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Rider guide

How to read a riding test

A written test is just a list of instructions in the order you ride them. Each line tells you where something happens, and what it is.

The number

Movements are numbered in the order you ride them, from entering the arena to the final salute. You never jump around the list.

The marker

One or more letters telling you where the movement happens. One letter is a place. Three letters joined with dashes describe a route.

The movement

What you actually do: a pace, a transition, a circle or a change of direction. Our tests also say what the judge is looking for.

Reading a route: M–X–K

Letters joined by dashes are read left to right, in the order you ride them. M–X–K means: begin as you reach M, ride a straight diagonal line through X in the very centre of the arena, and arrive at K. Because you started on one long side and finished on the other, you have changed the rein — you are now going the other way round the arena.

The same logic covers every diagonal: H–X–F, F–X–H, K–X–M. And A–X–C is not a diagonal at all — it is straight down the centre line from one short side to the other.

Arena diagram illustrating the instruction A — Enter in working trot, drawn in a 20 metre by 40 metre working area.DXGAKEHCMBF
A — Enter in working trotStart outside the short side, straight in line with A, and ride straight up the centre line towards X.
Arena diagram illustrating the instruction X — Halt, salute, proceed in working trot, drawn in a 20 metre by 40 metre working area.DXGhaltAKEHCMBF
X — Halt, salute, proceed in working trotBring the horse to a square, still halt in the middle of the arena, pause, then ride forward again.
Arena diagram illustrating the instruction C — Track left, drawn in a 20 metre by 40 metre working area.DXGAKEHCMBF
C — Track leftAs you reach C, turn to your left. You are now on the left rein, riding C – H – E – K.
Arena diagram illustrating the instruction M–X–K — Change the rein in working trot, drawn in a 20 metre by 40 metre working area.DXGAKEHCMBF
M–X–K — Change the rein in working trotFrom M ride a straight diagonal line through X and finish at K. You arrive on the other rein.
Arena diagram illustrating the instruction A — 20 m circle in working trot, drawn in a 20 metre by 40 metre working area.DXGAKEHCMBF
A — 20 m circle in working trotA round 20 m circle starting and finishing at A, touching each long side halfway between the short side and the middle of the arena.
Arena diagram illustrating the instruction E–B — Change the rein across the arena, drawn in a 20 metre by 40 metre working area.DXGAKEHCMBF
E–B — Change the rein across the arenaRide straight across the middle of the arena from E through X to B, then turn onto the track in the direction the test asks for.

A few phrases worth knowing

“Track left” / “Track right”
Turn onto the outside track in that direction. “C — Track left” means turn left as you reach C and continue along the long side.
“Working trot” / “Working canter”
The horse's ordinary, comfortable, active pace — not shortened, not lengthened. This is the pace almost every test uses.
“Down the centre line”
Ride from A to C (or C to A) straight through the middle of the arena, passing over X.
“Halt, salute”
Stand square and still for a moment, then lower one hand and nod your head. Tests begin and end with a salute.
“Free walk on a long rein”
Let the reins out and allow the horse to stretch its neck forward and down while still walking purposefully.

Try it now

The easiest way to learn this is to ride it. Our first test is walk only, has seven movements and takes a couple of minutes.

Try an easy practice testBrowse all testsArena letters explained

These are original Online Horse Competition tests and guides. They are not official federation dressage tests or training material.