Knowing Your Test
Memorizing a test is the first step to knowing a test. Memorizing a test is a well proven way to improve test scores by allowing the rider to concentrate on riding their horse and not on trying to remember what to do or to listen to the test being called from the sidelines.
The Dressage Illustrated Test Learning Guide provides a blueprint to help you learn to know your dressage tests quickly and accurately. You can download it HERE or from the Resources page or the footer of the home page.
The Learning Guide recommends using the following aids to accelerate the learning process. Information on these aids is available by clicking the link for the aid.
- Dressage Illustrated Rider's Diagram Books
- Dressage Illustrated Caller Audios
- Letter Perfect Dressage Boards
Once a test is memorized, the process of knowing the test begins. Knowing involves understanding the judging criteria for each movement as listed in the directive ideas and meeting those criteria during the test ride.
Practice riding the test working to meet the criteria listed in the directive ideas is key to knowing the test.
Then ride the test at shows. Start with schooling shows and pay attention to the judges comments on the test score sheet. Then progress to shows with registered dressage judges and again pay attention to the comments.