Dressage tests second level: Here are valuable tips for improving your scores at second level.DRESSAGE TESTS SECOND LEVEL: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SCORES AT Precision, accuracy, and quality are judged more strictly at second level than at training or first. TRAVERS, RENVERS, AND SHOULDER-IN: Make sure your transitions into and out of these movements occur exactly where they are supposed to occur. NOTE THAT THE RENVERS AND TRAVERS ARE NOW 4-TRACK MOVEMENTS RATHER THAN 3 TRACK. In 3-track, the horse’s outside hind steps on the same line as the inside fore leg. In 4-track, the haunches are moved to the side a little more so that each hoof travels on it’s own line. (See USEF rule book for more information on this.) SIMPLE CHANGE OF LEAD: Steps should occur directly over X at the simple change of lead. TURN ON THE HAUNCHES: When doing turn on the haunches, your horse’s hind legs can travel on a 1-meter circle. More than that and it’s a turn around the middle, not haunches; less than that and it’s a pirouette. Be sure to begin the turn before the letter. MEDIUM AND EXTENDED TROT AND CANTER: The quality of the transitions carry more weight at second level, so it matters not just that your horse executes a transition exactly where its supposed to happen, but the quality of the transition will weigh in on your scores quite heavily.
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