Category: Test Analyses

LIST 1 JUDGE Mark Ruddock puzzles, “why has the Elementary 45 been selected for the 2017 Petplan silver and bronze Finals, as it has no leg yield, instead of the Elementary 53 that was ridden in qualifiers?” Mark analyses the test 45 challenges, movement by movement, and it’s certainly no pushover. Perhaps the suppleness and obedience to lateral aids are implied, as this test asks riders to prove that they are able to steer their horse round 10m trot and canter circles? (This test analysis was first published in March 2017.)

Leanne Wall, List 1 judge and BD Young Rider selector has her trainer hat on as she takes you through this fluent non-qualifier. It’s a perfect vehicle for applying her ‘Grow’ method as it enables riders to prepare for the more difficult challenges at Elementary. Straight away she clarifies interpretation of ‘collected trot’, which comes into this test alongside ‘working’. And just how does collection relate to way of going?

BD Advanced Medium 92 is the FEI Junior Team Test. It can also be used in general competition as a qualifier and enables any rider to test their horses’ rideability and their own preparation skills against something a bit different. List 1 judge and British Youth Team Selector Leanne Wall highlights Advanced Medium 92’s challenges and offers rider tips relevant to all tests at the level.  In the meantime, during the Covid-19 emergency, she suggests: “By analysing your old score sheets you can identify your problem areas and practise visualising how you will ride the movements better in the future.”

Leanne Wall, a BD List 1 judge, UKCC level 4 coach and a Young Rider selector wrote this analysis and rider guide for the new Elementary 55 now being scheduled.

MARK RUDDOCK is the judge you may have sitting at C when you're riding Medium 76 at the Summers....

List 2A British Dressage judge Fiona Wilson runs the test’s challenges and how good marks can be gained or lost.

Dressage test Advanced Medium 85 [2009, updated 2017] is a first stepping stone from medium up to a new level and includes only two flying changes towards the end of the programme. As such, it is probably the first advanced medium most people tackle — and yet it can be one of the trickiest to ride well, writes Debby Lush.

List 1 judge and UKCC4 coach Leanne Wall, a British Team selector for all Youth Rider age groups,...

As you step up from Elementary, this first Medium throws nearly all the new challenges in at you.

A new series of Test Analyses by experienced and respected judges begins with this one which marks the step up from Novice to Elementary. To come are another Analysis written by Wendy Jago — and analyses written by a List 1 of the new Elementary 55 and Advanced 101.

Sara-Jane Lanning, now a List 1 judge, looks at Elementary 49. She explains what she will be looking for when she’s sitting at C — and as a competitive rider she offers her tips on movement preparation and tactics.