A well-executed inside turn is a sophisticated skill and a show of a rider’s ability, balance, and timing.

Randy Roy is a senior international judge, course designer and author. He owns and operates Hunters Glen Show Stable in King, ON, with his daughter, Ryan Roy.

The ability to drop your stirrups and pick them up is a skill that requires practice and whose uses are not limited to equitation tests in the show ring.

Cindy Matheson offers tips for rebounding from booboos and salvaging your test.

It is really important to understand that your upper body strength comes primarily from your core muscles and that a certain level of fitness is required.

Karen Pavicic believes that responsiveness should be insisted on during every schooling session, regardless of your discipline or level. She offers tips for both “hot” and “lazy” horses.

First appearing at third level, the flying change quickly becomes the most frequently performed exercise in tests from fourth level to grand prix.

The medium and extended gaits represent a fifth of all the movements on the Third Level test, where extended walk, trot and canter are first introduced.

Teaching foals to lead

Of all the disciplines, dressage is the one most in danger of becoming boring or stale to both horses and riders. Finding ways to keep things interesting while still building toward one's goals will keep the daily ride interesting, but it also offers tangible training benefits.