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Originally Posted by Cajungator26
There is more to a training level test than walk, trot, canter, stop and circle. 
The purpose of the Training Level Dressage Tests is to confirm that the horse's muscles are supple and loose, and that it moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit. The horse is also asked to stretch down at the trot, and make changes of bend at the trot rather than going through the walk. As you are working through training level and moving towards first level, the horse should be moving and reaching forward towards the bridle. The horse should accept the rider and the riders use of seat and leg. Kind, consistent and correct riding will show with the horses acceptance and obedience to the aids.
I'm no dressage expert, but there is definitely more to a training level test than what you said. It's not easy teaching a horse how to do those things in the correct manner. |
I know...I've won several training level classes and I had to work my butt off for those wins. I meant that all hunters should be able to perform the walk, trot, canter, circle, and halt so that essentially, they can do a training level dressage test. It doesn't mean that they have to do it well...just that they can do them. I've had horses gallop, buck, and rear in tests before, yet I still performed the test.
Of course there are working trot, working trot sitting, halt, working canter, changing rein, working trot rising, medium walk, free walk, gradually letting the horse take the reins at the trot while circling, working canter, changing rein, transitions, 20 meter circles at the trot and canter, bending, acceptance of the bit, impulsion, submission, lightness, freedom, regularity,stopping squarely at the halt...etc. etc.