Western Dressage Basic Level
Western Dressage Basic Level is the second level of the horse and rider’s development and serves stepping stone in the progressive training required in the sport of Western Dressage. The Basic Level horse should demonstrate that it is supple and moves freely forward in a clear and steady rythm. Additionally, the horse should show a light contact. Harmony, ride-ability, relaxtion and suppleness should be emphasized as the horse is begining to develop more impulsion and balance.
Western Dressage Basic Requirements
Western Dressage Basic Level is comprised of 4 tests. All tests exhibit the working walk, working jog, working lope and free walk. The horse and rider should also demonstrate a halt ranging from 2 to 4 seconds in the tests. These tests contain mainly straight lines, 15-meter to 20-meter circles and 15-meter half circles and include working jog, free jog, free walk, working walk. These movements are designed to show the horses ability to perform the required movements in a willing, relaxed way. The horse and rider are judged on the following:
- Gaits (freedom and regularity, elasticity of the steps) – Coefficient = X1
- Impulsion (engagement – transmission of an eager and energetic, yet controlled positive forward energy generated from the hindquarters into the athletic movement of the horse; suppleness of the back) Coefficient = X1
- Rider’s position, seat & hands (well-balanced elastic seat demonstrating vertical, centered alignment, with light independent contact from hand(s)) – Coefficient = X1
- Rider’s correct and effective use of the aids (evidenced by the horse’s responsiveness; steady elastic connection cultivating athletic expression. Accuracy – precise placement of the figures and transitions, the effectiveness of the rider’s aids determines the accurate fulfillment of the required movements of the tests) – Coefficient = X1
- Harmony (The horse accepts the aids and influence of the rider with attention, relaxation and confidence; and demonstrates a willing partnership between horse and rider resulting in a free flowing performance.) – Coefficient = X2
Western Dressage Basic Level New Movement Requirements
20 meter circle at the free jog
20 meter circle at the working lope
One loop 10 meters off the track, working jog
Half circle 10 meters returning to the track at working jog
Halt from the jog
Western Dressage Basic Level Tests
2022 WDAA Western Dressage Basic Level Test 1
| 1. | A X | Enter working jog Halt through the walk, salute Proceed working jog |
| 2. | C | Track left, working jog |
| 3. | E | Circle left 20m, working jog (x2 Coefficient) |
| 4. | Before E | Working lope left lead last quarter of circle |
| 5. | E | Circle left 20m, working lope |
| 6. | Before E | Develop working jog, last quarter of circle |
| 7. | Between A & F | Develop working walk |
| 8. | B-E E | Half circle left 20m, free walk (x2 Coefficient) Working walk |
| 9. | A B | Working jog Turn left |
| 10. | E | Turn right |
| 11. | C Before C | Circle right 20m, free jog (x2 Coefficient) Gather the reins, working jog |
| 12. | B | Circle right 20m, working jog (x2 Coefficient) |
| 13. | Before B | working lope right lead last quarter of the circle |
| 14. | B | Circle right 20m, working lope |
| 15. | Before B | Develop working jog last quarter of the circle |
| 16. | A X | Down centerline Halt through the walk, salute |
2022 WDAA Western Dressage Basic Level Test 2
| 1. | A X | Enter working jog Halt through the walk, salute Proceed working jog |
| 2. | C M-X-F | Track right (x2 Coefficient) One loop, working jog |
| 3. | F-A-E | Continue on the track, working jog |
| 4. | E X | Turn right 20m circle right, working jog |
| 5. | Before X | Develop working lope right lead |
| 6. | X Before X | Circle right 20m, working lope Develop working jog |
| 7. | B A | Turn right Working walk |
| 8. | K-X-M M | Free walk (x2 Coefficient) Working walk |
| 9. | C E | Working jog Turn left |
| 10. | X | Circle left 20m, working lope |
| 11. | Before X | Develop working lope, left lead |
| 12. | X Before X | Circle left 20m, working lope Develop working jog |
| 13. | B B-C-H | Turn left Continue on the track, working jog |
| 14. | H-X-K | One loop, working jog |
| 15. | A Between A & X | Down centerline Develop working walk for 6-8 steps, then proceed working jog |
| 16. | G | Halt through the walk, salute |
2022 WDAA Western Dressage Basic Level Test 3
| 1. | A X | Enter working jog Halt through the walk, salute Proceed working jog |
| 2. | C E-X | Track left Half circle left 10m returning to the track at H |
| 3. | Between H & C | Developing working lope, right lead |
| 4. | C | Circle right 20m, working lope |
| 5. | Between C & M | Develop working jog |
| 6. | B-X | Half circle right 10m returning to the track at M |
| 7. | C Before C | Circle left 20m, free jog (x2 Coefficient) Gather the reins, working jog |
| 8. | Between C & H | Develop working walk |
| 9. | H-X-F F | Free walk (x2 Coefficient) Working walk |
| 10. | Between A & K | Develop working jog Half circle right 10m returning to the track at K |
| 11. | Between K & A | Develop working lope, left lead |
| 12. | A | Circle left 20m, working lope |
| 13. | Between A & F | Develop working jog |
| 14. | B-X | Half circle left 10m returning to track at F |
| 15. | A X | Down centerline Halt through the walk, salute |
2022 WDAA Western Dressage Basic Level Test 4
| 1. | A X | Enter working jog Halt through the walk, salute Proceed working jog |
| 2. | C M-X-F | Track right, working jog One loop, working jog |
| 3. | A Before A | Circle right 20m, frre jog (x2 Coefficient) Gather the reins, working jog |
| 4. | E B | Turn right Turn left |
| 5. | C | Circle left 20m, working jog |
| 6. | H | Working walk |
| 7. | E-B B | Half circle left 20m, free walk (x2 Coefficient) Working walk |
| 8. | M | Working jog; Continue on the track working jog |
| 9. | H-X-K | One loop, working jog |
| 10. | Between K and A | Develop working lope, left lead (x2 Coefficient) |
| 11. | A | Circle right 20m, working lope |
| 12. | F-X-H X | Change rein, working lope Working jog |
| 13. | Between H and C | Develop working lope, right lead (x2 Coefficient) |
| 14. | C | Circle right 20m, working lope |
| 15. | M-X-K X | Change rein, working lope Working jog |
| 16. | A X | Down centerline Halt, salute |
Dressage Academy does not endorse any rider, horse, farm or breed. These tests are used to provide a visual aid in understanding the movements of the test only. All tests are provided by YouTube