships. .Everything I’m reading is a bit confusing!
The 5 year old test I believe is about equivalent to 2nd level. You can see the test here: http://inside.fei.org/system/files/YHP503_2017.pdf
The young horse tests are not usually ridden by riders new to dressage, because they are a little more exacting than the regular tests.
They are judged by at least two people, which is always fun because there is additional feedback. At bigger shows, there might be three. At CDIs, there are five.
But the feedback is given audibly. At a good-sized show, it’s done over a microphone and at a smaller show, just shouted across the arena. Everyone can hear the comments, and that takes some getting used to.
There is more scrutiny on the gaits and less on exercises in these tests, and, the comments generally refer to the gaits. They will score the walk, the trot, the canter. And if the consensus is that one of those gaits is inadequate, you will hear about it and so will the audience. The idea is to encourage the rider to adjust the training to improve each gait as the horse continues up the levels. It’s more of a riding/training lesson on the spot, with a specific goal, as compared to the normal feedback in your regular test score and its accompanying sheet.
The classes are open to all horses that qualify by age, though, so if you feel you understand what you’re getting into and what is expected, then you are welcome to go for it. Pros and Ammies compete together in them, there’s no separation that way.
When offered, the 4/5/6 year old classes are usually qualifiers for the USEF Young and Developing Horse Championships held in August. If this is the case, there will be multiple judges which will provide scores and commentary (via microphone/speaker) immediately following each test. Depending on your region, these classes can be quite competitive with VERY nice horses.You should be able to find video from previous championships on the USEF network.
Whether or not these are the right tests for you and your horse depend on how far along the horse is in its training and how easy this stuff is. These tests are generally ridden on horses with a great deal of raw talent/athleticism. For the 5 year olds, you need to be able to clearly show collected and medium gaits.
I’m considering maybe doing the 5y/os this year with my horse…at the moment we’d score well in the canter and walk, but the trot hasn’t yet developed the scope to show truly collected or medium gaits. (And he’s an above average mover, but not on the same level as the horses that are seriously competing in the YH tests.)
Also worth considering, because it’s judged by a panel, it can be close to double the cost of a normal USEF test. (When I did the 4 y/os it was 2 judges together at C, they discussed and gave comments together and I got 1 sheet per test.)
I would recommend you get your feet wet in the regular classes, and see how that goes first. Start with something that seems easy and move up at the next show if it goes great. If you’re doing BN or N, that’s probably training level to start with.
If you want to browse the award options, look here: http://www.mazdigital.com/webreader/44022?
As far as Championships go, there may be a local championship or GMO championship in your area that would be a great goal for a first year. If you let us know what state you’re in, we can help you out there.
Regional Championships may be attainable as well. The rules start on page 59, and the chart of qualifying scores is on page 61. You’ll need two scores from two different judges/shows. They have to be at the highest test of the level, i.e. training 1 and 2 won’t count, only training 3.
Have fun!!!
The Young horses classes are for special horses trained in dressage. They are meant to test if the horsw has FEI potential. The 5yrs old is more like 2d level.
This is a showcase class. Don’t go there if your own dressage skills aren’t perfect - you aren’t judge anyway - the scores go to the horse so the rider has to present it well.
It’s like the jumper Young horse serie; can your 5yrs old do +1m30 courses? If not, don’t enter. It’s the same in dressage.
Because it’s not as dangerous as jumping, we always see a few riders who shouldn’t be there in the dressage ring…
It’s not because your horse is 5 that the class is suitable.
Do the regular route. You’ll get feedback too and might win some ribbons too.
Have fun this coming show season.
ETA: Mistake - I meant 2d level.
A little correction though… the 5 year old classes are not 3rd level but a special 2nd level test. The flying changes comes for the 6 year olds…
Thanks for the great feedback everyone!
Lots to learn!
I do plan on starting with training and first level. I’ve shown FEI in eventing so I have some experience with UL dressage movements.
Maybe the five year test would be a good goal for the fall! I think my horse is pretty talented 
By the way, I’m in New England .
Have a great week everyone!
I think the dose of reality above is VERY important before considering the tests. As I heard Janet Foy put it, they are for finding potential future team horses.
HOWEVER - that doesn’t mean you can’t take a perfectly nice horse in it, you just won’t get the same kind of scores, and everyone will hear the comments you get. My horse would have been laughed out of the ring in those tests at 5, but I could see in the future where I may have a horse who is physically talented and just handles the young horse tests better than the equivalent level tests. I would go in knowing I’ll score very low compared to the type of horses they’re seeking (most likely, as I’m not looking to buy myself a future team horse, but rather one easy for me to ride!), but because the test seemed the best experience for my horse. But I’d go in with eyes wide open. I also tend to be drawn to horses who are late bloomers for some reason, which means it’s unlikely that I’ll have a horse who is ready for the work asked of them in young horse tests. 
Reasons to do a young horse test (4, 5, or 6 year old tests):
For a goal, you could look at getting a Performance Award or Certificate for the level you are at. If you are at First level and above, work on getting your scores for your medals. You can also enter awards programs for your breed and through most GMOs. And you can try to get qualifying scores for Regional Championships and possibly move on to the National Championships.
Awards programs through USDF start on Page 18. Check the USEF for additional award programs and breed awards.
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