By Jean Llewellyn (from press release issued by DRF)
Photography: Cheleken Equestrian; personal collections

While behind-the-scenes work is being conducted on updating the dressage ratings, the details are not necessarily familiar. This article seeks to elaborate in more detail on what the DRF is actually changing and why.

First of all, there are reassurances that there will be “no new programs only adjustments’. The existing programs are being retained for now, but some adjustments are being made so that the programs with the new format support and emphasize the good training of the horse to an even greater extent. Foremost is that “positively accepting the horse” and good riding are honored.

New format for all levels

The new format will be introduced at all levels. The system and the grading must honor the horse’s self-support and relaxation to a greater extent, just as the way in which the riders solve the task in the competition arena has a great influence on the final result, since it is primarily the rider’s work with the horse that is evaluated.
The assessments still fully follow the DRF’s requirements and the existing training scale. There is nothing new in what is judged, but with the new format the emphasis has changed, so that the essence of the requirements is even more supported. By giving grades for some very specific sub-elements, all of which are based on good basic riding, the focus of the assessment will first be on whether the horse has been trained correctly and whether the horse is comfortable in its work.
The individual grades also offer clearer communication, making it easy for riders and trainers to see where the judge sees a positive or less favourable quality. The assessments should therefore be more transparent.

What is being changed?

In practical terms, a new exercise will be added to all programs from LB1 and up. The new exercise is a half 20-meter circle, to be ridden in trot and easy riding, where the horse must stretch forward and down. The exercise will be included as the last exercise before riding down the middle. In some programs, this exercise already exists, and here it is of course not added further...

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