56
Position, Balance, Aids
Required at this level:
The coach should confirm and strengthen all the elements
of position, balance, and application of the aids as detailed
under Starter through Modified Level Dressage Teaching
Requirements.
The rider should be able to sit the walk, trot, and canter
with a supple, following, deep independent seat, with core
strength, stability, and posture that is balanced and quiet.
Their position, including specific positioning of their
weight and their aids, should be both correct and effec-
tive, and should be maintained:
• While using coordinated, independent aids to produce the
required movements and supporting school movements,
and through all transitions in and out of the movements.
• While practicing strength and balance training without
gripping or tensing the legs, hands, or body for balance,
with and without stirrups as appropriate.
• Without any reliance on the reins for rider balance.
Specifically, the rider's correct positioning for and use of
the aids should be confirmed:
• For the leg-yield, with clear sophistication of the aids and
the ability to keep the horse straight/parallel to the wall.
• For the change of lead through trot and the rein back.
• For the counter-canter, working incrementally from shal-
low loops to half-circles.
• In preparation for progression, for the turn on the haunch-
es, the shoulder-in and haunches-in (travers), with under-
standing of the correct bend and the correct angle.
• With particular attention paid to the rider's ability to sit
centered with correct weight distribution throughout all
movements.
PRELIMINARY DRESSAGE
Teaching and Rider
Requirements
