Practice test
First Steps Walk Test
A walk-only test for a first outing, a young or green horse, a returning rider or anyone who simply wants to learn how a test is ridden. No trot is asked for and none is rewarded.
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 only
- Difficulty
- 1 of 5
- Working area
- 20 m × 40 m preferred (a reasonably similar safe rectangle is fine)
- Movements
- 9
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 medium walk What the judge looks for: Straightness on the centre line 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 medium walk What the judge looks for: Square halt, immobility, calm departure 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 medium walk What the judge looks for: Round shape, steady rhythm, gentle bend A round 20 m circle starting and finishing at E (or B), passing through X and touching the opposite long side. |
| 5 | F–X–H | Change the rein in free walk on a long rein What the judge looks for: Stretch over the back, ground cover, straight line From F ride a straight diagonal line through X and finish at H. You arrive on the other rein. |
| 6 | Between H and C | Medium walk What the judge looks for: Quiet retake of the contact, no loss of rhythm Make the change of pace on the stretch between H and C, as the written test directs. |
| 7 | B | 20 m circle right in medium walk What the judge looks for: Round shape, steady rhythm, gentle bend A round 20 m circle starting and finishing at E (or B), passing through X and touching the opposite long side. |
| 8 | A | Turn down the centre line What the judge looks for: Accurate turn, straight line Turn at A and ride the straight line A – D – X – G – C through the middle of the arena. |
| 9 | G | Halt. Salute What the judge looks for: Square, still 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
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.