accommodating the weight of the rider. The trust and harmony which makes this possible are a tribute to the rider's ability and the horse's generosity.
Competitive dressage is ridden in a 20 x 60 meter arena, with lettered markers placed at specific points along the rail. Each rider performs a specific test. These tests are a set of predetermined movements that demonstrate the training and ability of the horse and rider.
There are many levels of tests for people at all levels of competition. The Introductory tests contain only simple movements done at the walk and trot. The most advanced series of tests are those riden at the international level.
It is important to understand that dressage movements are not tricks. The most elegant movements may appear to be done simply for show. However, all are moves are natural and are performed by the horse in its natural environment. It is sometimes frustrating to watch your horse playing in the field and performing the most beautiful extended trot and knowing you could not do an average working trot in your lesson. With carefull training, (and time and patience) the horse learns to duplicate these natural movements, willingly, on command, and with grace, while supporting the weight of the rider.
