Practice test
First Canter Test
A gentle introduction to cantering in a test. Canter is asked for on a long side and on a 20 m circle only, on each rein, with plenty of trot in between.
Practice test — ride this at home for schooling, preparation or fun. It is not currently an entry class unless specifically shown as part of an Online Horse Competition event.
- Paces
- Walk, working trot and working canter
- Difficulty
- 2 of 5
- Working area
- 20 m × 40 m preferred (a reasonably similar safe rectangle is fine)
- Movements
- 14
The test, movement by movement
Ride the movements in order. Select “Show movement” beside any line to see its route drawn on the arena — the written instruction is complete on its own.
| No. | Marker | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Enter in working trot What the judge looks for: Straightness, forward rhythm Start outside the short side, straight in line with A, and ride straight up the centre line towards X. |
| 2 | X | Halt. Salute. Proceed in working trot What the judge looks for: Halt, immobility, prompt trot away Bring the horse to a square, still halt in the middle of the arena, pause, then ride forward again. |
| 3 | C | Track left What the judge looks for: Balance through the turn As you reach C, turn to your left. You are now on the left rein, riding C – H – E – K. |
| 4 | E | 20 m circle left in working trot What the judge looks for: Shape and size of the circle, regularity A round 20 m circle starting and finishing at E (or B), passing through X and touching the opposite long side. |
| 5 | Between E and K | Working canter left What the judge looks for: Correct lead, calm transition Make the change of pace on the stretch between E and K, as the written test directs. |
| 6 | A | 20 m circle left in working canter What the judge looks for: Balance, rhythm, shape of the circle A round 20 m circle starting and finishing at A, touching each long side halfway between the short side and the middle of the arena. |
| 7 | F | Working trot What the judge looks for: Balanced downward transition Make the change of pace as your body passes F — not before it and not after it. |
| 8 | H–X–F | Change the rein in working trot What the judge looks for: Straight diagonal, even rhythm From H ride a straight diagonal line through X and finish at F. You arrive on the other rein. |
| 9 | A | 20 m circle right in working trot What the judge looks for: Shape and size of the circle, bend A round 20 m circle starting and finishing at A, touching each long side halfway between the short side and the middle of the arena. |
| 10 | Between A and K | Working canter right What the judge looks for: Correct lead, calm transition Make the change of pace on the stretch between A and K, as the written test directs. |
| 11 | E | 20 m circle right in working canter What the judge looks for: Balance, rhythm, shape of the circle A round 20 m circle starting and finishing at E (or B), passing through X and touching the opposite long side. |
| 12 | H | Working trot What the judge looks for: Balanced downward transition Make the change of pace as your body passes H — not before it and not after it. |
| 13 | C | Turn down the centre line in working trot What the judge looks for: Accurate turn, straightness Turn at C and ride the straight line C – G – X – D – A through the middle of the arena. |
| 14 | X | Halt through medium walk. Salute What the judge looks for: Balanced transition, square halt Bring the horse to a square, still halt in the middle of the arena, pause, then ride forward again. |
Select a movement to see its route
Tap “Show movement” on any line of the test and the route is drawn here.
What the judge is looking for
- — Rhythm and regularity of each pace
- — Accuracy — movements happening at the named markers
- — Straightness and the shape of circles and lines
- — Calm, willing transitions
- — A relaxed, happy horse throughout
- — Correct canter lead and calm, balanced canter transitions
Horse welfare comes first at all times. Ride only what is comfortable for your horse on the day, on safe, even ground. If in doubt, stop.
A formal dressage arena is not required. Safe improvised markers — cones, buckets, poles or feed bags — are permitted. Where a competition class sets stricter requirements, the class rules take precedence.
More at this level
Ready to be judged? View current competitionsThis is an original Online Horse Competition test. It is not an official federation dressage test, and we are not affiliated with or approved by any governing body.