Dressage test Analysis from judge Sue Baxter

Sue Baxter highlights areas to watch

THIS test is a step up in difficulty from the four-star A test. It comes at the right time because of the removal of the coefficient in eventing this year — the overall effect of this is to bring all the dressage marks closer together.

I would have preferred the coefficient to remain, but this test will let the best-trained horses — who show flexibility, harmony and lightness in self-carriage — to shine and gain higher marks.

There are no new movements, but they are linked in more demanding ways — it will be more difficult to recover from a technically incorrect movement. Those who have spent the winter working on flexibility and the horse’s response to the outside aids will benefit most.

TROT WORK

THE test starts normally, then there are three linked movements — half-pass left, an 8m circle right, then shoulder-in right down the centre line. These movements are now more difficult than in the prix st georges, as the eventing test has a change of direction onto the circle, plus shoulder-in on the centre line.

Many riders don’t finish their half-pass correctly and end up with the quarters trailing. The quarters being in the wrong place at the start of the circle makes for difficulties in lack of suppleness and loss of balance, as well as tension. The shape and size of the circle is vital — an 8m circle is much harder than 10m.

Any tension in the circle or drawing back from the bit will affect the shoulderin and result in a loss of throughness and connection. The first steps and the horse’s acceptance of the outside aids are important to ensure it’s shoulder-in, not quarters-out.

INTO CANTER

REIN-BACK to collected canter is a movement that could be overlooked, but to do it well, you need real power over well-engaged hindquarters. A well-trained horse can pick up marks here.

The first canter, medium down the long side, allows tight horses to open up over the back and relax. Then half a circle in collected canter will let riders focus on finding the right gear, with jump but not speed. Having the first flying change on a simple diagonal without the complications of coming out of medium or extended canter gives riders the best chance of pulling it off.

The half-pass is at an easy angle, but the way the riders finish it will be instrumental. The quality of the change, which comes up quickly on the straight but undefined line, will depend on good balance and security of the horse’s position. Savvy jockeys will arrive a stride early to give themselves extra time to prepare for the change.

It’s important to make the “collecting” transition after the extended canter to establish the balance and quality of canter, which enables correct stretching.

This test will work for those who have trained their horses well, but those whose horses are not on the aids and tense will find the demands of linking the movements in this test challenging.