April 8, 2009
Onward and upward….
First Level
We began this series with an introduction to the tests and a description of the purpose, gaits and movements for Training level. I’d like to continue on to First level using basically the same format. This time however, I will be going through each test and discussing the new movements for each.
Purpose:
To confirm that the horse, in addition to the requirements of Training Level (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. ), has developed thrust (pushing power) and achieved a degree (of which may be subjective ) of balance and throughness. (By the way…throughness is not a word, and doesn’t exist in the English language. More on that later).
Whew! Let’s break this down…
Ok. We have the Training level stuff. Don’t forget it because it NEVER GOES AWAY! Your horse must exhibit the purpose of Training level in every level.
“Has developed thrust”. Merriam Webster’s definition of thrust is “to push or drive with force”. No longer are we trotting lightly around on the forehand. We need to see and feel some drive from the hindquarters in all of the gaits, which then addresses the next piece (or vise-versa) “achieved a degree of balance”. The balance that is being noted is best described as a shift from the balance of the horse being primarily on the forehand, to one of relative balance between the forehand and the hindquarters. That is how it was explained to me in Germany, where L level more or less represents the equivalent of our First level. We are now requiring that the horse shift some weight back towards the hindquarters so that he can “dig in” so to speak.
Throughness. Again, this is not a word in the English language. My guess, based on my understanding of the German training scale, is that this means that the horse is able to exhibit the ability to use its entire body correctly from back to front while carrying a rider, which enables the horse to be correctly on the aids. The Germans have a name for horses that do display this ability, which in English translates as ‘Back Mover’. The opposite, horses who display the undesirable qualities of moving with a tense and hollow frame are described as ‘Leg Movers’.
Most horses before they are ever backed start out as back movers. We unwittingly train horses to be leg movers, which makes them unhappy , uncomfortable and difficult to ride.
So, there it is, your new purpose. Make sure you and your horse are able to display these qualities in your ride before tackling the tests in a show.
The Gaits at First Level
In addition to the gaits at Training Level, we are now adding a lengthening of stride at the trot in Test 1, and a lengthening of stride in the canter in Test 2. Lengthening means just that…to make the stride longer, not faster and shorter, not quicker, not more on the forehand. This should be demonstrated in the same tempo as the working trot and working canter.
In Test 4, the counter canter is introduced. The counter canter at this stage of training should be the canter, in a slightly more collected (balance moving towards the hindquarters) frame in which the lead of the canter is opposite the direction of travel. In this particular test the counter canter is introduced in a shallow loop from the long side through X and returning to the same side. As you progress to Second level, the counter canter required is more strenuous, more collected and requires a greater degree of balance. Counter canter is the first step in preparation towards the flying changes introduced at Third level.
The Movements
Test 1
In Test 1, the 15 meter circle at the canter is introduced. Negotiating this circle can be tricky…the 20 meter circle was comparatively easy, as the width of the dressage court is 20 meters. Depending on where the circle is located (A & C vs. E & B- or any other letter on the long side) you will need to approach it in a different manner. For the 15 meter circle at A or C, you will begin at the point of origin, proceed on an arc towards the midway point between the rail and the quarter line, on to centerline, on to midway between quarter line and the rail then back to the point of origin. When the point of origin is on the long side of the rail, your halfway point is at the opposite quarter line, and you no longer are able to use centerline as a point of reference. In Test 1, the circles originate at E and B. Find your points and practice.
Although this is not mentioned as being introduced, the 3 loop serpentine at the trot is a requirement for the first time in this test. In Training Level Test 4, a shallow loop, from the long side through X and returning to the long side was introduced. The 3 loop serpentine should be ridden as if riding the outside of 3 twenty meter circles, passing over the centerline to change direction onto the next loop.
Test 2
In Test 2 the leg yield is introduced. The definition of the leg yield is that the horse moves in a sideways fashion with a straight body and slight flexion in the poll to the opposite direction of the movement. I did write a blog, which is available to read on my website, about the use of this movement…..and I will leave it at that.
Test 3
In Test 3 the change of lead through the trot is introduced. This is somewhat different than the requirement of the Training Level tests in which you are required to canter to X, trot , and then pick up the canter again at the letter on the rail. Here you are only allowed a few trot steps before you must pick up the canter in the opposite lead. This is in preparation for your simple lead changes at Second level, which will lead you to the flying changes. Your ability to shorten the stride in the canter before requesting the transition down to trot will be the key in making a successful and balanced transition back up into the canter again.
Test 4
In Test 4 the 10 meter circle at the trot is introduced. Please forgive me for the oversight, but 10 meter half circles have been required since Training Level Test 3. You are now required to make a complete, round, 10 meter circle. From the long side of the rail, its halfway point is directly on centerline (sorry, you’d be surprised at how many know that but aren’t able to execute it). In Europe, the ability to balance in this circle, or ‘volte’ as it is often called, determines a horse’s readiness for the lateral movements (leg yield is not considered a lateral movement anywhere but in North America….see the leg yield blog). The lateral movement of shoulder in is asked for in Second Level Test 1. Practice the 10 meter circle, working towards straightness on that circle (appropriate bend through the entire body…no breaking at the wither, no haunches swinging out), and asking for more carrying from the haunches.
Movements at Training Level I Neglected to bring up…..
Aside from the 10 meter half circle introduced at Training Level 3, there is also a 20 meter circle at the trot rising in which the reins are lengthened. The intent is to show the horse’s ability to work under the seat of the rider while stretching down and reaching for the contact of the bit. This particular movement has a co-efficient of 2 (meaning its original score counts twice as much). This movement exists through the First Level tests.
At Training Level Test 4, a shallow serpentine from the rail at the long side, through X and returning to the long side is introduced in preparation for the 3 loop serpentine requested at First Level Test 1.
Whew. I think that covers it…
Until next month (Second Level), happy riding!
JW