The 2023 First Level Test 1 is demonstrated. Mike Osinski scores and comments on the test.

The 2023 First Level Test 2 is demonstrated. Kari McClain scores and comments on the test.

The 2023 First Level Test 3 is demonstrated. Mike Osinski scores and comments on the test.

The 2023 USEF/USDF 4-Year-Old Test is demonstrated. Judges Mike Osinski and Kari McClain score and comment on the test.

They work on forward and back in the trot as well as walk-trot transitions. Jackie says that the horse needs to develop the strength of the legs on the ground. Those are his “stabilizers” and what will help develop the carrying and pushing power of the hind legs. This will also improve the horse’...

They move on to canter work from a forward trot. Jackie stresses that the rider should feel enough energy in the trot to ask for canter. That doesn’t mean rushing the horse in trot to then rush into canter. It should feel more like the horse is carrying the rider in trot so that when the rider as...

Jackie helps an amateur rider and her young horse. They work on developing solid basics so that later in the ride they can work on the beginnings of collection. The horse doesn’t have any specific issues, but the rider would like him to be more responsive to her leg. In addition, he is young and ...

They work on forward and back in the trot as well as walk-trot transitions. Jackie says that the horse needs to develop the strength of the legs on the ground. Those are his “stabilizers” and what will help develop the carrying and pushing power of the hind legs. This will also improve the horse’...

They move on to canter work from a forward trot. Jackie stresses that the rider should feel enough energy in the trot to ask for canter. That doesn’t mean rushing the horse in trot to then rush into canter. It should feel more like the horse is carrying the rider in trot so that when the rider as...

Olivia helps a rider warm up on a young mare. In the trot, the rider needs to help show the horse how she can shift her weight back and add a little more airtime with her legs. Adding 10-meter circles helps balance the horse more on the outside side. The horse needs to turn and hold herself up an...

As the pair moves into canter, they do small forward and back transitions where the forward generates energy, and the back helps compress her and load the outside hind leg. Small movements help build the strength slowly as these moments are deceptively difficult. Performing counter canter will al...

FEI trainer Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel works with a Training/First Level rider and this fun, 9-year-old Draft-Cross gelding.

In Part 5 of the Training Scale series, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel looks at Connection from the horse's point of view. Felicitas shows that after the horse found rhythm and tempo and was relaxed, he then searches for the connection. She explains that connection should be something the horse is s...

In Part 6 of the Training Scale series, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel looks at Connection from the rider's point of view. She explains how the rider's ability to have a stable upper body with a soft feel in the arms and hands is what helps makes connection possible.

Janet takes questions from the audience about the 2019 First Level tests.

This rider works through First Level, Test 3. Janet admits that she's not fond of this test--she believes that there is too much canter. But the serpentine was added to the test to promote more balance before the lengthening.

Janet Foy starts by going through the First Level Test 3 test with the rider while offering tips on how to ride the test. As she rides the test Janet gives scores and comments on the movements.

Scott Hassler works with a promising young dressage horse on the track to becoming a star, focusing on the flow of the gaits, responsiveness and balance. Watch the full video series for exercises that allow this youngster to shine.

Scott watches this 5-year-old horse warm-up and encourages the rider to keep the soft connection.

Scott helps this pair work toward more responsive up transitions between the walk and trot.

Next, they work on balance in the canter and the up transitions.

Finally, Scott gives them advice on choosing the track for showing USEF or the FEI 5-Year-Old Test.

Scott watches a beautiful four year old mare warm up and offers suggestions on how to change the warm up. They work on keeping in front of the leg rather than carrying her with the leg aids.