I have a very nice 4 year old as well as an extremely nice 3 year old which we are starting right now.
So now I am wondering what to do next season with them (then they would be 4 and 5). I don’t really care about any Finals I just want to give them some show experience.
I know there is a Materiale Test (for the 4 year old) and there are FEI and USDF Tests for 4 year old and 5 year old. I tried to look at some videos but I am not sure about the Difference between the FEI and the USDF test?? are there any?? Thank you very much in advance!!!
I’m sure there are others here that can give you a more accurate answer—but here is my experience. For both of these classes (Materiale and the 4 & 5 year old tests) the judges scores are on the gaits, rideability, and general impression (if I am recalling it correctly). However, the classes are run very differently, so it depends on the format that would suit your horse(s) best. Materiale is a class where there might be several horses in the ring, and the judge asks you to walk / trot / and canter both directions. The 4 & 5 year old tests, are like a regular dressage test. So, the horse needs to be capable of transitions in a specific place, and show some ability to lengthen their gaits. You can enter both—but from what I have observed in our area, the professionals who have FANCY young horses (that are well developed for their age) are the ones competing in the 4 and 5 year old tests. I am an ammy, and do not have the talent or skills of a professional, and my horse does not have the extravagant gaits they are looking for in these classes. I did the Materiale with my mare when she was 3 and once at the beginning of the season as a 4 year old. It was a great experience to get her in the ring while she was still green. Then I just started showing her in “regular” training level classes. I felt like the 4 year old test was going to be too much for my young horse.
2 Likes
The FEI writes the tests for the 5, 6, and 7 year old tests. There is a USEF 4 y/o test. (The FEI 4y/o test is only used in countries without their own 4y/o test.) The young horse tests are judged on gaits, submission, and general impression.) Most often, the people doing them are on super fancy youngsters and are aiming at qualifying for championships. I did the 4 year old test on my youngster because it seemed like the best fit for him, and it worked out well, we scored a good score for those tests, but we certainly aren’t out there beating Hilltop or DG Bar. They work best if your horse is physically mature and balanced for their age. Worth mentioning, at least in my region, they are guaranteed to be double judged and cost the same as the other FEI classes (1.5-2x national classes). They can be somewhat forgiving of young horse moments–a little spook or bobble isn’t going to ruin your score, but constant spooks or bobbles will.
The 4 y/o test is pretty much equivalent to 1st-1, the 5 y/o tests are equivalent to 2nd level.
There are materiale classes for 3, 4, and 5 year olds, some will be combined/separated, depending on the show. Depending how popular they are in your area (how many horses in the ring at once), they can be a little “exciting,” particularly if your horse is green to showing.
1 Like
Thank you, so there is a USEF 4 y/o test but not a USEF 5 y/o that means the 5 year old would need to do the FEI test for 5 y/o. But both could do Materiale tests… I think I watched some videos of the tests…
Materiale is not a test, it is a group flat class.
1 Like
I’ve scribed a lot for those tests and the reason behind them is to present horses with futur FEI potential.
They aren’t judged like regular dressage tests at all.
Riders have to showcase their horse’s best gaits.
The “riding” is not judged. Judges might suggest you how you should better develop your horse…but even if said in a really tactfull and polite way, it’s usually a critique of your riding and that’s not good. Scores below 75% are not realy good and mean that your horse isn’t much of FEI dressage material (for that day - at that time - in that class - we all have bad days).
Riders successfull in those classes are professionals (or really good amateur that can showcase their horse)
If your 6yrs old is not scoring above 65% at 3rd level, it’s not ready for the FEI 6yrs old.
If your 5yrs old is not close to be ready to do a good 3rd level, IMMHO, it’s not ready for the FEI 5yrs old.
If your 4yrs old is not ready to do a good 1rst (70%) closer to 2d level test, it’s not ready for the FEI 4yrs old.
If your 3-4yrs old is not ready to score in the high 60% - 70% at training level, it’s not ready for the 3-4yrs old material classes.
As an amateur, who want feedback for myself and my horse, I prefer to go down the traditional levels, at my speed.
2 Likes
Thank you for your very helpful post, so what is the traditional level for young horses in the US??? I have the impression that there are the FEI tests and that otherwise you just ride your 4 year old training level tests… Or is there something in between???
So you mentioned that you scribed at FEI tests and then decided to go the traditional way… What did you do??
Is there a problem with Training/1st level tests ?
3 Likes
I attended the USDF Young Horse Development Symposium a few years ago - they actually talked about these two paths for young horses. And one of the big points that was made - the Young Horse/Developing Horse tests are for the horses that have a ton of charisma and very scopey gaits. They are for the horse who is very well developed mentally and physically, who is naturally balanced and doesn’t struggle with the work. They are NOT for every horse. And they go on to point out, both paths to FEI are correct - the rider needs to determine which path to take for their horse.
The two paths are
- The traditional National tests - Training, First, Second, Third level for the young horses.
-Young Horse tests (then Developing Horse tests) for the horses that show the special talent at an early age.
Many of the horses who follow the traditional path end up showing special talent later on - they need the extra time to develop mentally and physically. The Young Horse tests are very advanced for the horses at that age! So it isn’t just “having a nice horse” - it is having a horse that is mentally and physically up to that level of work.
If you have a chance, go watch some of the tests. Or event better, scribe for a judge who is judging them.
6 Likes
remember, I am from Germany, we have a lot Materialclasses for 3 and 4 year olds and then we have Dressurpferdeprüfungen for 4-6 year olds… They are designed specifically for young horses. Judges look more for the talent and gaits and ridability then for just doing the test correct… I started a lot of young horses and I usually like to do some Materiale classes in order to get the young horses used to the show situation and then I continue with Dressurpferdeprüfungen.
I have no problem with Training or 1st level tests, its just that I am not used to go with a 4 year old in Traininglevel tests… But I guess you can do things different ways…
1 Like
It largely depends on your horses and how you feel about their training. I have always seen the YH/Materiale classes as a more risky route, used mostly to sell horses without regard to their long term wellbeing. The other route as a more gradual way to undertake their training and build their strength. It would be interesting to make a comparison with regard to competition careers and long term fitness.
2 Likes
not sure why it is risky?? You can overwork them either way and I always thought that it is nice for a young horse when expression gets rewarded…
1 Like
I thought you were after show experience ? In my view having a young horse do a quiet obedient test without pushing him/her is the very best kind of experience for his long term career. Later on, when he is better developed, you are going to be able to harness that expression to better effect.
There is very little point in flying around the ring in “auction trot” unless you are selling horses. It is risky because you are pushing an unbalanced young horse in to flashy gaits when he is not yet physically strong enough
7 Likes
I find that going to a low-key local hunter show and doing the green horse classes can be an easy and economical way to get horses in the ring, if your goal is just to expose them to new situations and not to really compete.
1 Like
Risky because you are asking more from the horse’s physical body at a younger age than you would going the regular path. Sure it is possible to overwork a horse at any age, but by at least starting with the traditional route at the lower levels and listening to what your horse’s body and mind is telling you in terms of readiness, you can determine which classes to enter (intro, training, first) and if you think your horse is ready to show at all. By committing to young horse FEI classes, one is likely bound and determined to get there and IMHO the slow and progressive development of the horse isn’t foremost in mind.
Bone is bone is bone. Same with tendons and ligaments and muscles. The horse isn’t done growing at 3, 4, 5 years old and IMHO those classes ask a lot of a young horse. Regardless of if the horse “looks” full grown, it isn’t. The spine is the last to fully develop and form and that isn’t done until at least 5-6 years old. So if you want to put your horse into 3rd level classes at 5 years old, then you are putting a lot of physical stress on a body that isn’t fully grown.
Can some horses handle it? Sure. I’d be interested to know the longevity and years of soundness in the horses that did the young horse FEI classes versus horses that went the traditional route.
If you are at all interested in understanding the horse’s physical development, reading Dr. Deb Bennett’s papers is a good place to start.
3 Likes
you are giving mixed messages here…just show intro or training if you need to get out. those are what 99% of people do in the US.
You said
“I have no problem with Training or 1st level tests, its just that I am not used to go with a 4 year old in Traininglevel tests… But I guess you can do things different ways…”
I say: There is no “lack of prestige” to doing this way.
If your horses aren’t started, it would be a huge jump to these Young horse classes. Based on how you describe your riding here, I would stick to the intro classes and training level. They do have standards to meet too LOL
2 Likes
Exactly as stated.
The YH Symposium presenters emphasize that each young horse is different in it’s mental and physical maturity. The precocious ones can do very well in the FEI YH track; the ones with more ‘normal’ development may be more successful showing up through the national levels.
They also emphasize that BOTH tracks produce eventual FEI horses, so we should choose the one that is most suitable for each individual horse.
USDF Connections covers the symposiums, looking up the articles from past years might help answer some of your questions.
Not a lot of US shows offer Materiale classes unless they also offer breeding classes, so you might be stuck with choosing either the national or FEI classes for your horses.
There are no ‘‘traditionnal’’ level for young horses. As a rider, you ride at the level you are confortable at and young horses get ridden at the level they are confortable at. You could decide a horse is not ready to show much until able to perform at 4th/PSG level or begin with Walk-Trot.
The FEI and 4yrs old USEF young horse levels are there mainly for professional to showcase futur FEI horses. I don’t see those classes that good for ‘‘experience’’. Usually, the riders I know that present young horses do lots of outing, going to different show grounds and clinics BUT they don’t show their horses until they think they can score well. There really is no point in presenting a bad test/material classe in front of well known judges.
So you mentioned that you scribed at FEI tests and then decided to go the traditional way… What did you do??
??? Not sure I understand your question but I’ll try to explain myself better I guess.
I scribed a lot at CDIs where I got to see FEI young horses presented and hear judges comments. I learned what ‘‘wins’’ and what doesn’t. 
Judges are not looking for a ‘‘well ridden test’’ but for horses that show lots of talent and are FEI contenders in the making, both physically and mentally.
So, as a rider, I don’t do those classes. I prefer to go through the regular levels (1rst, 2d, 3rd…) because I’m not a professionnal, despite riding quite well, and I also want feedback of my riding. If I had a really nice FEI prospect that was ready for any young horse classe, someone else would probably show it.
Be it in Germany or in Canada or USA, the FEI young horses classes are the same. Only the 4yrs old might not be, but does follow the same criteria. Material classes are also the same.
If you are used to that route, then just follow it here too.
I have no problem with Training or 1st level tests, its just that I am not used to go with a 4 year old in Traininglevel tests… But I guess you can do things different ways…
The 4yrs old test is the equivalent of a 1rst level test. If your 4yrs old is not ready to score a 70% at training, I wouldn’t do it.
It hasn’t much to do with doing things differently, it has to do what’s best for the rider and the horse.
1 Like
Thank you for your answer, See that is very different then in Germany. Over there usually everybody goes to Materiale classes first, then potentially an Eignung (which includes some jumping) or even a Mare test, which are offered quite frequently. If the horses are confident at shows they are entered in Dressurpferdeprüfungen which are not FEI. And they are offered at 1st and 2nd level. So usually there are not too many young horses in the regular Dressage tests. And in Germany Pros and AA ride in the same classes anyhow, so you might always get stiff competition whoever entered…Everybody is used to it… And then I guess there are the FEI classes which I really never looked into because it wasn’t necessary in Germany. But I asked early so I will have some time left to overthink what I want to do. I thought about entering my 4 year old in a schooling show but they moved the date so now I will ride her in a clinic taught by a judge who is experienced with the Young Horse program… I figured that would be a nice option to get her used to a show like setting plus get an opinion about what I should do… And in August I could enter her in a Materiale class in a recognized show close by. But I think I will wait to see what happens at the Clinic…
??? Not sure I understand your question but I’ll try to explain myself better I guess.
I scribed a lot at CDIs where I got to see FEI young horses presented and hear judges comments. I learned what ‘‘wins’’ and what doesn’t. Judges are not looking for a ‘‘well ridden test’’ but for horses that show lots of talent and are FEI contenders in the making, both physically and mentally.
So, as a rider, I don’t do those classes. I prefer to go through the regular levels (1rst, 2d, 3rd…) because I’m not a professionnal, despite riding quite well, and I also want feedback of my riding. If I had a really nice FEI prospect that was ready for any young horse classe, someone else would probably show it.
Thank you! Thats exactly what I wanted to know. But thats the same in Germany, if the horse shows a lot of talent they will forgive some quirks… And thats really why I like this type of test. I have no idea how to make my horse go through the test like an old horse who has done this for many years already. But obviously its a lot more specialized already here. Not sure if I want to do this on FEI level… But I have some time left until I have to make a decision, because I guess the season will start in November.
Be it in Germany or in Canada or USA, the FEI young horses classes are the same. Only the 4yrs old might not be, but does follow the same criteria. Material classes are also the same.
If you are used to that route, then just follow it here too.
The 4yrs old test is the equivalent of a 1rst level test. If your 4yrs old is not ready to score a 70% at training, I wouldn’t do it.
It hasn’t much to do with doing things differently, it has to do what’s best for the rider and the horse.
I agree that it has to be the best for the rider and the horse. And I am glad that I still have a lot of time to think what to do. My 3 year old is stunning and I think I will go for the 4 year old test next year with her. Its not FEI level and until then I should have some feedback about her qualities which will give me a base to decide on…
Thank you for your answer!!
2 Likes
Have you shown Training Level? Although a horse’s “quirks” may not be “forgiven”, a fancy horse will earn extra “points” just for being fancy. They don’t need to look like an “old horse” - Training Level is really for horses (and riders) who lack experience. So yes, you will get some old horses in the class - usually with green riders. But you will also get a lot of young horses in the class.
I’ve had several young horses - many of them do Training Level as a 4 year old - they don’t look like “old horses”, they look like young, green horses who are getting out and learning the ropes. They score well in some movements, not so well in others - that is exactly what Training Level is for! We often do schooling shows for them just because it is less expensive. Sure, you will run into some horses who have been showing since they are 3, and you’ll run into a few oldsters that are ridden by green riders, but the majority of the horses will be 4 and 5 year olds getting experience.
Training Level is really designed for the Four Year old - I don’t know why you think it isn’t appropriate for that age horse? Big figures, WTC, Stretchy circle, free walk - that is it. I far prefer it to the 4 Year Old test where you need to push your horse to “auction gaits” to score well AND you need to do smaller figures and lengthenings, which a 4 year old really isn’t strong enough for yet. Of course, I assume a 4 year old has been started at 3.5, and ridden lightly. I do realize many who show in the Young Horse Tests start them earlier and ride them harder - for me, 5 days a week is too much for a 3.5 year old.
If you are thinking the 4 Year Old test is more suitable simply because the horses are forgiven for being “quirky”, think again. They are judged on how fancy they are - so if they aren’t super fancy, pushed super hard, they won’t score well. And there is some expectation of balance and training. Did you watch the YH Championships at Lamplight last year? The comments were pretty tough on some of the horses who really weren’t “ready” for the competition.
I agree with Equibrit - I do think for most horses, the Young Horse classes push too much, too soon. They are designed for the super advanced young horse with the matching rider. And this was emphasized in the Young Horse Development Symposium.
2 Likes
