Dressage Tests by Country: All Levels and Official Test Sheets

Rungs covered

FEI Children (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute (entry in working trot; Individual test enters in collected trot)
• serpentine four loops in trot (Prelim A)
• 15 m circles in canter (Prelim A)
• 10 m half voltes in trot
• 20 m circle/half circle, give and retake the reins for 3 strides
• leg-yielding after 10 m half volte (Team)
• shoulder-in (Individual)
• turn on the haunches in medium walk (Team, Individual)
• counter canter: half volte 10 m returning to track (Prelim B), one loop of 10 m (Team), serpentine two loops true/counter canter (Individual)
• simple change of leg (Team, Individual; Individual includes simple change from counter canter to counter canter)
• stretching circle / let the horse stretch on a long rein in trot (Prelim B rising trot, Individual)
• transitions between working/collected and medium canter

Gaits

working trot, collected trot (Individual only), medium trot, lengthening of trot steps, medium walk, working canter, collected canter, medium canter, lengthening of canter strides

Notes

Children tests are scored with a technical marking sheet plus a separate 'Children Quality Marking Sheet' (rider's position and seat, effectiveness of aids, precision, general impression); final score = (technical % + quality %)/2. No flying changes, no rein-back, no half-pass, no extended paces. Prelim A is entirely working trot/canter and medium walk. Children tests show 'Edition 2020 - update 2022' on the 2026 index (not updated in 2026). Bridle: snaffle (Rules table).

Why this rung

Shoulder-in (Individual), simple changes, turn on the haunches, counter-canter loops, medium gaits; no rein-back, no half-pass, no flying changes → rung 5 (upper).

Tests and sources

• Children Preliminary A Competition Edition 2020 - update 2022
• Children Preliminary B Competition Edition 2020 - update 2022
• Children Team Competition Edition 2020 - update 2022
• Children Individual Competition Edition 2020 - update 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Pony Riders (rung 6: Medium without flying changes / FEI Pony (trot half-pass, extended gaits))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• shoulder-in left and right
• 8 m voltes in trot and canter; 10 m half voltes in trot (Team)
• half-pass in trot
• halt and rein back 4 steps (Preliminary) / 5 steps (Team: into collected canter; Individual: into collected trot)
• half pirouettes in walk (collected walk)
• extended walk
• counter canter (incl. serpentine two loops true/counter canter in Individual)
• simple changes of leg (incl. simple change from counter canter to counter canter in Individual)
• give and retake the reins for 3 canter strides (Team)
• transitions collected-medium-extended in trot and canter

Gaits

collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, medium walk, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter

Notes

No flying changes at Pony level (all canter changes are simple changes). Errors of course on the Pony sheets: 1st error 0.5 percentage point, 2nd 1 point, 3rd elimination. Pony height limit (FEI Veterinary Regulations 2026, Art. 1080.2): height at the withers must not exceed 148 cm without shoes or 149 cm with shoes; Dressage Rules 2026 Art. 433.3.2 refers to the Veterinary Regulations for maximum height and measuring. Minimum pony age 6 years (Dressage Rules Art. 433.1).

Why this rung

Shoulder-in, trot half-pass, rein-back 4–5, walk half-pirouettes, extended gaits, simple changes; no flying changes → rung 6.

Tests and sources

• Pony Riders Preliminary Competition Edition 2012 - update 2026
• Pony Riders Team Competition Edition 2012 - update 2026
• Pony Riders Individual Competition Edition 2012 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Junior (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• 10 m voltes and 10 m half voltes in trot
• shoulder-in left and right
• half-pass in trot (from half volte)
• halt and rein back 4 steps (Team)
• half pirouettes in walk (Team, Individual)
• extended walk, collected walk, medium walk
• half-pass in canter
• counter canter
• simple change of leg (Preliminary, Individual)
• single flying changes of leg (Preliminary: at I and L; Team: on the short side/at markers; Individual: on centre line and at markers)
• 20 m half circle letting the horse stretch on a long rein in trot (Individual)
• transitions collected-medium-extended trot and canter

Gaits

collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, medium walk, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter

Notes

Single flying changes only (no tempi changes, no canter pirouettes, no trot zig-zag). Broadly comparable to a national 'Medium/Advanced Medium' level.

Why this rung

Trot and canter half-pass, single flying changes on several lines, walk half-pirouettes, rein-back 4, extended gaits; no tempi, no pirouettes → rung 8.

Tests and sources

• Juniors Preliminary Competition Edition 2009 - update 2026
• Juniors Team Competition Edition 2009 - update 2026
• Juniors Individual Competition Edition 2009 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Young Riders (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• shoulder-in left and right
• 8 m voltes in trot
• half-pass in trot
• halt and rein back 5 steps (Individual)
• half pirouettes in walk (Team)
• extended walk
• half-pass in canter with flying change of leg
• half pirouettes in canter
• counter canter
• flying changes every 4th stride (5 changes) - Preliminary, Team, Individual
• flying changes every 3rd stride (5 changes) - Team, Individual
• single flying changes of leg
• extended canter with collected canter and flying change

Gaits

collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected walk, medium walk (Individual), extended walk, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter

Notes

The Young Riders Team test (26 movements, 5'50'') contains exactly the same sequence of movements as the Prix St. Georges 2026 sheet. Young Rider level = Prix St. Georges level (no canter zig-zag, no 2-tempi, no full pirouettes).

Why this rung

Canter half-pirouettes, 5 changes every 4th and 3rd stride, canter half-pass with change; Team test = same sequence as Prix St. Georges → rung 9.

Tests and sources

• Young Riders Preliminary Competition Edition 2009 - update 2026
• Young Riders Team Competition Edition 2009 - update 2026
• Young Riders Individual Competition Edition 2009 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Prix St. Georges (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute (enter in collected canter)
• shoulder-in left and right
• 8 m voltes in trot
• half-pass in trot left and right
• half pirouettes in walk (collected walk)
• extended walk
• half-pass in canter with flying change of leg
• half pirouettes in canter
• counter canter with flying change
• 5 flying changes every 4th stride
• 5 flying changes every 3rd stride
• extended canter, collected canter and flying change
• no rein back, no piaffe/passage, no full pirouettes

Gaits

collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, extended canter

Notes

26 movements, total 320 + collective mark 'Harmony' (coeff 2) = 340. Errors of course: 1st error -2 percentage points, 2nd error elimination. Scheduled at CDI1*/CDIO1* (Rules table) together with Intermediate I. From 01/01/2027 a new 'Edition 2027' Prix St. Georges is listed (PDF not yet published on 2026-09-29).

Why this rung

Reference test of rung 9 (canter half-pirouettes, 5x4s, 5x3s, no rein-back).

Tests and sources

• Prix St. Georges Edition 2009 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Intermediate I (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• shoulder-in on the centre line, left and right
• 8 m voltes in trot
• half-pass in trot left and right
• halt, rein back 5 steps, proceed in collected trot
• collected walk, extended walk
• canter zig-zag: 3 half-passes 5 m either side of centre line with flying change at each change of direction
• extended canter with flying change
• 5 flying changes every 3rd stride
• 7 flying changes every 2nd stride
• canter pirouettes (full) left and right
• single flying changes
• extended trot

Gaits

collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, extended canter

Notes

25 movements. Adds rein back, canter zig-zag, 2-tempi changes and full canter pirouettes compared with Prix St. Georges.

Why this rung

Reference test of rung 10 (full pirouettes, 5x3s, 7x2s, canter zig-zag, rein-back 5).

Tests and sources

• Intermediate I Edition 2009 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Intermediate A (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• trot zig-zag: 3 half-passes 5 m either side of centre line
• 20 m half circle with transition to passage
• passage
• piaffe 7-10 steps (half steps, 2 m forward allowed)
• transitions passage-piaffe-trot and walk-piaffe-trot
• extended walk, collected walk
• extended trot
• extended canter with flying change
• half-pass in canter with flying change (both directions)
• canter pirouettes (full) on the short diagonal, left and right
• 7 flying changes every 2nd stride
• 7 flying changes every stride
• passage on the centre line before the final halt

Gaits

collected trot, extended trot, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, extended canter, passage, piaffe

Notes

27 movements. First level with piaffe (7-10 steps, forward allowed) and passage, and with one-tempi changes (7). Scheduled at CDI2*/CDIO2* with Intermediate B and Intermediate II. Intermediate A is not in the 'valid from 01/01/2027' list on the FEI tests page.

Why this rung

First piaffe (7–10 steps) and passage, 7 one-tempi → rung 11.

Tests and sources

• Intermediate A Edition 2015 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Intermediate B (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• extended trot
• half-pass in trot left and right
• passage (long side, short side and centre line)
• piaffe 7-10 steps (half steps, 2 m forward allowed), twice
• transitions passage-piaffe-passage
• extended walk, collected walk
• halt, rein back 4 steps, proceed in collected canter
• 7 flying changes every 2nd stride
• canter zig-zag: 4 half-passes with flying change at each change of direction (4-8-8-4 strides)
• extended canter with flying change
• 9 flying changes every stride
• canter pirouettes (full) on the short diagonal, right and left, with flying changes before/after

Gaits

collected trot, extended trot, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, extended canter, passage, piaffe

Notes

26 movements. Compared with Intermediate A adds passage-piaffe-passage transitions, a 4-half-pass canter zig-zag and 9 one-tempi changes. Not in the 'valid from 01/01/2027' list.

Why this rung

Passage–piaffe–passage transitions, 4-half-pass canter zig-zag, 9 one-tempi → rung 11 (upper).

Tests and sources

• Intermediate B Edition 2020 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Intermediate II (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• extended trot
• trot zig-zag: 3 half-passes 5 m either side of centre line
• passage (on the diagonal and along the track)
• piaffe 8 to 10 steps (1 m forward permitted), twice
• transitions passage-piaffe-passage
• extended walk, collected walk
• medium canter with flying change
• half-pass in canter to the centre line, left and right
• canter pirouettes (full) at I, left and right
• extended canter with flying change
• 7 flying changes every 2nd stride
• 11 flying changes every stride
• passage on the centre line, halt at I

Gaits

collected trot, extended trot, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, passage, piaffe

Notes

27 movements. Also the first test of the U25 category (Rules Art. 401.8: U25 tests = Intermediate II, Grand Prix 16-25, Grand Prix Freestyle). From 01/01/2027 the FEI list shows 'Intermediate II A' and 'Intermediate II B' (CDI2*) and 'Intermediate II B' for CDIU25 instead of a single Intermediate II.

Why this rung

Piaffe 8–10 steps, 7 two-tempi, 11 one-tempi, trot zig-zag → rung 12 (entry).

Tests and sources

• Intermediate II Edition 2009 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI U25 - Grand Prix 16-25 (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• extended trot with transitions
• trot zig-zag: 4 half-passes 5 m either side of centre line
• transition collected trot to passage
• half voltes (10 m) in passage
• piaffe 8 to 10 steps (three times, incl. on centre line)
• transitions passage-piaffe-passage
• medium trot
• extended walk, collected walk
• extended canter with flying change
• half-pass in canter to the centre line, left and right
• canter pirouettes (full) at I, left and right
• 9 flying changes every 2nd stride
• 15 flying changes every stride
• passage-piaffe-passage on the centre line before the final halt at G

Gaits

collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, extended canter, passage, piaffe

Notes

31 movements. Content sits between Intermediate II and Grand Prix: Grand Prix tempi counts (9 twos, 15 ones) but piaffe only 8-10 steps and no canter zig-zag. U25 category tests per Rules: Intermediate II, GP 16-25, GP Freestyle. From 01/01/2027 an 'Edition 2027' GP 16-25 is listed.

Why this rung

Piaffe 8–10 (3x), 9 two-tempi, 15 one-tempi → rung 12.

Tests and sources

• Grand Prix 16-25 Edition 2009 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Grand Prix (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• extended trot
• half-pass in trot right and left
• halt, rein back 5 steps, proceed in collected trot
• passage
• piaffe 12 to 15 steps (three times)
• transitions passage-piaffe-passage
• extended walk, collected walk
• transition collected walk-passage
• 9 flying changes every 2nd stride
• extended canter with flying change
• canter zig-zag: 5 half-passes either side of the centre line with flying change at each change of direction (3-6-6-6-3 strides)
• 15 flying changes every stride
• canter pirouettes (full) left and right on the centre line with flying change at X between them
• passage-piaffe-passage on the centre line before the final halt at G

Gaits

collected trot, extended trot, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, extended canter, passage, piaffe

Notes

33 movements. Highest level: piaffe 12-15 steps, 5-half-pass zig-zag, 15 one-tempi changes. Short Grand Prix (Edition 2021 - update 2026, CDI-W only) exists as a shortened variant and is excluded here. From 01/01/2027 the FEI list shows 'Grand Prix' Edition 2027 (CDI3*+) and a new 'Grand Prix A' (CDI2*).

Why this rung

Piaffe 12–15 (3x), 5-half-pass canter zig-zag, 15 one-tempi → rung 12.

Tests and sources

• Grand Prix Edition 2009 - revision 2014 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Grand Prix Special (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute
• extended trot
• half-pass in trot left and right
• passage
• transitions passage-extended trot-passage (twice)
• extended walk, collected walk
• piaffe 12 to 15 steps (three times, incl. from collected walk at G)
• transitions collected walk-piaffe-passage and passage-piaffe-passage
• half-pass in canter right and left with flying changes
• 9 flying changes every 2nd stride
• 15 flying changes every stride
• extended canter with flying change
• canter pirouettes (full) left and right on the centre line
• 9 flying changes every stride on the centre line between the pirouettes
• passage-piaffe-passage on the centre line before the final halt at G

Gaits

collected trot, extended trot, collected walk, extended walk, collected canter, extended canter, passage, piaffe

Notes

36 movements. Ridden as the second/final test at CDI3* and above and at Championships (must score min 60% in the qualifying GP to start). Distinctive: passage-extended trot-passage transitions, piaffe directly from collected walk, and one-tempi changes on the centre line between the pirouettes; no rein back and no canter zig-zag.

Why this rung

As GP plus passage–extended trot transitions and one-tempi between the pirouettes → top of rung 12.

Tests and sources

• Grand Prix Special Edition 2009 - revision 2014 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Kids Bixie zonder galop (rung 1: Walk–trot only); Kids Bixie met galop (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

Not printed on the sheets; both tests use only the 20 x 40 m letters (A, K, E, H, C, M, B, F, X, G)

Movements

• Zonder galop: enter in working trot (arbeidsdraf), halt and salute between X and G
• Zonder galop: walk, working trot, change of rein across the diagonal (K-X-M)
• Zonder galop: half circle 10 m (E-X), turn across the arena B-E (afwenden)
• Zonder galop: 20 m circle in sitting trot (grote volte B-E-B), broken line (gebroken lijn H-X-K)
• Met galop: enter in working trot, halt and salute; 20 m circles in working trot (one in rising trot), change of rein K-X-M
• Met galop: medium walk (middenstap); working canter (arbeidsgalop) left and right, each with a 20 m circle; transitions canter-trot
• Both: final halt and salute between X and G; leave the arena in free walk (vrije stap)
• Both: 4 general marks (fluent riding and obedience; accuracy of figures with correct bend; position and seat incl. correct diagonal; presentation)

Gaits

walk (stap; medium walk in the 'met galop' test), working trot (rising and sitting), working canter (only in 'met galop' version)

Eligibility

Not covered by the PV Dressuurreglement 2026 (the tests are not mentioned there) and outside the handicap system. The sheets are headed 'Drédag'; PV describes Drédag as an introduction day for children aged 6 to 16, riding their own or a club horse/pony.

Notes

Listed on the provinciale proeven page under 'KIDS' as 'Bixie-proef zonder galop / met galop'; the sheets themselves are titled 'Drédag – Dressuurproef zonder galop / met galop' and carry no edition date. Not part of the Niveau ladder.

Why this rung

Zonder galop: walk and working trot only, 20 m circle, 10 m half circle, broken line, halt → rung 1. Met galop: working walk/trot/canter with 20 m circles, no lengthening, no lateral work → rung 2.

Tests and sources

• Bixie-proef zonder galop (sheet title: Drédag – Dressuurproef zonder galop) undated (no edition printed on sheet)
• Bixie-proef met galop (sheet title: Drédag – Dressuurproef met galop) undated (no edition printed on sheet)

Compare this level with other federations

Arena

4-year-olds 20 x 60 (or 20 x 40) m; 5- and 6-year-olds provincial: separate sheets for 20 x 40 and 20 x 60 m; national/championship all 20 x 60 m

Movements

• 4-year-olds: FEI test for 4-year-old horses (Dutch translation hosted by PV, 2025)
• 5-year-olds provincial (PV sheet): working, collected and medium trot; change of rein through an 'S'; serpentine 3 loops; halt – rein-back one horse length; medium walk with stretching of the neck; medium canter on half 20 m circle; collected canter; keertvolte 10 m into counter-canter; simple change; rising trot half circle with stretching
• 6-year-olds provincial (PV sheet): shoulder-in and 10 m voltes both reins; half-pass in trot both directions; medium and extended trot; halt – rein-back 4-5 steps; medium and extended walk; collected canter with überstreichen; counter-canter; simple changes; medium canter
• 5/6-year-old PV sheets: no marks per movement; 5 collective marks /10 (trot, walk, canter, submissiveness, general impression), total /50 divided by 5
• National: FEI Young Horse Preliminary/Final tests for 5, 6, 7-year-olds (KBRSF art. 803)

Gaits

per FEI young horse tests

Eligibility

Snaffle compulsory for 4-6-year-olds; spurs optional; whip allowed. Belgian Championship young horses: 4-y-o KBRSF test (qualifiers) + FEI test final; 5/6/7-y-o FEI Preliminary (qualifiers) + FEI Final. NMER for CDI YH: 75% (5/6 y-o), 70% (7 y-o).

Notes

Not part of the Niveau ladder; horses aged 4-6 accumulate no handicap points in age tests (LEWB art. 2007.6). Horses may compete in two consecutive niveaus.

Why this rung

Young-horse track, not part of the ladder (excluded).

Tests and sources

• Jonge paarden 4-jarigen (= FEI proef 4-jarige paarden, NL vertaling) 2025
• Jonge paarden 5-jarigen (20x40) 01-01-2022
• Jonge paarden 6-jarigen (20x60) Editie 01-01-2022

Rungs covered

Niveau Initiatie (I.1, I.2, I.3) – also sub-provinciaal (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20 x 40 m

Movements

• Enter in working trot, halt and salute (I.3 halts at X; I.1/I.2 enter and start on the track – 'gestart van in de wedstrijdring')
• Rising trot and sitting trot sections (lichtrijden / doorzitten)
• 20 m circles in trot and canter; half circles (I.2)
• Change of rein across the diagonal; broken line ('gebroken lijn', I.2)
• Working canter both reins with 20 m circle
• Medium walk (middenstap) sections; halt 3 sec in walk (I.2)
• Stretching the neck forward-downward in rising trot on the diagonal (I.1)
• Final halt at X; leave arena in walk on long rein

Gaits

working walk / medium walk, working trot (rising and sitting), working canter

Eligibility

Snaffle (trens) compulsory. Horses/ponies min. 4 years. Handicap tests are I.2 and I.3 (I.1 is warm-up test, no points). A rider who has ever ridden St-Georges or higher (also abroad) may not ride Initiatie tests (except I.1 as separate warm-up for Niveau 1). Sub-provincial shows go up to Initiatie tests only. Licence: '02' covers '(Sub)provinciaal: initiatieniveau + niveau 1' (PV licence overview 2026); with the basic '01' membership 3 starts at (sub)provincial level on a day licence.

Notes

Rulebook table (art. 'Niveaus, proeven en piste afmetingen'): Initiatie = I.1 – I.2 – I.3 + kür initiatie, 20 x 40 m. Scoring: 4 collective marks x2 (seat, effectiveness of aids, precision, general impression) plus movement marks; errors -0.5% / -1% / elimination.

Why this rung

Working walk/trot/canter, 20 m circles, halt; stretching (I.1); no lengthening as a defining element → rung 2.

Tests and sources

• Initiatieproef 1 (I.1) – inrijproef, no handicap points Editie 01-03-2024
• Initiatieproef 2 (I.2) Editie 01-03-2024
• Initiatieproef 3 (I.3) Editie 01-03-2024
• Kür Initiatieproef (20x40) 11/03/2020

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 1 (N1.1, N1.2, N1.3) (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20 x 40 m

Movements

• Enter working trot, halt, salute
• Leg-yield (wijken voor het been) from centre line to track (N1.1, N1.3)
• Medium trot on the diagonal, rising (middendraf, lichtrijden)
• Halt – rein-back 3-5 steps – halt (N1.1, N1.2)
• 10 m volte in trot (N1.2) and in canter (N1.3)
• Serpentine of 4 equal loops in trot (N1.1); change of rein through an 'S' (N1.1, N1.3)
• 20 m circle in canter with überstreichen (release of reins 2-3 strides) (N1.1, N1.2)
• Medium canter (middengalop) a few strides / minimum 20 m, transitions working-medium-working canter
• Canter-walk transition on the diagonal (N1.2)
• Stretching the neck in rising trot on a circle (N1.3)
• Medium walk change of rein

Gaits

medium walk, working trot, medium trot (lengthening), working canter, medium canter

Eligibility

Snaffle compulsory. Free registration of horse suffices up to Niveau 1 (paid immatriculation from Niveau 2). Interprovincial championship: licence '02' allowed only for Niveau 1. Handicap system: +3 pts for >=73%, +2 for 69-72.99%, +1 for 65-68.99%, 0 for 60-64.99%, -1 below 60%; a positive balance of 36 points obliges the combination to move up a level the following year; a negative balance of >=1 point allows (not obliges) moving down one level. Children riding FEI Children tests may ride no lower than Niveau 2 (Niveau 1 as warm-up).

Notes

Kür niveau 1 ridden on 20 x 40. Interprovinciaal Kampioenschap Niveau 1 ridden on 20 x 40 m.

Why this rung

Leg-yield, medium trot/canter, halt–rein-back 3–5, 10 m voltes, serpentine/S → rung 4.

Tests and sources

• Niveau 1 proef 1 (N1.1) Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 1 proef 2 (N1.2) Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 1 proef 3 (N1.3) Editie 01-03-2024
• Kür niveau 1 clean version (update 27/05/2020 per site)

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 2 (N2.1, N2.2, N2.3) (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20 x 40 m or 20 x 60 m (separate sheets published for each size)

Movements

• Enter working trot (N2.1) or collected trot (N2.2, N2.3), halt, salute
• Shoulder-in (schouderbinnenwaarts) both reins in trot
• 8 m voltes in collected trot (N2.3)
• Medium trot on diagonal with transitions collected/working-medium-collected
• Halt – rein-back 3-5 steps
• Kurzkehrt (half turn on the haunches from walk) both reins
• Counter-canter (contragalop) on long side / through short side; serpentine 3 loops with 2nd loop in counter-canter (N2.2)
• Keertvolte (half volte 10 m / 8 m) without change of lead into counter-canter
• Simple changes of lead (enkelvoudige galopwissel) incl. serpentine 3 loops with simple changes over centre line (N2.3)
• Medium canter with transitions
• Half 20 m circle in canter with stretching of the neck (N2.2)
• Change of rein through an 'S' in trot

Gaits

medium walk, working trot, collected trot (N2.2/N2.3), medium trot, working/collected canter, medium canter, counter-canter

Eligibility

Snaffle compulsory (trens). Paid KBRSF immatriculation of the horse required from Niveau 2. Same handicap/points rules as Niveau 1 (36 positive points -> compulsory promotion). Pony riders riding FEI Pony tests may ride no lower than Niveau 3 (Niveau 2 as warm-up). A Junior/Young Rider who never rode Niveau 5+ but rides an international-level horse must start at Niveau 2 or higher.

Notes

Interprovinciaal Kampioenschap Niveau 2 ridden on 20 x 60 m.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in, collected trot (N2.2/2.3), 8 m voltes, rein-back, Kurzkehrt, counter-canter, simple changes → rung 5.

Tests and sources

• Niveau 2 proef 1 (N2.1) 20x40 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 2 proef 1 (N2.1) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 2 proef 2 (N2.2) 20x40 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 2 proef 2 (N2.2) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 2 proef 3 (N2.3) 20x40 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 2 proef 3 (N2.3) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Kür niveau 2 (20x40) Editie 11/03/2020
• Kür niveau 2 (20x60) Editie 11/03/2020

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 3 (N3.1 – N3.4 horses; N3P.1 – N3P.4 ponies) (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

N3.1/N3.2 (and pony equivalents): 20 x 40 or 20 x 60 m; N3.3/N3.4: 20 x 60 m

Movements

• Enter collected trot (N3.1) or collected canter (N3.2-N3.4), halt, salute
• Shoulder-in both reins
• 8 m voltes in collected trot
• Travers (N3.3, N3.4)
• Half-pass in trot (appuyeren) both directions
• Serpentine 3 loops (5 m from quarter line to quarter line) in collected trot (N3.2)
• Medium trot and extended trot (uitgestrekte draf) with transitions
• Medium walk, extended walk (uitgestrekte stap)
• Kurzkehrt (walk half-turn on haunches) both reins (N3.1, N3.3, N3.4)
• Halt – rein-back 5 steps (N3.2)
• Collected canter, medium canter, extended canter with transitions
• Single flying changes (vliegende galopwissel) after change of rein; serpentine 3 loops with flying changes over centre line (N3.3); serpentine 4 loops with 3 flying changes (N3.4)
• Counter-canter (N3.3, N3.4)
• Pony version (N3P.1-N3P.4): simple changes (eenvoudige/enkelvoudige galopwissel) wherever a change of lead is asked, incl. 3-loop serpentine with 2 simple changes (N3P.3) and 4-loop serpentine with 3 simple changes (N3P.4); no flying changes. Otherwise shoulder-in, 8 m voltes, travers (N3P.3, N3P.4), trot half-pass, medium/extended trot, extended walk, Kurzkehrt (N3P.1, N3P.3, N3P.4), rein-back 5 steps (N3P.2), medium/extended canter, counter-canter (N3P.3, N3P.4)

Gaits

medium walk, extended walk, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, counter-canter

Eligibility

Snaffle or double bridle (trens of stang-en-trens). Ponies may ride horse tests up to and including Niveau 3. No maximum handicap points at Niveau 3 (no obligation to move to Niveau 4 or FEI Pony). A Senior who never rode Niveau 5+ but rides an international-level horse must start at Niveau 3 or higher. Interprovincial championship requires licence '03'/'06' without national starts that year. Pony combination whose rider is over 16 may choose level and starts with 0 points.

Notes

Highest provincial level. Interprovinciaal Kampioenschap Niveau 3 = N3 test + Kür niv.3 on 20 x 60 m. Test sheets are 'paarden' and 'pony's' versions.

Why this rung

Trot half-pass, travers (N3.3/3.4), extended gaits, Kurzkehrt, rein-back 5, single flying changes incl. serpentines; no canter half-pass → rung 7.

Tests and sources

• Niveau 3 proef 1 (N3.1) 20x40 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 proef 1 (N3.1) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 proef 2 (N3.2) 20x40 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 proef 2 (N3.2) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 proef 3 (N3.3) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 proef 4 (N3.4) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 pony's proef 1 (N3P.1) 20x40 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 pony's proef 1 (N3P.1) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 pony's proef 2 (N3P.2) 20x40 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 pony's proef 2 (N3P.2) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 pony's proef 3 (N3P.3) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 pony's proef 4 (N3P.4) 20x60 Editie 01-03-2024
• Kür niveau 3 (paarden) (20x40) Editie 11/03/2020
• Kür niveau 3 (paarden) (20x60) Editie 17/06/2020

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

N3.9 (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes)); N3.10 (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20 x 60 m

Movements

• N3.9: shoulder-in, 10 m half-voltes, working-trot half circle giving the reins forward ('teugels uit de hand laten glijden'), half-pass left then right between quarter lines, extended trot, halt – rein-back 5 steps, medium/extended walk, canter 8 m voltes, single flying changes on centre line and after medium canter
• N3.10 (sheet header reads 'Niveau 4 – proef 10 (N3.10)'): medium and extended trot, 3 zig-zag half-passes in trot 5-10-5 m, extended walk, collected walk, walk half-pirouettes left and right, canter 8 m voltes and half-passes in canter, single flying changes, extended canter, change of rein with 3 flying changes with free number of strides between

Gaits

medium walk, extended walk, collected walk, collected trot, working trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter

Eligibility

Rider remains a Niveau 3 combination and bound to the Niveau 3 handicap system. Cannot be part of a provincial championship or cup. A combination already started in Niveau 4 or higher is not eligible for provincial tests. A combination in N3.9/N3.10 may ride an N3.1-N3.4 test as warm-up. Transitional rule: a combination that started in national Niveau 4 but never scored above 61% may drop once to Niveau 3.

Notes

Content of N3.9 corresponds to national N4.2 and N3.10 to national N4.3 (verified visually against the Drive-hosted N4.2-2022 / N4.3-2022 sheets).

Why this rung

N3.9 (= national N4.2): single changes + half-passes → rung 7; N3.10 (= N4.3): trot zig-zag, walk half-pirouettes, canter half-pass, 3 changes free count → rung 8. Level straddles 7–8.

Tests and sources

• Niveau 3 proef 9 (N3.9) Editie 01-03-2024
• Niveau 3 proef 10 (N3.10) Editie 01-03-2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 4: N4.1, N4.2 (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes)); Niveau 4: N4.3 (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20 x 60 m

Movements

• N4.1 (inrijproef niveau 4): enter in collected canter, halt, salute; shoulder-in, 8 m voltes, travers, half-pass in trot both directions, medium trot, medium walk, extended walk, Kurzkehrt left and right, medium canter, serpentine 4 loops with 3 flying changes on the centre line, extended canter, counter-canter, extended trot
• N4.2: shoulder-in, 10 m half-voltes, giving the reins on a half circle, half-passes in trot left and right (zig-zag between quarter lines), extended trot, halt – rein-back 5 steps, extended walk, canter 8 m voltes with single flying changes, medium canter with flying change (verified: identical content to PV N3.9 and LEWB Reprise 4.2)
• N4.3: medium/extended trot, 3 zig-zag half-passes in trot 5-10-5 m, extended walk, collected walk, walk half-pirouettes left and right, canter 8 m voltes + half-pass in canter, single flying changes, extended canter, diagonal with 3 flying changes (free stride count) (verified: identical content to PV N3.10 and LEWB Reprise 4.3)

Gaits

medium walk, extended walk, collected walk, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, counter-canter

Eligibility

National (CDN) level under KBRSF rules: horses min. 6 years (art. 431.3.1). N4.1 may only be ridden in combination with compulsory participation in N4.2 or N4.3 (KBRSF art. 421.1). Riding jacket + approved helmet; snaffle or double bridle; whip allowed in national tests. A rider who has ridden St-Georges or higher on a horse already presented at that level may not start below Niveau 4. Licence: PV licence '08' ('Nationaal: vanaf niveau 4', PV licence overview 2026); LEWB table lists '04'.

Notes

Listed on https://paardensport.vlaanderen/nl/competitie-disciplines/proeven/dressuur/nationale-proeven. Niveau 4 tests are the KBRSF national tests shared by both leagues (LEWB publishes French versions N4.1/4.2/4.3). PV site also links a 'Kür niveau 5' sheet (see next level).

Why this rung

N4.1/N4.2 = rung 7 content (serpentine changes, travers, half-passes); N4.3 = rung 8 (trot zig-zag 5-10-5, walk half-pirouettes, canter half-pass, 3 changes). Level straddles 7–8.

Tests and sources

• Niveau 4 proef 1 (N4.1) – inrijproef niveau 4 Editie 01-01-2022
• Niveau 4 proef 2 (N4.2) Editie 01-01-2022
• Niveau 4 proef 3 (N4.3) Editie 01-01-2022
• Kür niveau 4 versie 18-08-2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 5 / S: FEI PSG (Kür niv. 5) (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi)); Niveau 5 / S: FEI Inter I (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag)); FEI Inter A/B (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi)); FEI Inter II / GP / GPS (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20 x 60 m

Movements

• FEI tests are used from this level: Prix St-Georges, Intermediaire I, Intermediaire A, Intermediaire B, Intermediaire II, Grand Prix (long and short), Grand Prix Special, Grand Prix U25 (KBRSF art. 421.1)
• Kür niveau 5 (PV sheet, version 18-08-2022) compulsory elements: collected walk (min 20 m), extended walk (min 20 m), shoulder-in right and left (min 12 m), half-pass right and left in collected trot, extended trot, half-pass right and left in collected canter, extended canter, flying changes every 4th stride (min 5 consecutive), flying changes every 3rd stride (min 5 consecutive), half-pirouette in canter right and left – i.e. Prix St-Georges / Inter I level
• KBRSF tour definitions: 'Kleine Tour' = Intermediaire I (or St-Georges), 'Midden Tour' = Intermediaire A, B or II, 'Grote Tour' = Grand Prix

Gaits

collected/medium/extended walk, trot and canter, tempi changes (4s, 3s at Kleine Tour; 2s and 1s at Grote Tour per FEI tests), canter pirouettes, piaffe/passage at Inter II / Grand Prix per FEI tests

Eligibility

Horses min. 6 years; min. 7 years for any test above Intermediaire I (KBRSF art. 431.3.1). Kür niveau 5: minimum horse age 7 years (sheet). Kür only open to combinations with >=60% in the qualifying test of the same level at the same show. CDI qualification: 67% twice at reference test within 9 months. A rider who has ridden Niveau 5 / St-Georges or higher can never return to Initiatie tests.

Notes

PV Nationale proeven page lists 'Kür Niveau 4 + 5'. Above Niveau 4 the Belgian system is purely FEI-test based.

Why this rung

S proeven / FEI tests from Prix St. Georges upward; Kür niveau 5 compulsory elements = PSG (canter half-pirouettes, 4s, 3s) → rung 9 (PSG) and above per FEI test (Inter I = 10, Inter A/B = 11, Inter II/GP/GPS = 12).

Tests and sources

• Kür niveau 5 (Paardensport Vlaanderen) versie 18-08-2022
• FEI Prix Saint Georges / Intermediaire I / Intermediaire II / Intermediaire A / Intermediaire B / Grand Prix / Grand Prix Spéciale (Senior), Grand Prix U25 (linked to FEI site) current FEI edition (PV site links to FEI test page)
• FEI Children / Pony / Junior / Young Rider Preliminary, Team, Individual tests and Kürs (youth) current FEI edition

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Accueil (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20 x 40 m

Movements

• Enter in trot, halt and salute, proceed in rising trot
• 20 m circle right in sitting trot; working canter right; 20 m circle right in rising trot
• Working walk down the centre line
• 20 m circle left in sitting trot; working canter left; 20 m circle left in rising trot
• Turn down centre line, halt and salute; leave in walk on long reins

Gaits

working walk, working trot (rising/sitting), working canter

Eligibility

Licence 02 minimum ('Classic Série' 02). Sheet carries a note on para-dressage riders (harmony judged 'according to the physical possibilities of the athlete').

Notes

Entry-level regional test below Initiation. Rulebook table (art. 2000): Accueil – 02 – 20x40.

Why this rung

Working walk/trot/canter, 20 m circles → rung 2.

Tests and sources

• Reprise Accueil 12-03-26 (page label 2023, 'maj 2026')

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Préparatoire A, Préparatoire B (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter); Reprise Préparatoire (éd. 2017) (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20 x 40 m

Movements

• Préparatoire A: enter in rising trot, halt and salute, proceed in rising trot, track right; 15 m circle right at A, sitting working trot; working canter right between H and C with 20 m circle at B; rising working trot; working walk A-K-B-M; 15 m circle left at C, sitting working trot; working canter left between K and A with 20 m circle at B; change of rein H-F in rising trot; down the centre line, halt and salute at X; leave in medium walk letting the reins slide
• Préparatoire B: mirror image of Préparatoire A, starting on the left rein (15 m circle left at A, canter left between M and C, 20 m circles at E, working walk A-F-E-H, 15 m circle right at C, canter right between F and A, change of rein M-K in rising trot)
• Reprise Préparatoire (éd. 10/03/2017): enter in working trot, halt – immobility – salute at X; 10 m circles in working trot at B and E; medium walk with change of rein; change of rein M-X-K in rising medium trot ('trot moyen enlevé'); halt at B with 4 seconds immobility; working canter both reins with 20 m circle; down the centre line, halt and salute at G; leave in walk on long reins

Gaits

working walk, medium walk (Reprise Préparatoire), working trot (rising/sitting), medium trot, rising (Reprise Préparatoire only), working canter

Eligibility

Licence 02 minimum.

Notes

Regional ('LEWB – Régional') entry level, below Initiation. Récapitulatif: 'Preparatoire' – licence D02 – 20 x 40 m. All three sheets total 160 points. Préparatoire A/B sheets print no edition date and no arena size.

Why this rung

Préparatoire A/B: 15 m trot circles, working canter with 20 m circle, no lengthening → rung 2. The older Reprise Préparatoire (éd. 2017) adds 10 m trot circles and a diagonal in rising medium trot → rung 3 content.

Tests and sources

• Préparatoire A (ex Prépa Or) no date printed on sheet (page label 2024, file 'maj 2026')
• Préparatoire B (ex Prépa Or bis) no date printed on sheet (page label 2024, file 'maj 2026')
• Reprise Préparatoire 10/03/2017 (page label 2016)

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Initiation (Ini.4, Ini.5, Ini.6) (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20 x 40 m

Movements

• Enter in working trot without halt (Ini.4), in medium walk with halt and salute at X (Ini.5), or in working trot with halt (progressive transition) and salute (Ini.6)
• Working trot, rising and sitting sections (Ini.5); 20 m circles and half circles
• Working canter both reins with 20 m circle (all three tests)
• Lengthened trot strides (minimum 20 m) and return to working trot (Ini.4, Ini.5); lengthened canter strides (minimum 20 m) and return to working canter (Ini.6)
• Letting the reins slide and the neck stretch without losing contact, then retake the reins: in medium walk (Ini.4, Ini.5), on a 20 m half circle in working trot (Ini.6)
• Broken line in trot (Ini.4); one-loop serpentine to the quarter line in trot (Ini.4, Ini.6)
• Halt – half turn on the forehand – halt, proceed in medium walk (Ini.6)
• Halt with progressive transition and salute; leave in walk on long reins

Gaits

medium walk, working trot (rising and sitting), lengthened trot strides, working canter, lengthened canter strides (Ini.6)

Eligibility

Licence D02 minimum (récapitulatif) / 02-03 (art. 2000). Horses aged 4 may compete up to Niveau 1 only and only one test per day. Scoring: 4 collective marks (position/seat x1, effectiveness of aids x2, precision x1, general impression x2); errors -0.5%, -1%, elimination.

Notes

Handicap points grid (art. 2007.1): >=73% +3, 69-72.99% +2, 65-68.99% +1, 60-64.99% 0, <60% -1; balance of -10 points obliges moving down (return up requires 3 x >=62%). Art. 2007.7 (2026): the minimum-points-to-move-up and maximum-points-obligation-to-move-up rules are currently NOT applied; moving up is on written request, not possible with a negative balance.

Why this rung

Lengthened trot strides (min 20 m; lengthened canter strides in Ini.6), stretching, 20 m circles, one-loop serpentine, working canter → rung 3.

Tests and sources

• Ini.4 (FR) 12-03-24
• Ini.4 (NL) 15-02-24
• Ini.5 (FR) 12-03-24
• Ini.5 (NL) 15-02-24
• Ini.6 (FR) 12-03-24
• Ini.6 (NL) 15-02-24
• RLM (Reprise Libre en Musique) Niveau Ini 23-03-20

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 1 (N1.4, N1.5, N1.6) (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20 x 40 m

Movements

• Enter working trot, halt and salute
• 10 m voltes in working trot (N1.4); 10 m voltes on the centre line with überstreichen of the inside hand (N1.6); 10 m half-voltes left and right in trot (N1.5)
• Medium trot on the diagonal with transitions (rising in N1.4)
• 3-loop serpentine in working trot (N1.5)
• Halt – half turn on the forehand – halt (N1.5)
• Leg-yield (cession à la jambe) in working trot: from the track to the quarter line and back (N1.5), from the quarter line to the track (N1.6); none in N1.4
• Halt – rein-back one horse length (all three tests)
• 20 m circle in working canter with überstreichen (N1.4; 2-3 strides in N1.5)
• Medium canter with transitions to working canter
• Canter – medium walk transition on the diagonal (N1.4, N1.6)
• Half 20 m circle in medium walk letting the reins slide and the neck stretch (N1.6)
• Medium walk change of rein

Gaits

medium walk, working trot, medium trot, working canter, medium canter

Eligibility

Licence D03 minimum (récapitulatif) / 03+ (art. 2000). Horses of 4 years may go up to Niveau 1. Handicap points as above.

Notes

N1.4 has no leg-yield (10 m voltes, rising medium trot, rein-back, überstreichen on the canter circle, medium canter, canter–walk transition); its movement sequence matches Paardensport Vlaanderen N1.2 (Editie 01-03-2024) except the rein-back wording ('une longueur de cheval' vs '3-5 passen'). Elite Cup kür niveau 1 ridden on 20 x 40.

Why this rung

Leg-yield, medium trot/canter, rein-back one horse length, 10 m half-voltes, turn on forehand → rung 4.

Tests and sources

• N1.4 (FR) 12-03-24
• N1.4 (NL) 15-02-24
• N1.5 (FR) 12-03-24
• N1.5 (NL) 15-02-24
• N1.6 (FR) 12-03-24
• N1.6 (NL) 15-02-24
• RLM Niveau 1 23-03-20

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 2 (N2.4, N2.5, N2.6) (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

N2.4: 20 x 40 or 20 x 60 m; N2.5: 20 x 40 m; N2.6: 20 x 60 m

Movements

• Enter collected trot (N2.4) or working trot (N2.5, N2.6), halt and salute
• Shoulder-in both reins (N2.5, N2.6)
• 8 m voltes in collected trot (N2.4, N2.6); 10 m voltes in collected canter (N2.6)
• 4-loop serpentine in trot (N2.5)
• Medium trot with transitions collected–medium–collected
• Halt – rein-back one horse length (N2.4: then directly into collected canter; N2.5)
• Kurzkehrt from medium walk, both reins
• Demi-volte (8 m) in collected canter without change of lead, followed by counter-canter on the long side, both reins (N2.4)
• Counter-canter: change of rein without change of lead and half 20 m circles in counter-canter (N2.5, N2.6)
• Simple changes ('changement de pied de ferme à ferme'), incl. 3-loop serpentine with simple changes at the centre-line crossings (N2.4) and from counter-canter to counter-canter at X (N2.5)
• Medium canter with transitions; überstreichen 2-3 strides in medium canter (N2.5, N2.6)

Gaits

medium walk, working trot, collected trot, medium trot, collected canter, medium canter, counter-canter

Eligibility

Licence D03 minimum / 03+. Handicap points as above. Elite Cup kür niveaus 2 and 3 on 20 x 60.

Notes

N2.4 (éd. 01-04-26) read in full in French and Dutch: movements 11 and 14 are 'Demi-volte (8m) sans changement de pied' (NL 'Keertvolte (8m) zonder galopwissel') followed by counter-canter and a simple change – there is no half-pirouette. N2.4 follows the movement sequence of Paardensport Vlaanderen N2.3 (Editie 01-03-2024). N2.4 has no shoulder-in; N2.6 has no rein-back. Simple changes and counter-canter are the defining elements.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in, 8 m voltes in collected trot, rein-back, Kurzkehrt, counter-canter, simple changes → rung 5.

Tests and sources

• N2.4 (FR) 01-04-26
• N2.4 (NL) 01-04-26
• N2.5 (FR) 12-03-24
• N2.5 (NL) 15-02-24
• N2.6 (FR) 12-03-24
• N2.6 (NL) 15-02-24
• RLM Niveau 2 23-03-20

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 3 (N3.5, N3.6, N3.7, N3.8; ponies N3P.5–N3P.8) (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

N3.5 / N3P.5 and N3.8 / N3P.8: 20 x 40 or 20 x 60 m; N3.6, N3P.6, N3.7, N3P.7: 20 x 60 m

Movements

• Enter collected canter (N3.5-3.7) or collected trot (N3.8), halt and salute
• Shoulder-in both reins
• Travers (N3.6)
• Half-pass in trot both directions (all four tests)
• 8 m voltes in collected trot; 10 m half-voltes
• 3-loop serpentine 5 m in collected trot (N3.5)
• Medium and extended trot with transitions
• Halt – rein-back 5 steps (N3.5, N3.8)
• Medium and extended walk; walk with reins released (N3.8)
• Kurzkehrt (walk half-turn on haunches) both reins (N3.6, N3.7, N3.8)
• Collected, medium and extended canter with transitions; 10 m canter voltes; counter-canter
• Single flying changes; 4-loop serpentine with flying changes on the centre line (N3.6); 3 flying changes across the diagonal (N3.7); flying changes 'de ferme à ferme' (N3.8)
• Half-pass in canter (N3.7); demi-volte with haunches-in in canter (N3.7)
• Pony tests N3P.x: 'Les reprises N3P.x sont des reprises pour poneys' – flying changes replaced by simple changes (récapitulatif)

Gaits

medium walk, extended walk, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, counter-canter

Eligibility

Licence D03 minimum / 03+. Rulebook art. 2000 lists Niveau 3 piste as 20 x 60 (sheets allow 20x40 for N3.5/N3.8). At Niveau 3 pony pairs must present the pony-specific test or permanently lose pony status (art. 2002.2). Handicap points as above.

Notes

N3.8 verbatim check: movements 5/13 are 'Kurzkehrt à droite/gauche' (walk half-turns), NOT canter pirouettes; no tempi changes at Niveau 3. Highest communautaire (regional) level.

Why this rung

Trot half-pass, travers (N3.6), extended gaits, Kurzkehrt, rein-back 5, single flying changes (serpentine/diagonal), canter half-pass (N3.7) → rung 7 (upper).

Tests and sources

• N3.5 (FR) 12-03-24
• N3.5 (NL) 15-02-24
• N3.6 (FR) 12-03-24
• N3.6 (NL) 15-02-24
• N3.7 (FR) 12-03-24
• N3.7 (NL) 15-02-24
• N3.8 (FR) 12-03-24
• N3.8 (NL) 15-02-24
• N3P.5 (FR) 12-03-24
• N3P.6 (FR) 12-03-24
• N3P.7 (FR) 12-03-24
• N3P.8 (FR) 12-03-24
• RLM Niveau 3 23-03-20
• RLM Niveau 3 Poneys 23-03-20

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 4: N4.1, N4.2 (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes)); Niveau 4: N4.3 (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20 x 60 m

Movements

• N4.1 (= 'Reprise N3.6' sheet dated 10/03/2017, used as niveau 4 entry test): shoulder-in, 8 m circles, travers, half-pass in trot both reins, medium trot, medium/extended walk, kurzkehrt both reins, 4-loop serpentine with flying changes at each centre-line crossing, extended canter, counter-canter, extended trot
• N4.2 (Reprise 4.2, 14-11-19): shoulder-in both reins, 10 m half-voltes, working trot half circle letting the reins slide, half-pass left and right from quarter line, extended trot, halt – rein-back 5 steps, medium/extended walk, canter 8 m voltes, single flying changes, medium canter
• N4.3 (Reprise 4.3, 14-12-18): medium and extended trot, '3 appuyers de part et d'autre de la ligne médiane' (zig-zag 5-10-5 m), extended walk, collected walk, walk half-pirouettes left and right, 8 m canter voltes + half-pass in canter, single flying changes, extended canter, 3 flying changes across the diagonal

Gaits

medium walk, extended walk, collected walk, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, counter-canter

Eligibility

Licence D04 minimum / 04+ (art. 2000). Horses of 5 years may compete up to Niveau 4 (art. 2002.1); nationally (KBRSF) horses min. 6 years for CDN. Challenges: separate Niveau 4 challenge for licence 04 and for licence 06+. N4.1 only in combination with N4.2 or N4.3 (KBRSF art. 421.1).

Notes

Same content as the KBRSF national N4 tests published in Dutch by Paardensport Vlaanderen (N4.2 = PV N3.9/N4.2; N4.3 = PV N3.10/N4.3).

Why this rung

N4.1/N4.2 rung 7 content; N4.3 trot zig-zag, walk half-pirouettes, canter half-pass, 3 changes → rung 8. Straddles 7–8 (same national tests as PV).

Tests and sources

• N4.1 (FR) – file is 'Reprise N3.6' 2017 used as niveau 4 entry test 10/03/2017 (page label 2018)
• N4.2 (FR) 14-11-19 (page label 2018)
• N4.3 (FR) 14-12-18 (page label 2019)
• RLM Niveau 4 01/03/2017 (page label 2017)

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Niveau 5: S3, S4 + FEI PSG (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi)); FEI Inter I (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag)); FEI Inter A/B (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi)); FEI Inter II / GP / GPS (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20 x 60 m

Movements

• S3 (04/06/2018): shoulder-in both reins, 8 m voltes, half-pass in trot both reins, extended trot, medium/extended/collected walk, walk half-pirouettes both reins, half-pass in canter with flying change, extended canter, canter half-pirouettes (demi-pirouette) both reins with flying changes, flying changes every 4th stride (3x), überstreichen, flying changes every 3rd stride (3x)
• S4 (2017): shoulder-in, 6 m voltes, half-pass in trot, extended trot, extended and collected walk, walk half-pirouettes, half-pass in canter with flying changes, canter half-pirouettes both reins, extended canter, 3 four-tempi changes and 3 three-tempi changes on the diagonal
• FEI Senior reprises used at this and higher levels (Coupe de Wallonie: St-Georges + Kür Inter I): Prix St-Georges, Intermédiaire I, Intermédiaire A, Intermédiaire B, Intermédiaire II, Grand Prix Short, Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special, Grand Prix U25

Gaits

collected/medium/extended walk, trot, canter, tempi changes every 4 and 3 strides, canter half-pirouettes, (piaffe/passage only in FEI Inter II / GP tests)

Eligibility

Licence D04 minimum / 04+; Coupe de Wallonie open to licence 06 or 08. Horses of 6 years may compete up to Niveau 5 (art. 2002.1); KBRSF: min 7 years above Inter I. Pairs with >=3 scores of 70%+ at Niveau 5 in the two preceding years are barred from 'Classic Série' competitions the following season (art. 2002.13.3).

Notes

S3 and S4 sheets are headed 'Commission de Dressage Communautaire' and carry LEWB copyright (S3: 'Copyright ©2018 Ligue Equestre Wallonie Bruxelles'; S4: 'L.E.W.B. Asbl 2017'), with no attribution to another federation; whether they were written by the LEWB or translated/derived from another federation's tests is UNVERIFIED (no official statement on their origin found). Above Niveau 5, only FEI tests are used.

Why this rung

S3/S4: canter half-pirouettes, 3x4s and 3x3s, canter half-pass with change, walk half-pirouettes → rung 9; FEI tests above per FEI level.

Tests and sources

• S3 04/06/2018
• S4 2017 (page label 2016)
• RLM Niveau 5 01/03/2017 (page label 2016)
• FEI Prix St-Georges (LEWB print 2026) sheet footer 'Prix St Georges 2009 update 2026' (page label 2022)
• FEI Intermédiaire I (LEWB print 2026) sheet footer 'Intermédiaire I 2009 update 2026' (page label 2022)
• FEI Intermédiaire A / B / II, Grand Prix Short, Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special (LEWB prints 2026) page label 2022, files 2026
• FEI Poneys / Scolaires (Children) / Juniors / Jeunes Cavaliers (Young Riders) / Grand Prix U25 reprises page label 2022 (files 2022 or 2026)

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

B (Beginnelingen) - sub-levels B1, B2 (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x40

Movements

• working trot / walk / canter with transitions
• grote volte (20 m circle) in trot and canter; halve grote volte (B1)
• gebroken lijn 5 m (shallow loop) in trot
• enkele passen de draf verruimen on the diagonal, showing a difference from arbeidsdraf (B1 and B2); enkele passen de stap verruimen (B1)
• hals laten strekken (stretching the neck on a 20 m circle in trot), then teugels op maat maken
• change of rein on the diagonal / across the arena
• arbeidsgalop aanspringen on or near the 20 m circle; canter-trot transitions
• halt and salute between X and G

Gaits

arbeidsstap, arbeidsdraf, arbeidsgalop, enkele passen verruimen (trot: B1 and B2; walk: B1)

Eligibility

Entry level. A combination with no dressage results whose rider's highest class is B1-L1 is placed automatically in Beginnelingen 1 (Wedstrijdreglement 01/04/2024, art. 3.4.1). Puntenreeks (art. 3.4.2): B1 0-44, move to B2 allowed from 15 and compulsory at 45 punten; B2 25-69, move to L1 allowed from 40 and compulsory at 70. A combination that moves up starts at the lower limit of the new class (e.g. B2 at 25 punten). Spurs and/or one dressage whip (max 120 cm) allowed in B1-L2 (art. 1.5.1.2.2).

Notes

B1 (Proef 18) and B2 (Proef 20) read in full: no leg-yield, no rein-back, no voltes smaller than 20 m. Both ask 'enkele passen de draf verruimen' (the words 'uitgestrekte draf' do not occur in either test); B1 also asks 'enkele passen de stap verruimen'. Rising trot (lichtrijden). Collective marks: gangen, impuls, het rechtgerichte/ontspannen/in contact en verbinding gaande paard, harmonie, houding en zit van de ruiter, verzorging van het geheel.

Why this rung

Working gaits, 20 m circles, 5 m shallow loop, a few lengthened strides in trot (B1 also in walk), stretching on a circle; no leg-yield, no rein-back → rung 3 (lower).

Tests and sources

• Proef 18. Klasse B1 (06/10/2025 tot na NRT) 2025-2026
• Proef 20. Klasse B2 (06/10/2025 tot na NRT) 2025-2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

L (Licht) - sub-levels L1, L2 (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x40

Movements

• wijken voor het been (leg-yield) in trot - L1: from the centre line after A, minimum 5 m, towards B-M / E-H; L2: D to M and D to H (10 m, Proef 26) or K-G and F-G (Proef 27)
• volte 10-12 m in trot at X, left then right (L1); volte 12-15 m in canter (L2)
• L1: enkele passen verruimen in trot and walk, enkele sprongen verruimen in canter
• L2: middendraf on the diagonal ('enkele passen middendraf' in Proef 27), middenstap, enkele sprongen middengalop
• L2: halthouden, enkele passen achterwaarts (rein-back), voorwaarts in arbeidsdraf
• door een S van hand veranderen (L2); slangenvolte met 3 bogen (L2 Proef 27); halve volte halve baan
• hals laten strekken on a (half) 20 m circle or along the track, then teugels op maat maken
• change of canter lead through trot (transition to arbeidsdraf on the diagonal, strike off on the new lead)
• halt and salute between X and G

Gaits

arbeidsstap, middenstap (L2), arbeidsdraf, middendraf (L2), arbeidsgalop, enkele sprongen middengalop (L2), enkele passen/sprongen verruimen in walk, trot and canter (L1)

Eligibility

Puntenreeks (Wedstrijdreglement 01/04/2024, art. 3.4.2): L1 50-94, move to L2 allowed from 65 and compulsory at 95 punten; L2 75-119, move to M1 allowed from 90 and compulsory at 120. Reached from B2 (allowed from 40, compulsory at 70 punten). A new combination whose rider's highest class is L2-Z2 and whose horse has no dressage results is placed automatically in Licht 1, i.e. at the L1 lower limit of 50 punten (art. 3.4.1); on request higher (up to the rider's highest class) or lower (minimum B2). Spurs and/or one dressage whip (max 120 cm) allowed in B1-L2 (art. 1.5.1.2.2); snaffle bridle compulsory up to M2 (art. 1.5.2.2).

Notes

All three tests read in full. L1 (Proef 23) contains leg-yield in trot ('wijken voor het linkerbeen / rechterbeen'); no rein-back, no medium gaits, no shoulder-in, no simple change. L2 (Proef 26 and Proef 27) contains leg-yield, rein-back ('enkele passen achterwaarts'), middendraf, middenstap and a few strides of middengalop; no shoulder-in, no simple change, no counter-canter. Rising or sitting trot (lichtrijden en/of doorzitten). Collectives: gangen, impuls, het rechtgerichte/ontspannen/in aanleuning gaande paard, harmonie, houding en zit van de ruiter.

Why this rung

L1 already has leg-yield in trot plus 10-12 m voltes and lengthening in all gaits; L2 adds rein-back and medium walk/trot/canter. Canter lead is changed through trot, no shoulder-in, no counter-canter → rung 4 for both (L1 lower, L2 middle).

Tests and sources

• Proef 23. Klasse L1 (06/10/2025 tot na NRT) 2025-2026
• Proef 26. Klasse L2 (06/10/2025 t.e.m. 31/07/2026) 2025-2026
• Proef 27. Klasse L2 (vanaf 01/08/2026) 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

M (Midden) - sub-levels M1, M2 (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x40

Movements

• schouderbinnenwaarts (shoulder-in) in trot - M1 and M2 (Proef 34)
• travers in trot (F-M, K-H) - M2 Proef 37 (vanaf 01/08/2026)
• halthouden and rein-back: '3 tot 5 passen achterwaarts' (M1), '4 passen achterwaarts' (M2)
• contragalop (counter-canter) - M1: gebroken lijn 8-10 m (Proef 31) or halve grote volte in contragalop (Proef 32); M2: change of rein and continue in contragalop (Proef 34) or slangenvolte met 3 bogen, 2e boog in contragalop (Proef 37)
• middendraf (M1); uitgestrekte draf on the diagonal (M2)
• middengalop on the long side (M1 and M2)
• middenstap (M1); uitgestrekte stap (M2)
• kwartwending om de achterhand right and left (M2 Proef 34); keertwending om de achterhand (M2 Proef 37)
• volte 10 m in trot (M1 Proef 31); door een S van hand veranderen; halve volte halve baan
• hals laten strekken on a half 20 m circle or diagonal, then teugels op maat maken
• change of canter lead through trot

Gaits

arbeidsstap, middenstap (M1), uitgestrekte stap (M2), arbeidsdraf, middendraf (M1), uitgestrekte draf (M2), arbeidsgalop, middengalop, contragalop

Eligibility

Puntenreeks (Wedstrijdreglement 01/04/2024, art. 3.4.2): M1 100-144, move to M2 allowed from 115 and compulsory at 145 punten; M2 125-169, move to Z1 allowed from 140 and compulsory at 170. Reached from L2 (allowed from 90, compulsory at 120 punten). In M1-ZZ spurs are optional and the dressage whip is not allowed (art. 1.5.1.2.2); snaffle bridle compulsory up to M2 (art. 1.5.2.2).

Notes

All four tests read in full. Rein-back is present in every M test (M1 3-5 steps, M2 4 steps). Travers appears only in M2 Proef 37 (vanaf 01/08/2026); M1 and M2 Proef 34 have no travers. No simple change, no flying change, no half-pass, no collected gaits in any M test; canter lead is changed through trot. Sitting trot (doorzitten), rising optional in medium/extended trot and when stretching. M2 is the last 20x40 level; Z1 moves to 20x60.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in, counter-canter, rein-back 3-5 steps, medium walk/trot/canter, 10 m volte (M1); extended trot and walk, rein-back 4 steps, quarter/half turn on the haunches, travers in the test from 01/08/2026 (M2). Working (not collected) gaits, lead changed through trot, no simple change, no half-pass → rung 5.

Tests and sources

• Proef 31. Klasse M1 (06/10/2025 t.e.m. 31/07/2026) 2025-2026
• Proef 32. Klasse M1 (vanaf 01/08/2026) 2026
• Proef 34. Klasse M2 (06/10/2025 t.e.m. 31/07/2026) 2025-2026
• Proef 37. Klasse M2 (vanaf 01/08/2026) 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Z1 (rung 6: Medium without flying changes / FEI Pony (trot half-pass, extended gaits)); Z2 (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

20x60 (Proef 40/41 and 43/45); separate indoor 20x40 versions published for Z1 and Z2

Movements

• Z1 (Proef 40, Proef 41 and indoor 20x40 read in full): travers, schouderbinnenwaarts (Proef 41, indoor), appuyeren in draf (trot half-pass), volte 10 m in trot and canter, 4 passen achterwaarts (5 in Proef 41), keertwending om de achterhand in walk, eenvoudige galopwisseling (simple change, 3-5 walk steps), contragalop, middengalop and uitgestrekte galop, uitgestrekte draf, uitgestrekte stap, hals laten strekken; no flying changes
• Z2 Proef 43 (19/04/2026 t.e.m. 01/08/2026): travers, schouderbinnenwaarts, keertwending om de achterhand right and left, 4 passen achterwaarts, appuyeren in draf (K-X, X-H), appuyeren in galop (F-X, K-X), vliegende galopwisseling (4 single changes), slangenvolte 4 bogen with 2nd and 3rd loop in contragalop and eenvoudige galopwisseling contragalop-to-contragalop at X, hals laten strekken
• Z2 Proef 45 (02/08/2026 tot na NRT): 3 zig-zag appuyementen in draf (5-10-5 m), travers, schouderbinnenwaarts, 5 passen achterwaarts, keertwending om de achterhand left and right, appuyeren in galop both directions followed by halve grote volte in contragalop and vliegende galopwisseling, uitgestrekte galop, 4 single flying changes
• Z2 indoor 20x40: schouderbinnenwaarts, 5 passen achterwaarts, appuyeren in draf and galop, keertwendingen om de achterhand, contragalop, 3 single flying changes
• Not in any Z test: renvers, canter pirouette, tempi changes

Gaits

verzamelde stap, uitgestrekte stap, verzamelde draf, middendraf (indoor tests), uitgestrekte draf, verzamelde galop, middengalop, uitgestrekte galop, contragalop

Eligibility

Puntenreeks (Wedstrijdreglement 01/04/2024, art. 3.4.2): Z1 150-219, Z2 from 200 punten. Reached from M2 (allowed from 140, compulsory at 170 punten). The moves Z1 to Z2 and Z2 to ZZ are the rider's free choice at any time ('vrije overgang') and become compulsory at 220 and 275 punten respectively. In Z1, Z2 and ZZ a double bridle (stang en trens) is allowed (art. 1.5.2.2); spurs optional, dressage whip not allowed (art. 1.5.1.2.2).

Notes

All Z1 and Z2 sheets read in full, including both indoor 20x40 versions. Flying changes first appear in Z2; Z1 has only simple changes. The outdoor sheets carry LRV proef numbers (40, 41, 43, 45); the indoor sheets are titled 'Individuele dressuur Z1/Z2 (20x40)' and print no proef number or date. No sheet prints a source attribution; the Wedstrijdreglement (art. 3.4.1) states that the tests to be ridden are set annually by the Nationaal Bestuur and the Nationale Ponycommissie. Maximum score 300 punten.

Why this rung

Z1: travers, shoulder-in, trot half-pass, rein-back 4-5, simple changes, counter-canter, half turn on the haunches, collected and extended gaits, no flying changes → rung 6. Z2: canter half-pass both directions, single flying changes, half turns on the haunches → rung 7 (the test from 02/08/2026 adds a 3-part trot zig-zag, a rung-8 element, so upper rung 7). Straddles 6-7.

Tests and sources

• Proef 40. Klasse Z1 (19/04/2026 t.e.m. 01/08/2026) 2025-2026
• Proef 41. Klasse Z1 (02/08/2026 tot na NRT) 2026
• Individuele dressuur Z1 (20x40) - indoor undated (file name 2026)
• Proef 43. Klasse Z2 (19/04/2026 t.e.m. 01/08/2026) 2025-2026
• Proef 45. Klasse Z2 (02/08/2026 tot na NRT) 2026
• Individuele dressuur Z2 (20x40) - indoor undated
• Z-proeven indoor 20x40-piste (xlsx with sheets Z1, Z2, ZZ) undated

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

ZZ (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60 (Proef 52 and Proef 49); separate indoor 20x40 version published

Movements

• schouderbinnenwaarts (left and right)
• appuyeren in draf (trot half-pass)
• appuyeren in galop (canter half-pass) - Proef 52 and indoor; not in Proef 49
• halve arbeidspirouette in canter, right and left, on the diagonal, continuing in contragalop
• vliegende galopwisselingen (single flying changes: 7 in Proef 52, 6 in Proef 49, 4 indoor; two on one diagonal 'tussen H en X' and 'tussen X en F')
• contragalop
• keertwending om de achterhand in walk (right only in Proef 52; both in Proef 49 and indoor)
• volte 8 m in collected trot (Proef 52); volte 10 m (Proef 49)
• collected and extended walk, trot and canter
• indoor 20x40 only: travers and 5 passen achterwaarts
• Not in Proef 52 or Proef 49: travers, renvers, rein-back, trot zig-zag; no tempi changes (series) in any ZZ test

Gaits

verzamelde stap, uitgestrekte stap, verzamelde draf, middendraf (indoor), uitgestrekte draf, verzamelde galop, middengalop (indoor), uitgestrekte galop, contragalop

Eligibility

Highest LRV klasse. The move from Z2 to ZZ is the rider's free choice at any time and becomes compulsory at 275 punten (Wedstrijdreglement 01/04/2024, art. 3.4.2). LRV has no ZZ-Licht/ZZ-Zwaar split - a single 'ZZ' klasse (art. 3.4.1 table and proeven page). Double bridle (stang en trens) allowed (art. 1.5.2.2); spurs optional, dressage whip not allowed (art. 1.5.1.2.2).

Notes

Proef 52, Proef 49 and the indoor 20x40 test read in full: half working pirouettes in canter ('halve arbeidspirouette') and single flying changes are the defining movements; no tempi changes. Proef 49 has no canter half-pass; the indoor test adds travers and rein-back. The sheets print no source attribution. Roughly comparable to KNHS ZZ-Licht / FEI Prix St-Georges level (comparison is an inference, not an LRV statement).

Why this rung

Half working pirouettes in canter (halve arbeidspirouette) left and right, several single flying changes including two on one diagonal, trot half-pass, canter half-pass (Proef 52 and indoor), collected and extended gaits; NO tempi series → rung 9 (lower edge; pirouette present, tempi absent).

Tests and sources

• Proef 52. Klasse ZZ (19/04/2026 t.e.m. 01/08/2026) 2025-2026
• Proef 49. Klasse ZZ (02/08/2026 tot na NRT) 2026
• Individuele dressuur ZZ (20x40) - indoor undated

Compare this level with other federations

Arena

20x40 m (printed on every sheet BF1-BF8: 'Rijbaan: 20x40 meter'); poles, a gate ('poortje') and a slalom are set up in the arena per the 'bouwtekening'

Movements

• BF1-BF2: enter in arbeidsdraf (rising trot throughout); walk-trot transitions between letters; change of rein across the diagonal between poles ('tussen de balken door'); turn across the arena through the gate ('poortje'); slalom along the long side in walk (BF1) / trot (BF2); grote volte in trot (BF2); halt and salute between X and G; reward the pony
• BF3-BF4: add gebroken lijn between the poles (walk in BF3, trot in BF4), grote volte in trot at A and C, halt 2-4 counts between B and E
• BF5: change of rein with change of rising diagonal ('van been wisselen'), grote volte in walk and in trot rising on the outside foreleg, halt 2-4 counts on the diagonal; still no canter
• BF6: enter in arbeidsstap; letting the reins get longer in walk and retaking them ('teugels op maat maken'); strike off in arbeidsgalop on the short side (may be from sitting trot), back to trot on the next short side; half grote volte in trot
• BF7: half grote voltes right and left through X, links-/rechtsomkeert through the gate, strike off in arbeidsgalop on the short side, grote volte in trot with 2x at least 5 steps sitting trot, reins longer in walk
• BF8: slangenvolte with 3 loops in trot, change of rein through an S in walk (2 half voltes), reins longer on a grote volte in walk, arbeidsgalop left and right each with a grote volte C-X-C

Gaits

arbeidsstap, arbeidsdraf (lichtrijden; short sitting-trot passages from BF7), arbeidsgalop (BF6-BF8 only)

Eligibility

Children from their 4th birthday up to and including the year they turn 12, on their own or a riding-school pony; KNHS member with a Bixie&Friends Ruiterpaspoort; pony has a passport and is vaccinated. Entry 'op hun eigen niveau'. Aged 4 or 5: pony must be on a lead with a handler aged 18+, and of the dressage tests only BF1 and BF2 may be ridden.

Notes

Not a KNHS promotion class. Eight dressage tests BF1-BF8, each 5 minutes; every exercise is scored 1 point per criterion met (1 houding, 2 hulpen, 3 tempo, 4 oefeningen/figuren). The KNHS page points to Mijn KNHS (login) and the printed Bixie&Friends Proevenboek, but the protocol PDFs are publicly reachable at https://www.mijnknhs.nl/uploads/Proeven/BF1.pdf to BF8.pdf. The sheets print no edition year.

Why this rung

BF1-BF5 are walk-trot only (rung-1 content); BF6-BF8 add a working-canter strike-off, BF8 a 20 m circle in canter on both reins (rung-2 content). Rider-skill tests for children with poles/gate/slalom, scored 1 point per criterion met instead of marks 0-10 → not ranked.

Tests and sources

• Bixie&Friends proeven (Bixie&Friends Proevenboek; renewed 1 April 2023 – old 'Bixie-proeven tot 1 april 2023') 2023
• B&F Dressuurproef BF1 no edition printed on sheet
• B&F Dressuurproef BF2 no edition printed on sheet
• B&F Dressuurproef BF3 no edition printed on sheet
• B&F Dressuurproef BF4 no edition printed on sheet
• B&F Dressuurproef BF5 no edition printed on sheet
• B&F Dressuurproef BF6 no edition printed on sheet
• B&F Dressuurproef BF7 no edition printed on sheet
• B&F Dressuurproef BF8 no edition printed on sheet

Rungs covered

BB / Impuls (no points) (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

Klasse BB: 20x40 m (printed on proeven 16 and 17). Impulsrubrieken: no arena size is given in art. 145 or on the F-test sheets; the F1-F5 sheets use only the 20x40 letters (A K E H C M B F, D X G)

Movements

• Klasse BB (proeven 16 and 17, rising trot throughout): enter in arbeidsdraf on the centre line
• Turns across the arena (afwenden E/B) and changes of rein across the diagonal in trot
• Grote volte (20 m circle) in trot at A/C and at B/E
• Arbeidsgalop strike-off between letters on the circle, grote volte in canter on both reins, back to arbeidsdraf between letters
• Transitions arbeidsdraf-arbeidsstap between letters; half grote volte (16) or change of rein (17) in walk
• Turn down the centre line, halt and salute (halt only at the end)

Gaits

arbeidsstap, arbeidsdraf (lichtrijden), arbeidsgalop

Eligibility

KNHS membership required, no startpas needed. BB: 'geen promotieklasse en er worden geen winstpunten geregistreerd' (a klassement is made and there are prizes); riders who by their personal standing may no longer start in klasse B may not start in BB either, except hors concours (art. 104.6). Impuls (art. 145): 'er worden geen prestatiepunten geregistreerd en er bestaat geen verplichting tot promoveren'; riders already classified in the regular classes may take part; no competition dress required, safety helmet and boots mandatory.

Notes

Klasse BB has its own KNHS tests, proef 16 and 17 (uitgave 2022), 30 marks, total 300 points; collective marks include 'Contact en verbinding' and 'Rijvaardigheid en harmonie'. Impuls (art. 145) may be klasse BB, F-proeven or other forms; the organiser sets the level. F-proeven are the KNHS rider-training tests ridden at riding schools/proevendagen; F1-F5 each have versions A and B ('Versie april 2022') and C and D ('Versie april 2025', ~5 min, F1/F2 now start in trot) – https://www.knhs.nl/nieuws/meer-variatie-met-extra-knhs-f1-tm-f5-proeven. F1 and F2 are 'zonder galop' (walk, trot, gebroken lijn, grote volte, halt); F3 and F4 add arbeidsgalop strike-offs on both reins; F5 adds 'enkele passen de draf verruimen', a slangenvolte with 3 loops and canter strike-off from sitting trot. F sheets are public at https://www.mijnknhs.nl/uploads/Proeven/<1-5><A-D>.pdf.

Why this rung

BB has its own two tests (proef 16 and 17): working walk, trot and canter, 20 m circles, simple transitions, halt-salute, no lengthenings → rung 2. Impuls is at organiser-set level (F1-F2 walk-trot, F3-F4 add canter, F5 adds a few lengthened trot steps); not a promotion class.

Tests and sources

• Disciplinereglement Dressuur 2026 – klasse BB (art. 104.1, 104.6) and Impulsrubrieken (art. 145: level and tests determined by the organiser; BB, F-proeven or other forms) 2026 rulebook
• Proef 16 (Klasse BB, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 17 (Klasse BB, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

B (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x40 m (art. 120.2); proef 18 ridden 'lichtrijden' (rising trot)

Movements

• Enter in working trot; centre line
• Gebroken lijn 5 m (shallow loop / broken line) in trot
• Change of rein lengthening a few trot steps ('enkele passen de draf verruimen')
• Working canter transitions left and right ('aanspringen') between letters
• 20 m circles (grote volte) in trot and canter
• Canter-trot and trot-walk transitions between letters
• Lengthening a few walk steps on the diagonal
• Stretching the neck on a 20 m circle in trot, then retaking the reins ('teugels op maat maken')
• Half 20 m circle, straight, turn down centre line, halt and salute (halt only at the end)

Gaits

arbeidsstap, arbeidsdraf (lichtrijden), arbeidsgalop, enkele passen verruimen (stap/draf)

Eligibility

Entry level with startpas. Promotion to L1 allowed at 10 winstpunten, mandatory at 30 (art. 107.1). Max 5 winstpunten via online tests (paardrijden.nl) in B–L2 (art. 106.2).

Notes

Movement list verified from proef 18. Collective marks in B: gangen, impuls, rechtgerichtheid, harmonie, houding/zit ruiter, verzorging van het geheel (6 marks; only B has the 6th). Proeven 19-21 not individually fetched – URLs follow the verified pattern.

Why this rung

Working gaits, shallow loop, a few lengthened trot/walk steps, stretching circle; halt only at the end → rung 3.

Tests and sources

• Proef 18 (Klasse B, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 19 (Klasse B, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 20 (Klasse B, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 21 (Klasse B, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

L1 (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x40 m

Movements

• Wijken voor het been (leg-yield) from centre line towards the track, both reins (coeff. 2)
• Gebroken lijn (broken line) in trot
• Change of rein lengthening a few trot steps
• Lengthening a few walk steps
• Stretching the neck across the diagonal in trot (coeff. 2), then reins retaken
• Working canter strike-offs, 20 m circle with a few lengthened canter strides on the circle
• Change of rein through an S (door een S van hand veranderen) in canter with trot transition
• Half 20 m circle, walk, halt and salute

Gaits

arbeidsstap, arbeidsdraf, arbeidsgalop, enkele passen/sprongen verruimen

Eligibility

Promotion to L2 allowed at 10 winstpunten, mandatory at 30.

Notes

Verified from proef 22 (300 points, 5 collective marks). The 2022 revision introduced several leg-yield patterns in L (e.g. from centre line to track). No rein-back, no medium trot yet in proef 22.

Why this rung

Leg-yield from centre line, stretching, canter lengthening, change of rein through S with trot transition; no rein-back → rung 4 (lower).

Tests and sources

• Proef 22 (Klasse L1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 23 (Klasse L1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 24 (Klasse L1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 25 (Klasse L1, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

L2 (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x40 m

Movements

• Wijken voor het been (leg-yield) 10 m from centre line, both reins
• Middendraf (medium trot) across the diagonal
• Middenstap (medium walk) across the diagonal
• Halt, a few steps rein-back ('enkele passen achterwaarts', coeff. 2), forward in working trot
• Change of rein through an S
• Stretching the neck on a 20 m circle
• Working canter with 12-15 m volte on each rein
• A few strides of middengalop (medium canter) then working canter
• Change of rein in canter with transition to trot (no simple change)

Gaits

arbeidsstap, middenstap, arbeidsdraf, middendraf, arbeidsgalop, enkele sprongen middengalop

Eligibility

Promotion to M1 allowed at 10 winstpunten, mandatory at 30.

Notes

Verified from proef 26. First appearance of rein-back and medium trot/walk/canter.

Why this rung

Leg-yield 10 m, medium trot/walk/canter, rein-back a few steps, 12–15 m canter volte → rung 4 (upper).

Tests and sources

• Proef 26 (Klasse L2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 27 (Klasse L2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 28 (Klasse L2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 29 (Klasse L2, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

M1 (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x40 m; ridden sitting ('doorzitten')

Movements

• Schouderbinnenwaarts (shoulder-in) on the long side, both reins (coeff. 2)
• Middendraf across the diagonal (coeff. 2)
• Halt, 3-5 steps rein-back, forward in working trot
• Change of rein through an S in trot
• Half 20 m circles with stretching and retaking the reins
• Middenstap across the diagonal (coeff. 2)
• Trot-to-canter strike-offs; middengalop on the long side
• Rechtsomkeert / linksomkeert (half-turn / reversed half-circle) in canter leading into half 20 m circle in contragalop (counter-canter)
• Canter-trot transitions to change lead (no simple change)

Gaits

arbeidsstap, middenstap, arbeidsdraf, middendraf, arbeidsgalop, middengalop, contragalop

Eligibility

Promotion to M2 allowed at 10 winstpunten, mandatory at 30.

Notes

Verified from proef 30. First shoulder-in and counter-canter; no travers in proef 30.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in, medium gaits, rein-back 3–5, counter-canter (rechtsomkeert), sitting trot; lead change through trot → rung 5 (lower).

Tests and sources

• Proef 30 (Klasse M1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 31 (Klasse M1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 32 (Klasse M1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 33 (Klasse M1, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

M2 (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x40 m; sitting trot

Movements

• Schouderbinnenwaarts on the long side, both reins
• Travers (haunches-in) on the long side (proef 36)
• Uitgestrekte draf (extended trot) across the diagonal
• 10 m voltes in trot (proef 36)
• Halt, 4 steps rein-back, forward in trot
• Kwartwending om de achterhand (quarter turn on the haunches) in walk, left and right
• Uitgestrekte stap (extended walk)
• Middengalop on the long side; contragalop (counter-canter) along the long side after change of rein
• Change of canter lead via 4-6 trot steps (proef 36) – still no simple change through walk
• Half circle with stretching of the neck

Gaits

arbeidsstap, uitgestrekte stap, arbeidsdraf, uitgestrekte draf, arbeidsgalop, middengalop, contragalop

Eligibility

Promotion to Z1 allowed at 10 winstpunten, mandatory at 30 (last class with mandatory promotion).

Notes

Verified from proeven 34 and 36. Last level in the 20x40 arena. The 2022 revision gave coefficients to lateral work (wijken, schouderbinnenwaarts, travers) in M.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in + travers, extended trot/walk, rein-back 4, quarter turn on haunches, counter-canter; still no simple change → rung 5 (upper).

Tests and sources

• Proef 34 (Klasse M2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 35 (Klasse M2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 36 (Klasse M2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 37 (Klasse M2, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Z1 (rung 6: Medium without flying changes / FEI Pony (trot half-pass, extended gaits))

Arena

20x60 m (Z1 and higher, art. 120.2); sitting trot

Movements

• Enter in verzamelde draf (collected trot) – collection begins at Z
• Schouderbinnenwaarts on the long side, both reins
• Appuyeren in draf (trot half-pass) from centre line to the track, both reins (coeff. 2)
• Uitgestrekte draf across the diagonal
• Halt, 4 steps rein-back, forward in extended walk
• Half 20 m circle in uitgestrekte stap, then verzamelde stap (coeff. 2)
• Uitgestrekte galop and middengalop on the long side with collected canter transitions
• Eenvoudige galopwisseling (simple change through walk) – several, on half-circles and on the diagonal (coeff. 2)
• Stretching the neck across the diagonal in trot (coeff. 2)
• Half circle, halt and salute at I

Gaits

verzamelde stap, uitgestrekte stap, verzamelde draf, uitgestrekte draf, verzamelde galop, middengalop, uitgestrekte galop

Eligibility

Promotion to Z2 allowed at 10 winstpunten; not mandatory (max 40 winstpunten registered in Z1/Z2/ZZ-Licht).

Notes

Verified from proef 38 (350 points). First 20x60 arena, first collected gaits, first trot half-pass and simple changes. No flying change in Z1.

Why this rung

Collected gaits, trot half-pass, extended gaits, rein-back 4, simple changes through walk; no flying change → rung 6.

Tests and sources

• Proef 38 (Klasse Z1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 39 (Klasse Z1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 40 (Klasse Z1, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 41 (Klasse Z1, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Z2 (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

20x60 m; sitting trot

Movements

• Enter in collected canter, collected trot at X
• Schouderbinnenwaarts and Travers on the long side
• Volte 10 m in trot
• Appuyeren in draf (trot half-pass) to the centre line, both reins
• Uitgestrekte draf across the diagonal; middendraf on the centre line
• Halt, 5 steps rein-back, forward in extended walk
• Uitgestrekte stap (coeff. 2) and verzamelde stap
• Uitgestrekte galop on the long side
• Appuyeren in galop (canter half-pass) from centre line to the track, both reins (coeff. 2)
• Vliegende galopwisseling (single flying change) after each canter half-pass (coeff. 2)
• Serpentine 4 loops with 2nd and 3rd loop in counter-canter
• Eenvoudige galopwisseling from counter-canter to counter-canter
• Stretching the neck on a half 20 m circle in trot

Gaits

verzamelde stap, uitgestrekte stap, verzamelde draf, middendraf, uitgestrekte draf, verzamelde galop, uitgestrekte galop, contragalop

Eligibility

Promotion to ZZ-Licht allowed at 10 winstpunten; not mandatory. Z2 ponies ride the FEI pony tests (inleidend/individueel/team, KNHS nrs 90-92) instead of KNHS tests (art. 104).

Notes

Verified from proef 42. First single flying changes and canter half-pass. The 2022 revision removed flying changes from counter-canter to counter-canter from Z2.

Why this rung

Trot half-pass, travers, canter half-pass with single flying change, 4-loop serpentine counter-canter, rein-back 5 → rung 7.

Tests and sources

• Proef 42 (Klasse Z2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 43 (Klasse Z2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 44 (Klasse Z2, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 45 (Klasse Z2, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

ZZ-Licht (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20x60 m; sitting trot

Movements

• Enter in collected canter
• Middendraf / uitgestrekte draf changes of rein
• Halt, 5 steps rein-back
• Schouderbinnenwaarts, volte 10 m, appuyeren in draf (trot half-pass) to G/centre line (coeff. 2)
• Keertwending om de achterhand (walk half-turn on the haunches) left and right (proef 46)
• Uitgestrekte stap (coeff. 2) and verzamelde stap
• Kwartpirouette (quarter pirouette) in canter, left and right (coeff. 2)
• Uitgestrekte galop with flying change at the end
• Serpentine of 2 loops with flying changes on the centre line (coeff. 2)
• Appuyeren in galop (canter half-pass) with flying change at the end / in the middle (zig-zag D-E, E-G)
• Counter-canter with single flying changes (proef 48)
• Two single flying changes on one diagonal (proef 48: between M-X and X-K)

Gaits

verzamelde stap, uitgestrekte stap, verzamelde draf, middendraf, uitgestrekte draf, verzamelde galop, uitgestrekte galop, contragalop

Eligibility

Promotion to ZZ-Zwaar allowed at 10 winstpunten; not mandatory (max 40 registered). Highest 'basissport' class; ZZ-Zwaar and up are 'Subtop'.

Notes

Verified from proeven 46 and 48 (350 points). Canter pirouettes appear as QUARTER pirouettes (kwartpirouette), not half pirouettes; no tempi series (only multiple single changes). Coefficients on pirouettes and flying changes introduced in 2022.

Why this rung

Canter half-pass with changes/zig-zag D-E-G, quarter canter pirouettes, walk half-turn, multiple single changes on one diagonal; no tempi → rung 8.

Tests and sources

• Proef 46 (Klasse ZZ-Licht, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 47 (Klasse ZZ-Licht, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 48 (Klasse ZZ-Licht, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 49 (Klasse ZZ-Licht, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

ZZ-Zwaar (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60 m; sitting trot

Movements

• Enter in collected canter, halt and salute at X at the start
• Middendraf and uitgestrekte draf (coeff. 2)
• Schouderbinnenwaarts, volte 8 m, appuyeren in draf (trot half-pass) both reins
• Keertwending om de achterhand (walk half-turn on haunches) left and right
• Verzamelde stap and uitgestrekte stap (coeff. 2)
• Halve pirouette (canter half-pirouette) left and right (coeff. 2)
• Single flying changes; uitgestrekte galop
• Appuyeren in galop (canter half-pass) D-E / E-G with flying change
• Series: 3 vliegende galopwisselingen on the diagonal (proef 50); proef 52: 3 changes every (min.) 4 – (max.) 6 strides and 3 changes every (min.) 3 – (max.) 5 strides (coeff. 2)
• Halt, 5 steps rein-back

Gaits

verzamelde stap, uitgestrekte stap, verzamelde draf, middendraf, uitgestrekte draf, verzamelde galop, uitgestrekte galop

Eligibility

Subtop class using KNHS-own tests ('alle door de KNHS daartoe uitgegeven proeven', art. 104). Promotion to Lichte Tour (Prix St. Georges) is mandatory at 30 winstpunten (art. 107.1). KNHS championships ZZ-Zwaar & LT have their own reglement.

Notes

Verified from proeven 50 and 52. Half pirouettes (not full) and short series of 3 flying changes at 3-5 / 4-6 stride intervals – no strict 4-, 3- or 2-tempi and no piaffe/passage. ZZ-Zwaar is roughly comparable to FEI Prix St. Georges preparation.

Why this rung

Canter half-pirouettes, series of 3 changes at 3–5 / 4–6 strides (not strict tempi), 8 m voltes, walk half-turns → rung 9 (lower, PSG preparation).

Tests and sources

• Proef 50 (Klasse ZZ-Zwaar, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 51 (Klasse ZZ-Zwaar, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 52 (Klasse ZZ-Zwaar, uitgave 2022) 2022
• Proef 53 (Klasse ZZ-Zwaar, uitgave 2022) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Lichte Tour: PSG (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi)); Lichte Tour: Inter I (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• As per FEI Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I tests (FEI-owned content; not reproduced here)

Gaits

collected/medium/extended walk, trot, canter per FEI tests

Eligibility

Subtop, FEI tests only. Entered from ZZ-Zwaar (mandatory at 30 winstpunten) or from Young Riders (10 winstpunten or 2x >=65%). Prix St. Georges -> Intermediaire I allowed after one score >=60%; promotion within Lichte Tour not mandatory.

Notes

KNHS uses the FEI tests unchanged (art. 104.4: tests may not be altered without KNHS/FEI permission). KNHS publishes the current FEI sheets on Mijn KNHS: Prix St. Georges and Intermediate I, both 'update 2026' (FEI Edition 2009 - update 2026). FEI tests must be ridden from memory (art. 115.2.c).

Why this rung

FEI Prix St. Georges (rung 9) and Intermediaire I (rung 10).

Tests and sources

• FEI Prix St. Georges (art. 104: 'de FEI-proeven Prix St. Georges, Intermédiaire I') Edition 2009 - update 2026
• FEI Intermediaire I Edition 2009 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Zware Tour: Inter A/B (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi)); Zware Tour: Inter II, GP 16-25, GP, GPS (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• As per FEI Intermediaire A, Intermediaire B, Intermediaire II, Grand Prix 16-25, Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special (FEI-owned content)

Gaits

collected/medium/extended walk, trot, canter, passage, piaffe per FEI tests

Eligibility

Subtop, FEI tests only (art. 104: 'de FEI-proeven Intermédiaire A en B, Intermédiaire II, Grand Prix 16-25, Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special'). Inter I -> Inter A/B/II after one score >=60%; Inter II / GP U25 -> Grand Prix after one score >=60%. Once a combination has started in a Zware Tour class the promotion is immediately definitive (art. 107.1.c).

Notes

Highest national level. KNHS publishes the current FEI sheets on Mijn KNHS, all 'update 2026': Intermediate A (2015), Intermediate B (2020), Intermediate II (2009), Grand Prix 16-25 (2009), Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special (2009, revision 2014).

Why this rung

FEI Inter A/B (rung 11), Inter II, GP 16-25, GP, GPS (rung 12).

Tests and sources

• FEI Intermediaire A Edition 2015 - update 2026
• FEI Intermediaire B Edition 2020 - update 2026
• FEI Intermediaire II Edition 2009 - update 2026
• FEI Grand Prix 16-25 (U25) Edition 2009 - update 2026
• FEI Grand Prix Edition 2009 - revision 2014 - update 2026
• FEI Grand Prix Special Edition 2009 - revision 2014 - update 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

WBO Führzügel-WB (WB 221) / Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab (WB 227) (rung 1: Walk–trot only); WBO Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab-Galopp (WB 228) / Dressurreiter-WB (WB 241) / Dressur-WB (WB 242) (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20x40 for Dressurreiter-WB and Dressur-WB (read in DRW 1 and DW 6); arena for Führzügel-WB and Reiter-WB not read: UNVERIFIED

Movements

• Führzügel-WB (WB 221): rider is led on a lead rein. FN guidance (written for the 2018 WBO edition): led in walk and trot in a group, rising trot, first seat and aids. WBO 2024 text of WB 221 not read: UNVERIFIED
• Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab (WB 227) and Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab-Galopp (WB 228): group competition judging seat and aids in the named gaits (FN guidance for the 2018 edition: max. 8 riders per group, tasks announced by the judges). WBO 2024 texts of WB 227/228 not read: UNVERIFIED
• Dressurreiter-WB (WB 241/A, B, C = tasks DRW 1, DRW 2, DRW 3), 'der erste und einfachste Wettbewerb für den Nachwuchsreiter in der Dressur'. DRW 1 (WB 241/A, Abteilung of 2 to 4 riders, read aloud, ca. 6 min): Mittelschritt, Arbeitstrab rising and sitting, changes of rein across the diagonal, 20 m circles, Arbeitsgalopp on the circle 1 to 1½ times round, change out of the circle, line up, halt and salute. DRW 2 and DRW 3 not read
• Dressur-WB (WB 242/A to 242/F = tasks DW 1 to DW 6): 'das Reiten der drei Grundgangarten, einfache Hufschlagfiguren wie Schlangenlinien, Zirkel, ganze Bahn, Handwechsel, Halten'. DW 6 (WB 242/F, single, ca. 3½ min): enter in Mittelschritt, halt and salute at X, Arbeitstrab rising and sitting, serpentine of 3 loops through the arena, change through half the arena and across the diagonal, 20 m circles, canter depart from trot on the circle, Mittelschritt, final halt on the centre line. DW 1 to DW 5 not read
• Auxiliary reins (Hilfszügel) are allowed in Dressurreiter-WB and Dressur-WB ('Erlaubt: Hilfszügel (aber kein gleitendes Ringmartingal)'), unlike in LPO tests; snaffle (Trensenzaum)

Gaits

walk, trot, canter (only in the '...-Galopp' and dressage WBs)

Eligibility

No LPO licence needed (Breitensport). Leistungsklasse D7 (Schnupperlizenz) lists 'E (und WB)'.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

none (below FEI / below any national graded level)

Notes

Since 2024 Klasse E exists only under LPO; the WBO covers everything below it. WB numbers verified: 221 Führzügel-WB, 227 Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab, 228 Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab-Galopp, 241/A–C Dressurreiter-WB (DRW 1–3), 242/A–F Dressur-WB (DW 1–6), i.e. the six Dressur-WB and three Dressurreiter-WB of WBO 2024; FN/DRV judge guidance refers to WB 241–255 as the dressage block. Full texts read only for WB 241/A (DRW 1) and WB 242/F (DW 6) from FN replacement pages; the WBO itself is a paid book, so arena and exact content of WB 221, 227, 228 and of DRW 2–3, DW 1–5 remain UNVERIFIED.

Why this rung

Führzügel-WB (WB 221) and Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab (WB 227) → rung 1; Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab-Galopp (WB 228), Dressurreiter-WB (WB 241/A–C) and Dressur-WB (WB 242/A–F) → rung 2. DRW 1 and DW 6 read: Mittelschritt, Arbeitstrab, Arbeitsgalopp on the circle, changes of rein, no lengthenings, no lateral work, no rein-back. Content of the WBO 2024 texts for WB 221/227/228 and of DRW 2–3, DW 1–5 not read: UNVERIFIED.

Tests and sources

• WBO 2024 (Wettbewerbsordnung für den Breitensport) – official product page 2024
• FN clarification LPO/WBO (Nov 2023) reproduced by reitturniere.de 2023
• WB 241/A Dressurreiter-WB, Aufgabe DRW 1 (20x40, ca. 6 min) – full text in FN WBO replacement pages Oktober 2025 2024 (corr. 2025)
• WB 242/F Dressur-WB, Aufgabe DW 6 (20x40, ca. 3½ min) – full text in FN WBO replacement pages März 2024 2024
• WB 221 Führzügel-WB, WB 227 Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab, WB 228 Reiter-WB Schritt-Trab-Galopp, WB 241/B Dressurreiter-WB (DRW 2), WB 242/A Dressur-WB (DW 1) – numbers as used in Westfalen-approved schedules 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse E (Eingangsstufe / Einsteiger) (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20x40

Movements

• Enter at working trot or medium walk, halt and salute at X (E 5/1 enters in walk, E 6/1 in trot)
• Working trot rising (leichttraben) and sitting (aussitzen)
• Change of rein across the diagonal / through the half arena, 'Durch die Länge der Bahn wechseln'
• Turn onto the quarter line (Viertellinie) and ride straight
• 20 m circles (Zirkel/Mittelzirkel) and half circles, change out of the circle
• Canter departs from trot on the circle (Arbeitsgalopp), canter 1 to 1½ times round the circle
• Medium walk (Mittelschritt)
• Final halt on the centre line, leave arena at walk on a long rein
• Since 2024: ridden without auxiliary reins (ohne Hilfszügel); pair versions (/2) ridden 'zu zweit hintereinander' on command

Gaits

medium walk, working trot, working canter

Eligibility

Leistungsklasse D7 (Schnupperlizenz) or D6 (Jahresturnierlizenz). Snaffle (Trense) only.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

none (below FEI); roughly comparable to other nations' introductory/preliminary level

Notes

Duration ca. 3½ min. No sub-classes (no stars). Movement list verified from the official E 5/1 and E 6/1 texts; no lateral work, no rein-back, no lengthenings in those tests. Per the FN Leitfaden sheets, E 1 to E 3 are Mannschaftsdressur/Abteilungsreiten tasks and E 4 to E 7 are Dressurprüfung tasks; Dressurreiterprüfung Kl. E tasks are RE 1 and RE 2.

Why this rung

Working walk/trot/canter, 20 m circles, quarter line, no lateral work, no lengthenings, no rein-back → rung 2.

Tests and sources

• E 5/1 and E 5/2 (full text in FN correction sheet Mai 2025) 2024 (corr. 2025)
• E 6/1 and E 6/2 (full text in FN correction sheet Aug 2025) 2024 (corr. 2025)
• E 1 – E 3 (Mannschaftsdressur/Abteilungsreiten) and E 4 – E 7 (Dressurprüfung Kl. E): task numbers printed on the official FN Leitfaden sheets 6289 and 6288 (FN Verlag ZIP 'Alle Leitfäden'); texts of E 1 – E 4 and E 7 not public 2024
• RE 1/1, RE 1/2, RE 2 (Dressurreiterprüfung Kl. E) – numbering per FN Verlag order form 2024; texts not public 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse A* (Anfangsstufe) (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x40

Movements

• Source caveat: the texts of the A* tests (A 1 to A 8) are not public; the items below are read from the A** tests A 12/2 and A 13/1 and are UNVERIFIED for A*
• Working gaits with first lengthenings: Mitteltrab and Mittelgalopp across the diagonal / long side
• Halt and rein-back of one horse length (eine Pferdelänge rückwärtsrichten) and trot on (A 13/1 and A 12/2)
• 10 m half-voltes and 10 m voltes, quarter-line work, 'Viereck vergrößern' (from the quarter line back to the track from the E-B line)
• Simple transitions trot–walk–canter, canter departs from trot and from walk (A 13/1: 'Zwischen M und X Mittelschritt … Im Arbeitstempo links angaloppieren')
• Zügel aus der Hand kauen lassen (letting the horse take the rein forward and down) on the circle
• Überstreichen (giving the inside rein) in the volte (A 12/2)
• Schenkelweichen (leg-yield): the word does not occur in the A texts read (A 12/2, A 13/1, A 13/2), which use 'Viereck vergrößern'; A 1 to A 11 not read: UNVERIFIED

Gaits

medium walk, working trot, medium trot, working canter, medium canter

Eligibility

Leistungsklasse D6, D5, D4, D3, D2 (D1 only 'Aufbauprüfungen'). Snaffle (Trense).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

none; FEI Children tests are run nationally as 'Kl. A**' (e.g. 'U15-Dressurprüfung Kl. A** – FEI Children'), and the 2024 Aufgabenheft added the international Children test as an A task

Notes

A is split into A* and A**. Boundary verified from Westfalen-approved schedules 2025/2026 (about 1,000 A entries, no exception): A 1 to A 8 are run as Kl. A*, A 9 to A 13 as Kl. A**; FN prints 'nur für A**' on A 12/2, A 13/1 and A 13/2. Per the FN Leitfaden sheets, A 1 to A 4 and A 9 to A 11 are Mannschaftsdressur/Abteilungsreiten tasks and A 5 to A 8, A 12, A 13 are Dressurprüfung tasks. FN states the hardest A test is ridden on 20x60; which one is UNVERIFIED (A 12/2, A 13/1 and A 13/2 are printed 20x40; one Westfalen schedule lists 'Aufgabe A8 (Viereck 20 x 60 m)' for a Kl. A* class).

Why this rung

Medium trot/canter, halt–rein-back one horse length, 10 m half-voltes, canter from walk, Überstreichen, Viereck vergrößern → rung 4. Read only in A** tests (A 12/2, A 13/1); the A* test texts (A 1 to A 8) are not public, so the A* placement is UNVERIFIED at test level.

Tests and sources

• A 12/2 (A**, pairs) and A 13/1, A 13/2 (A**) – full text in FN correction sheet März 2024 2024
• A 9 (run as Kl. A**, pairs) at LM Rheinland-Pfalz 2025 2024
• RA 1/1 (Dressurreiterprüfung Kl. A) – seen in show programmes 2024
• DA 3/2, DA 4/2 (Dressurpferdeprüfung Kl. A) – seen in show programmes 2024
• VA 1/1, VA 1/2 (eventing dressage Kl. A, 20x40) – FN correction sheet Juni 2026 2024 (corr. 2026)
• A 1 – A 8 run as Kl. A*, A 9 – A 13 as Kl. A** – Westfalen-approved schedules (this file: A 1 to A 7 as A*, A 9, A 10, A 11, A 13 as A**); texts of A 1 – A 11 not public 2024
• A 1 – A 4, A 9 – A 11 (Mannschaftsdressur/Abteilungsreiten) and A 5 – A 8, A 12, A 13 (Dressurprüfung Kl. A): task numbers printed on FN Leitfaden sheets 6289 and 6288 (FN Verlag ZIP 'Alle Leitfäden') 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse A** (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x40 (hardest A test 20x60 per FN)

Movements

• As A*, verified from A 13/1 (Nur für A**): 10 m half-voltes, enlarging the square from the quarter line, medium trot on the diagonal, medium walk, canter on the 20 m circle, canter depart from walk, medium canter, trot–canter transitions on the circle, Zügel aus der Hand kauen lassen, halt–rein-back one horse length–trot on
• A 12/2 (Nur für A**, pairs): additionally voltes with Überstreichen

Gaits

medium walk, working trot, medium trot, working canter, medium canter

Eligibility

As Klasse A (LK D6–D2).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Children (used as Kl. A** nationally)

Notes

Duration ca. 4 min.

Why this rung

As A* (A 13/1): medium trot, rein-back, canter from walk → rung 4 (upper). FEI Children run nationally as A**/L*.

Tests and sources

• A 12/2, A 13/1, A 13/2 (all 'nur für A**', 20x40, ca. 4 min) 2024
• A 9 (Kl. A**) 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse L* (Leicht, Trense) (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x40 or 20x60 (tests exist for both, e.g. RL 2 on 20x40, L 8 on 20x60)

Movements

• Collected trot and collected canter appear for the first time (versammelter Trab/Galopp), with medium trot/canter and transitions
• 10 m voltes with Überstreichen (giving the inside rein) — verified L 7
• Halt, rein-back one horse length, then ride on in medium walk — verified L 7
• Simple change of leg (einfacher Galoppwechsel) — verified L 7, RL 2
• Counter-canter (Außengalopp): change of rein without change of leg, then counter-canter through the short side — verified L 7, RL 2
• Serpentine of three loops with walk transitions over the centre line — RL 2 (paraphrased)
• Kurzkehrt (walk half-turn on the haunches) — RL 2 (paraphrased); shoulder-in/travers are NOT in the L* tests read (they appear in L**)

Gaits

medium walk, working/collected trot, medium trot, collected canter, medium canter, counter-canter

Eligibility

Leistungsklasse D5, D4, D3, D2, D1. Normally snaffle ('L* – Tr.'); Ausrüstungskatalog: a double bridle may be prescribed by the schedule in Dressur-LP Kl. L to S* ('gemäß Ausschreibung vorgeschriebene Zäumung auf Kandare in Dressur-LP Kl. L bis S*').

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Children tests run nationally as 'Kl. L*' (U15-Dressurprüfung Kl. L* Trense – FEI Children); FEI Pony tests as 'Pony-Dressurprüfung Kl. L**'

Notes

Duration ca. 5 min. Sub-classes printed as 'Nur für L*' / 'Nur für L**'. L 11 is the former L 10 on 20x60 and may also be ridden on 20x40 (FN, horseweb article Dec 2023).

Why this rung

Collected trot/canter begin, simple changes, counter-canter, rein-back, Kurzkehrt (RL 2); no shoulder-in/half-pass in L* tests → rung 5.

Tests and sources

• L 7 (L*, 20x60), L 8 (Nur für L*, 20x60, ca. 5 min), RL 2 (nur für L*, 20x40), RL 4 (nur für L*, 20x60) – full/partial text in FN correction sheet März 2024 2024
• L 2 (Kl. L*), RL 1 (Kl. L*) – seen in 2025 show programmes 2024
• DL 2, DL 3 (Dressurpferdeprüfung Kl. L) 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse L** (Leicht, Trense/Kandare) (rung 6: Medium without flying changes / FEI Pony (trot half-pass, extended gaits))

Arena

20x60 (L 11 also rideable on 20x40)

Movements

• Entry in collected canter — verified L 11, L 12
• Shoulder-in (Schulterherein) in collected trot — verified L 11, L 12
• Trot half-pass (Traversieren / Traversale) from a 10 m half-volte back to the track — verified L 11, L 12
• Medium trot across the diagonal; 8 m voltes (L 12)
• Kurzkehrt (walk half-turn) left and right, medium walk — verified L 11
• Medium canter, counter-canter half circles and 8 m 'kehrt' without change of leg, simple changes — verified L 11
• Überstreichen in canter on the 20 m circle — verified L 11
• No flying changes

Gaits

medium walk, collected walk (L 12), collected trot, medium trot, collected canter, medium canter, counter-canter

Eligibility

As Klasse L (LK D5–D1). Double bridle may be prescribed per schedule (Kl. L bis S*).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Pony tests are run as 'Pony-Dressurprüfung Kl. L**' (verified from 2025 show programmes)

Notes

L 11 (L**) contains shoulder-in, trot half-pass, Kurzkehrt, simple changes and counter-canter, i.e. the full 'L' catalogue; L* tests (L 7, RL 2) omit lateral work.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in, trot half-pass from 10 m half-volte, Kurzkehrt, simple changes, counter-canter, 8 m voltes; no flying changes → rung 6 (FEI Pony tests run as L**).

Tests and sources

• L 11 (Nur für L**, 20x60, ca. 5 min) and L 12 (Nur für L**, 20x60) – full text L 11 in FN correction sheet März 2024 2024
• RL 5 (nur für L**, 20x60, ca. 5 min) 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse M* (Mittelschwer) (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

20x40 (RM 1) or 20x60 (M 5, M 6)

Movements

• Collected trot with 8 m voltes, shoulder-in and trot half-passes (Traversale) from the centre line / quarter line — verified M 5, RM 1
• Medium trot and extended trot (starker Trab) on the diagonal — verified M 5
• Kurzkehrt, medium walk and extended walk (starker Schritt) — verified M 5
• Collected canter, medium canter, single flying changes (fliegender Galoppwechsel) on the diagonal / half arena — verified M 5, RM 1
• Überstreichen in canter (2–3 horse lengths) on half circle — verified M 5
• No tempi changes, no pirouettes in M* tests read

Gaits

medium walk, extended walk, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter

Eligibility

Leistungsklasse D4, D3, D2, D1. Ridden on Trense or Kandare as scheduled (e.g. 'Kl. M* Kandare', 'Dressurreiterprüfung Kl. M* Trense').

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

none directly; FEI Junior tests are run nationally as 'Kl. M**'

Notes

Sub-class fixed by 'Nur für M*' on the test.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in, trot half-passes, extended trot/walk, single flying changes, Kurzkehrt; no canter half-pass in M 5 → rung 7.

Tests and sources

• M 5 (Nur für M*, 20x60, ca. 4½ min) – full text in FN correction sheet Aug 2025 2024 (corr. 2025)
• RM 1 (Dressurreiterprüfung Kl. M, 20x40, ca. 4 min) – full text in FN correction sheet März 2024 2024
• M 1 (Kl. M*), M 6 (Kl. M* Kandare), RM 2 (Kl. M* Trense) – seen in 2025/2026 show programmes 2024
• DM 1 (Dressurpferdeprüfung Kl. M) 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse M** (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20x40 (M 8, M 9) or 20x60 (M 10–M 13)

Movements

• Versammelter/Mittel-/Starker Schritt, Trab, Galopp (all three paces with collected, medium and extended)
• Schulterherein (shoulder-in) in collected trot
• Volte 8 m, Halbe Volte 10 m, Kehrtvolte 8 m
• Traversieren (half-pass) in trot (M 8, M 9, M 12, M 13 via Traversalverschiebungen) and in collected canter (M 10, M 13: L-S / L-R nach links/rechts traversieren)
• 3 Traversalverschiebungen (zig-zag half-pass) in trot 5–10–5 m (M 11, M 13)
• Halten, 5 Tritte rückwärtsrichten (rein back, M 11, M 12)
• Halbe Pirouette rechts/links in VERSAMMELTER SCHRITT (walk half-pirouettes; M 10, M 13)
• Kurzkehrt (M 9), Außengalopp (counter-canter, M 8)
• Single fliegende Galoppwechsel (flying changes), incl. on Schlangenlinie 3 or 4 Bögen with a change at each crossing of the centre line (M 9: 3 Bögen; M 10: 4 Bögen)
• M 13 only: H-X-F versammelter Galopp mit 3 fliegenden Galoppwechseln (Sprungzahl beliebig, aber nicht kleiner als 5) – three changes on one diagonal, at least 5 strides apart
• Einfacher Galoppwechsel (simple change, M 12)
• Class mapping 2024: M 1–M 7 = 'Nur für M*', M 8–M 13 = 'Nur für M**' (official FN Verlag score sheets)

Gaits

collected/medium/extended walk, trot and canter (UNVERIFIED for national M** tests)

Eligibility

LK D4–D1 (Borken 2025 schedule: 'LK 1,2,3,4'). Kandare typical.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Junior tests (run as Kl. M**)

Notes

VERIFIED from official 2024 score sheets: no fixed-count tempi changes and no canter pirouettes at M** (walk half-pirouettes only); fixed-count series and canter half-pirouettes start in S*.

Why this rung

M 8–M 13 (official 2024 sheets): trot + canter half-passes, 3 trot Traversalverschiebungen 5-10-5, rein-back 5, walk half-pirouettes, serpentines with changes, M 13: 3 changes on the diagonal ≥5 strides. NO tempi, NO canter pirouettes → rung 8 (FEI Junior run as M**).

Tests and sources

• M 8, M 9 (20x40, ca. 4 min), M 10, M 11 (20x60, ca. 4 min), M 12, M 13 (20x60, ca. 5 min) – all 'Nur für M**' – official Notenbogen in FN Verlag ZIP 'Nationale Aufgaben_Dressur' (Gültig ab 1.1.2024) 2024
• FN Verlag free-download page listing the ZIP 2024
• M** Kür Notenbogen (Bestell-Nr. 6325) – Pflichtlektionen: walk half-pirouette, shoulder-in, trot & canter half-pass, single flying changes 2024
• M 11 (Kl. M**), M 13 (Kl. M**, also used for Amateur-Dressurprüfung Kl. M**) – seen in 2025/2026 show programmes 2024
• FEI Junior tests run as Kl. M** Kandare 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse S* (Schwer) (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x40 (S 1) or 20x60 (S 2)

Movements

• Entry in collected canter
• Extended trot and medium trot with transitions
• 8 m voltes, shoulder-in, trot half-passes
• Collected walk, walk half-pirouettes, extended walk
• Canter half-pass with flying change
• Canter half-pirouettes ('Halbe Pirouette' in collected canter – S 1, S 3, S 4, S 5)
• 3 (S 1–S 3) or 5 (S 4, S 5) flying changes every 4th stride and every 3rd stride
• Extended canter
• S 5 = 'St-Georg-Special'

Gaits

collected walk, extended walk, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter

Eligibility

Leistungsklasse D3, D2, D1 (schedules: 'LK 1,2,3'); horses 7 years and older for PSG. Kandare (double bridle) required: Ausrüstungskatalog 'Dressur-LP ab Kl. S: Kandaren nur in Verbindung mit einer Unterlegtrense'.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Prix St. Georges (verified: 'Dressurprüfung Kl. S* Kandare – Prix St. Georges' in FN-approved schedules 2025/2026). FEI Young Rider tests also run as Kl. S*.

Notes

VERIFIED from official 2024 score sheets (S 1–S 5 = S*). Prix St. Georges is run nationally as Kl. S*.

Why this rung

S 1–S 5: canter half-pirouettes, 3 or 5 changes every 4th and 3rd stride, walk half-pirouettes, canter half-pass with change → rung 9 (Prix St. Georges run as S*).

Tests and sources

• S 1 (20x40, ca. 5 min), S 2 (20x60, ca. 6 min), S 3, S 4 (ca. 5½ min), S 5 St-Georg-Special – all 'Nur für S*' – official Notenbogen in FN Verlag ZIP 2024
• S 1 (Nur für S*, 20x40, ca. 5 min) – text in FN correction sheet März 2024 2024
• S 2 (Nur für S*, 20x60, ca. 6 min) – text in FN correction sheet Aug 2025 2024 (corr. 2025)
• S 3 (Kl. S*) – seen in 2026 show programme 2024
• Prix St. Georges run as 'Dressurprüfung Kl. S* Kandare – Prix St. Georges'; 'St. Georg Special*' (FN national test) also Kl. S* 2024
• DS 1, DS 2 (Dressurpferdeprüfung Kl. S, new 2024; DS 2 = FEI 7-year-old final test 2022; 20x60, ca. 5¼ min) 2024
• RS 1 (Dressurreiterprüfung Kl. S, new 2024; 20x60, ca. 5 min) – official Notenbogen in FN Verlag ZIP 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Klasse S** (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• Trot half-pass (traversieren) left and right, starker Trab
• Mittelschritt, Starker Schritt, Versammelter Schritt
• Halten, 5 Tritte rückwärtsrichten, daraus angaloppieren
• Mittelgalopp with flying change on the centre line
• 3 Traversalverschiebungen (canter zig-zag) 5–10–5 m with flying change at each change of direction
• 5 fliegende Galoppwechsel zu 3 Sprüngen (5 three-tempi)
• Starker Galopp
• Ganze Pirouette links and rechts (full canter pirouettes)
• Überstreichen (giving and retaking the reins) on half circle
• 7 fliegende Galoppwechsel zu 2 Sprüngen (7 two-tempi)

Gaits

collected/medium/extended walk, trot, canter (per Inter I)

Eligibility

LK D3, D2, D1 ('LK 1,2,3'); horses 7+ for Inter I. Kandare.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Intermédiaire I (verified from FN-approved show schedules); Intermédiaire A/B appeared once as 'Kl. S***' in a 2026 programme — inconsistent, UNVERIFIED

Notes

VERIFIED: S 6 contains full pirouettes, 5x3-tempi, 7x2-tempi, canter zig-zag; no piaffe/passage, no one-tempi. Intermédiaire I is run nationally as Kl. S**.

Why this rung

S 6: full pirouettes, 5x3s, 7x2s, canter zig-zag, rein-back 5; no piaffe/passage → rung 10 (Intermédiaire I run as S**).

Tests and sources

• S 6 (the only 'Nur für S**' test; 20x60, ca. 5 min) – official Notenbogen in FN Verlag ZIP 2024
• Intermédiaire I run as 'Dressurprüfung Kl. S** – Intermediaire I' (also Inter I Kür) 2024

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

S*** (S 7, S 8) ≈ Inter A/B (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi)); S*** (S 9, S 10; Inter II, GP, GPS run as S***) (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60

Movements

• Passage and Piaffe (7–10 Tritte in S 7/S 8, 8–10 in S 9, 12–15 in S 10) with Übergänge Passage – Piaffe – Passage
• 4 Traversalverschiebungen (trot zig-zag) in S 7, S 9, S 10; 3 canter Traversalverschiebungen with change at each direction change in S 8
• Ganze Pirouette links/rechts (full canter pirouettes)
• Two-tempi series: 9 zu 2 Sprüngen (S 7, S 9, S 10), 7 zu 2 Sprüngen (S 8)
• One-tempi series (von Sprung zu Sprung): 9 (S 7), 11 (S 8), 15 (S 9, S 10)

Gaits

collected/medium/extended walk, trot, canter; piaffe and passage (per FEI GP/Inter II)

Eligibility

LK D3, D2, D1 (Louisdor: 'LK 1/2'); horses 8 years and older for Inter II / Grand Prix. Kandare. LK D1 requires '25 × Kl. S und 8 × Grand Prix' or '20 × Grand Prix, Special, Kür'.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Intermédiaire II AND Grand Prix / Grand Prix Special / Kurz-Grand Prix are all designated Kl. S*** (verified from FN's own Louisdor-Preis 2026 schedule and several 2025/2026 FN-approved schedules).

Notes

VERIFIED: S 7–S 10 contain piaffe (7–10 / 8–10 / 12–15 steps), passage, full pirouettes, 2-tempi and one-tempi series (9/11/15). Inter II and Grand Prix are both run nationally as Kl. S***; no S**** exists.

Why this rung

S 7/S 8: piaffe 7–10, passage, 9–11 one-tempi (rung 11); S 9/S 10: piaffe 8–10 / 12–15, 15 one-tempi (rung 12). Inter II and Grand Prix both run as S***. Straddles 11–12.

Tests and sources

• S 7 (ca. 5½ min), S 8 Nachwuchs-Grand-Prix (6 min), S 9 Louisdor Grand Prix (5 min), S 10 Kurz-Grand-Prix (6 min) – all 'Nur für S***' – official Notenbogen in FN Verlag ZIP 2024
• S 10 (Kl. S***) 2024
• 'Dressurprüfung Kl. S*** – Intermediaire II' and 'Dressurprüfung Kl. S*** – Grand Prix de Dressage' (Louisdor-Preis 2026, FN official schedule) 2026
• 'Dressurprüfung Kl. S*** – Kurz-Grand Prix' (LM RLP 2025) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Club 4 (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20x60 or 20x40 (Annexe: '60 x 20 m ou 40 x 20 m')

Movements

• cercle de 20 m
• transitions pas/trot/galop
• arrêt-salut
• pas moyen
• départ au galop de travail (both reins)
• pas libre rênes longues

Gaits

pas moyen, trot de travail, galop de travail

Eligibility

LFC Club; Galop 2 or Galop d'Or (Art 4.1; the table prints no minimum age in the Club columns). Entry-level test, entered individually but may be ridden successively in groups of 3 to 4 (Art 2.1 D; Annexe: 'maximum 3'). Rising trot allowed in Club 4 and Club 3 unless the text says 'trot assis' (Art 4.1).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (national entry level)

Notes

A 'Club Découverte' initiation reprise sits below Club 4 (https://www.ffe.com/media/18103/download, sheet dated 22/09/2026): 25 figures marked out of 1 at walk, trot (20 m circles, diagonals at sitting trot) and canter departs on the 20 m circle, plus rider marks; Art 2.1 L describes it as an introduction for riders 'du Galop 2 au Galop 4' (Art 4.1: Galop 1 à 4).

Why this rung

20 m circles, transitions, working canter, medium walk, free walk → rung 2.

Tests and sources

• Club 4 (Club 4 - Poney 3) Version 01/09/2025
• Club 4 Carrousel Version 01/09/2025
• Club 4 Carrousel Spectacle (GOF) 03/02/2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Club 3 (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x60 or 20x40

Movements

• cercle de 20 m and 15 m (GP)
• serpentine
• pas allongé
• transitions
• arrêt
• trot enlevé allowed

Gaits

pas moyen, pas allongé, trot de travail, galop de travail

Eligibility

LFC Club; Galop 2 or Galop d'Or (Art 4.1; the table prints no minimum age in the Club columns).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None

Notes

No lateral work.

Why this rung

15 m circles, serpentine, lengthened walk, working canter; no lateral work → rung 3.

Tests and sources

• Club 3 Préliminaire (Club 3 Préliminaire - Poney 2 Préliminaire) Version 14/09/2026
• Club 3 Grand Prix (Club 3 GP - Poney 2 GP - Club E3 GP) Version 01/09/2025
• Club 3 Libre (Club 3 Libre - Poney 2 Libre) Version 01/09/2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Club 2 (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x60 or 20x40

Movements

• cession à la jambe
• cercle de 15 m / 20 m
• ligne courbe
• pas allongé
• transitions
• trot enlevé allowed

Gaits

pas moyen, pas allongé, trot de travail, galop de travail

Eligibility

LFC Club; Galop 2 or Galop d'Or (Art 4.1; the table prints no minimum age in the Club columns).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None

Notes

First appearance of leg-yield.

Why this rung

Leg-yield (first), 15 m circles, curved lines, lengthened walk; working trot only → rung 4 (lower).

Tests and sources

• Club 2 Préliminaire (Club 2 Préliminaire - Poney 1 Préliminaire) Version 01/09/2026
• Club 2 Grand Prix (Poney 1 GP - Club E2 GP - Club 2 GP) Version 31/03/2026
• Club 2 Libre (Club 2 Libre - Club E2 Libre - Poney 1 Libre) Version 01/09/2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Club 1 (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x60 (Annexe: Club 1 Préliminaire/GP/Libre '60 x 20 m')

Movements

• cession à la jambe
• trot moyen
• cercle de 10 m (Prélim)
• ligne courbe
• pas allongé
• transitions

Gaits

pas moyen, pas allongé, trot de travail, trot moyen, galop de travail

Eligibility

LFC Club; Galop 4 (Art 4.1 column Club 1; the table prints no minimum age in the Club columns).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None

Why this rung

Leg-yield, medium trot, 10 m circle → rung 4.

Tests and sources

• Club 1 Préliminaire (Club 1 Préliminaire - Poney Elite Préliminaire) Version 01/09/2026
• Club 1 Grand Prix (Club 1 GP - Club E1 GP - Poney Elite GP) Version 01/09/2025
• Club 1 Libre (Club 1 Libre - Club E1 Libre - Poney Elite Libre) Version 01/09/2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Club Elite (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• épaule en dedans
• reculer (GP)
• trot moyen
• galop moyen (GP)
• volte / cercle de 10 m
• pas allongé

Gaits

pas moyen, pas allongé, trot de travail, trot moyen, galop de travail, galop moyen

Eligibility

LFC Club; Galop 6 (Art 4.1 column Club Elite; the table prints no minimum age in the Club columns). Art 4.1 Galop row: Club 4/3/2 = Galop 2 or Galop d'Or; Club 1 = Galop 4; Club Elite = Galop 6.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None

Notes

Shoulder-in is the defining new movement vs Club 1.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in (first), rein-back (GP), medium trot/canter, 10 m voltes → rung 5.

Tests and sources

• Club Elite Préliminaire (Club Elite Préliminaire - As Poney 1 Préliminaire) Version 01/09/2026
• Club Elite Grand Prix (Club Elite GP - Club E Elite GP - As Poney 1 GP) Version 05/01/2026
• Club Elite Libre (Club Elite Libre - Club E Elite Libre - As Poney 1 Libre) Version 01/09/2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Amateur 3 (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x60 (Annexe: all Amateur tests 60 x 20 m)

Movements

• cession à la jambe (A, Préliminaire)
• épaule en dedans (Grand Prix)
• reculer (Grand Prix)
• changement de pied de ferme à ferme ou en l'air (rider's choice, Grand Prix)
• serpentine
• cercle de 10 m
• trot moyen
• galop moyen
• pas allongé

Gaits

pas moyen, pas allongé, trot de travail, trot moyen, galop de travail, galop moyen

Eligibility

Art 4.1: LFC Amateur; min age 10; Galop 7 de Cavalier, or Galop 7 de Dressage, or Galop 7 de compétition (Dressage, CSO, CCE or Hunter). Rising trot permitted in Amateur 2 A and all lower Amateur tests.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (roughly a 'Novice/Elementary' type national level)

Notes

Amateur 3 Grand Prix (Version 02/12/2025) offers 'changement de pied de ferme à ferme ou en l'air' — a simple change OR flying change at the rider's choice.

Why this rung

Shoulder-in and rein-back (GP), simple change OR flying change at rider's choice (GP), 10 m circles, medium gaits → rung 5 (upper).

Tests and sources

• Amateur 3 A (D3) Version 01/09/2025
• Amateur 3 B (D4) Version 01/09/2025
• Amateur 3 Préliminaire (D2) Version 01/09/2025
• Amateur 3 Grand Prix (D1) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 3 Libre (Libre D) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 3 A sans mors Version 05/01/2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Amateur 2 (A, B, Prélim) (rung 6: Medium without flying changes / FEI Pony (trot half-pass, extended gaits)); Amateur 2 Grand Prix (one flying change) (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• épaule en dedans
• tête au mur (Amateur 2 A)
• appuyer au trot (Préliminaire, Grand Prix)
• reculer (Grand Prix)
• contre-galop (A, B)
• changement de pied de ferme à ferme ou en l'air (Préliminaire, choice)
• changement de pied en l'air (Grand Prix, on change of rein through X) plus changements de ferme à ferme
• cercle de 10 m
• trot moyen
• galop moyen
• pas allongé

Gaits

pas moyen, pas allongé, trot de travail, trot moyen, galop de travail, galop moyen

Eligibility

Art 4.1: LFC Amateur; min age 10; Galop 7 de Cavalier, or Galop 7 de Dressage, or Galop 7 de compétition (Dressage, CSO, CCE or Hunter); rising trot allowed in Amateur 2 A (not in higher Amateur 2 tests).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None stated by FFE (national level; roughly 'Elementary/Medium'-type)

Notes

First half-pass (trot) and first compulsory flying change (Amateur 2 Grand Prix).

Why this rung

Trot half-pass (Prélim/GP), travers (A), counter-canter, rein-back; one compulsory flying change in Amateur 2 GP (choice in Prélim); working/medium gaits, no collection → rung 6 (GP touches rung 7).

Tests and sources

• Amateur 2 A (C3) Version 18/09/2026
• Amateur 2 B (C4) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 2 Préliminaire (C2) / As Jeunes 2 Préliminaire Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 2 Grand Prix (C1) / As Jeunes 2 Grand Prix Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 2 Libre (Libre C) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 2 A sans mors Version 05/01/2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Amateur 1 (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• épaule en dedans
• appuyer au trot
• appuyer au galop (both directions; A, B, Préliminaire, Grand Prix)
• reculer
• demi-pirouette au pas (Préliminaire, Grand Prix)
• changements de pied en l'air (single flying changes; 4-5 per test, 2 in B)
• changement de pied de ferme à ferme (B, Grand Prix)
• contre-galop (Grand Prix, B)
• allongements: trot allongé, galop allongé, pas allongé
• trot moyen / galop moyen
• cercle de 10 m / volte

Gaits

pas rassemblé, pas moyen, pas allongé, trot rassemblé, trot moyen, trot allongé, galop rassemblé, galop moyen, galop allongé

Eligibility

Art 4.1: LFC Amateur; min age 10; Galop 7 de Cavalier, or Galop 7 de Dressage, or Galop 7 de compétition (Dressage, CSO, CCE or Hunter).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None stated (national level below Prix St Georges; collected gaits, walk half-pirouettes and single flying changes)

Notes

First collected gaits ('rassemblé') and walk demi-pirouettes.

Why this rung

Collected gaits (first), walk half-pirouettes (Prélim, GP), single flying changes, trot half-pass and canter half-pass to both sides in all four tests (A, B, Préliminaire, Grand Prix), extended gaits, rein-back; no series of changes on one line, no tempi, no canter pirouettes → rung 7 (upper, bordering rung 8).

Tests and sources

• Amateur 1 A (B3) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 1 B (B4) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 1 Préliminaire (B2) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 1 Grand Prix (B1) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 1 Libre (Libre B) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur 1 A sans mors Version 05/01/2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Amateur Elite (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• épaule en dedans
• appuyer au trot et au galop
• reculer (Grand Prix)
• demi-pirouette au pas
• demi-pirouette au galop (Préliminaire = PSG text; A = FEI 7yo text, 1-3 m diameter)
• contre-galop
• changements de pied aux 4 temps (5x) and aux 3 temps (5x) (Préliminaire and Grand Prix)
• trot/galop/pas allongé
• volte

Gaits

pas rassemblé, pas allongé, trot rassemblé, trot moyen, trot allongé, galop rassemblé, galop allongé

Eligibility

Art 4.1: LFC Amateur; min age 10; Galop 7 de Cavalier, or Galop 7 de Dressage, or Galop 7 de compétition (Dressage, CSO, CCE or Hunter).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FFE Art 2.2 codes: Amateur Elite A = 'A8 A FEI' (FEI 7-year-old Preliminary text); Amateur Elite Préliminaire = 'A7 St Georges FEI' (FEI Prix St Georges / Young Riders Team); Amateur Elite Grand Prix = 'A6 FEI' (FEI Young Riders Individual); Amateur Elite Libre = 'Lib St Georges FEI' (FEI Intermediate I level freestyle... labelled 'Libre ST GEORGES').

Notes

Amateur Elite is the Prix St Georges level of the Amateur division; its tests are the same PDFs as Pro 2 A / Pro 2 Préliminaire.

Why this rung

Uses FEI 7-yo Preliminary (A), Prix St. Georges/YR Team (Prélim), YR Individual (GP): canter half-pirouettes, 4s/3s → rung 9.

Tests and sources

• Amateur Elite A = Pro 3 Préliminaire (A8 A FEI) Version 26/05/2026
• Amateur Elite Préliminaire = Pro 2 A (A7 St Georges, FEI Eq JC) / As Jeunes Elite Equipe Version 26/05/2026
• Amateur Elite Grand Prix = Pro 2 Préliminaire / As Jeunes Elite Grand Prix (A6) Version 26/05/2026
• Amateur Elite Libre (Libre St Georges) Version 02/12/2025
• Amateur Elite A sans mors Version 08/07/2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Pro 3 A, Pro 3 B (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes)); Pro 3 Préliminaire / Grand Prix (= FEI 7-yo) (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• épaule en dedans
• tête au mur (Pro 3 B)
• appuyer au trot et au galop
• reculer (B)
• changements de pied en l'air (single; 3 on the diagonal in Pro 3 A)
• changements de pied aux 4 temps (3x) and aux 3 temps (3x) (Pro 3 Grand Prix)
• demi-pirouette au pas (A)
• demi-pirouette au galop 1-3 m diameter (Préliminaire, Grand Prix)
• allongements trot/galop/pas
• serpentine (B)
• volte

Gaits

pas rassemblé, pas allongé, trot rassemblé, trot moyen, trot allongé, galop rassemblé, galop moyen, galop allongé

Eligibility

Art 4.1 Pro: LFC Pro; min age 14; Galop 7 de Cavalier, or Galop 7 de Dressage, or Galop 7 de compétition (Dressage, CSO, CCE or Hunter); LFC Amateur riders aged 18 and under may ride Pro tests.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FFE Art 2.2: Pro 3 Préliminaire = 'A8 A FEI' and Pro 3 Grand Prix = 'A8 B FEI' (the FEI 7-year-old horse tests, also used as 'Pro 7 ans'); Pro 3 A/B are FFE-authored texts ('Texte FFE').

Notes

Pro 3 sits between Amateur 1 and Prix St Georges (roughly FEI 'Medium/Advanced Medium' with canter half-pirouettes and 4/3-tempi in the GP).

Why this rung

Pro 3 A/B (FFE texts): canter half-pass, single changes, walk half-pirouette, travers → rung 8; Pro 3 Prélim/GP = FEI 7-yo tests with canter half-pirouettes and 3x4s/3x3s → rung 9. Straddles 8–9.

Tests and sources

• Pro 3 A (A9) (Texte FFE) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 3 B (A10) (Texte FFE) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 3 Préliminaire = Amateur Elite A (A8 A FEI) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 3 Grand Prix (A8 B FEI) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 7 ans Préliminaire (A8 A FEI) Version 08/07/2026
• Pro 7 ans Grand Prix (A8 B FEI) Version 08/07/2026
• Pro 3 A sans mors Version 26/05/2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Pro 2 A (= PSG), Pro 2 Prélim (= YR Ind.) (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi)); Pro 2 Grand Prix (= Inter I) (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• épaule en dedans
• appuyer au trot et au galop
• reculer (Inter I)
• demi-pirouette au pas
• demi-pirouette / pirouette au galop
• contre-galop
• changements de pied aux 4 temps (5x), aux 3 temps (5x) (PSG / YR texts)
• changements de pied aux 3 temps (5x) and aux 2 temps (7x) (Pro 2 Grand Prix = Inter I)
• trot/galop/pas allongé
• volte

Gaits

pas rassemblé, pas allongé, trot rassemblé, trot moyen, trot allongé, galop rassemblé, galop allongé

Eligibility

LFC Pro; min age 14; Galop 7 (see Pro 3); LFC Amateur riders aged 18 and under allowed. Pro 2 Grand Prix is also open to LFC Amateur riders, without points (Art 2.7).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FFE Art 2.2: Pro 2 A = 'A7 St Georges FEI' (FEI Prix St Georges / Young Riders Team); Pro 2 Préliminaire = 'A6 FEI Indiv JC' (FEI Young Riders Individual); Pro 2 Grand Prix = 'A5 Inter 1 FEI' (FEI Intermediate I); Pro 2 Libre = 'Lib Inter 1 FEI' (FEI Intermediate I Freestyle).

Notes

Pro 2 = Small Tour (Prix St Georges / Intermédiaire I).

Why this rung

Pro 2 A = PSG, Prélim = YR Individual (rung 9); Pro 2 GP = Inter I (rung 10). Straddles 9–10.

Tests and sources

• Pro 2 A = Amateur Elite Préliminaire (A7 St Georges, FEI Eq JC) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 2 Préliminaire = Amateur Elite Grand Prix (A6 FEI Indiv JC) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 2 Grand Prix (A5) (Texte FEI Inter I) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 2 Libre (Libre Inter 1) (Texte FEI) Version 03/12/2025
• Pro 2 A sans mors Version 26/05/2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Pro 1 A (= Inter A), Pro 1 Prélim (= Inter B) (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi)); Pro 1 Grand Prix (= Inter II) (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60

Movements

• appuyer au trot et au galop
• reculer
• pirouette au galop
• changements de pied aux 2 temps (7x in Inter II) and au temps (11x in Inter II)
• changements de pied aux temps (Inter A/B: 'aux temps'/'au temps' present)
• piaffer
• passage
• trot/galop/pas allongé

Gaits

pas rassemblé, pas allongé, trot rassemblé, trot allongé, galop rassemblé, galop moyen, galop allongé, passage, piaffer

Eligibility

LFC Pro; min age 14; Galop 7 (see Pro 3).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FFE Art 2.2: Pro 1 A = 'A4A Inter A FEI' (FEI Intermediate A); Pro 1 Préliminaire = 'A4B Inter B FEI' (FEI Intermediate B); Pro 1 Grand Prix = 'A3 Inter 2 FEI' (FEI Intermediate II).

Notes

Pro 1 = Medium Tour (Intermédiaire A/B/II); first piaffe/passage.

Why this rung

Pro 1 A = Inter A, Prélim = Inter B (rung 11); Pro 1 GP = Inter II (rung 12).

Tests and sources

• Pro 1 A (A4A) (texte FEI Intermédiaire A) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 1 Préliminaire (A4B) (texte FEI Intermédiaire B) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 1 Grand Prix (A3) (Texte FEI Inter II) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro 1 A sans mors Version 26/05/2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Pro Elite (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60

Movements

• appuyer au trot et au galop
• appuyers au galop en zigzag (Grand Prix: 5 appuyers either side of the centre line with a flying change at each change of direction, 3-6-6-6-3 strides)
• appuyers au trot en zigzag (Grand Prix Jeunes: 4 appuyers of 5 m either side of the centre line)
• reculer (Grand Prix)
• pirouettes au galop
• changements de pied aux 2 temps (9x) and au temps (15x) (Grand Prix)
• piaffer
• passage
• trot/galop/pas allongé

Gaits

pas rassemblé, pas allongé, trot rassemblé, trot allongé, galop rassemblé, galop allongé, passage, piaffer

Eligibility

LFC Pro; min age 14; Galop 7 (see Pro 3).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FFE Art 2.2: Pro Elite Grand Prix = 'A2 GP FEI' (FEI Grand Prix); Pro Elite Grand Prix Spécial = 'A1 GPS FEI'; Pro Elite Grand Prix Jeunes = 'A2 GPJ FEI' (FEI Grand Prix 16-25 / U25); Pro Elite Libre = 'Lib GP FEI' (FEI Grand Prix Freestyle).

Notes

Pro Elite = Big Tour (Grand Prix).

Why this rung

FEI Grand Prix, GP Special, GP 16-25 → rung 12.

Tests and sources

• Pro Elite Grand Prix (A2) (Texte FEI : Grand Prix) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro Elite Grand Prix Spécial (A1) (Texte FEI Grand Prix Spécial) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro Elite Grand Prix Jeunes (Texte FEI Grand Prix 16-25) Version 26/05/2026
• Pro Elite Libre (Libre GP) (Texte FEI) Version 03/12/2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

LD (rung 1: Walk–trot only)

Arena

20x40 (B-bane only; LD1/LD2 exist only as '- B' programmes)

Movements

• Indridning i middelskridt (enter at medium walk, no halt/salute at start)
• 20 m volte (circle) in working trot
• Vend skråt igennem (change rein across the diagonal)
• Slangegang 2 buer (2-loop serpentine) in trot
• Transitions trot–walk; overgang til middelskridt
• Ride down the centre line at the end; udridning i skridt for lange tøjler (walk on long rein)
• Rising trot (letridning) optional in all trot work

Gaits

middelskridt (medium walk), arbejdstrav (working trot)

Eligibility

Sværhedsgrad 0 (horse and pony). No qualification needed for C/D/E shows (§57). OUT rule at D-shows: an equipage with 5 results ≥68.000 % in a programme (and higher) is excluded from that programme (§60.2).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (below any FEI test).

Notes

Verified from LD1-B and LD2-B PDFs: walk and trot only — NO canter in LD1/LD2. Purpose text: 'At gøre urutinerede ryttere og/eller heste fortrolige med dressurens mest grundlæggende principper'. LD1: time 3:00, max 220; LD2: time 3:30, max 250. No halt/salute (test starts with 'Indridning i middelskridt'). Stildressur (style-dressage) protocols also exist for LD1/LD2.

Why this rung

Walk and trot only, no canter, no halt → rung 1.

Tests and sources

• LD1 - B 2025 2025
• LD2 - B 2025 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

LC (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20x60 (A) and 20x40 (B) versions of every test; ponies B only

Movements

• Working canter introduced (arbejdsgalop) on both reins
• 20 m circles in trot and canter; LC3: 15 m circles in trot and canter (ponies 12 m) — 'forlanges for første gang'
• Slangegang (serpentine) — LC3 on A-bane with 4 loops
• Change of rein across the diagonal; trot–canter–trot transitions
• Rising trot optional; stretching on long rein at the end
• No halt or salute (parade/hilsen) in LC1–LC3: entry at A in middelskridt (LC1, LC2) or arbejdstrav (LC3) straight into the test; the test ends in middelskridt on the centre line with 'Program afsluttet'

Gaits

middelskridt, arbejdstrav, arbejdsgalop

Eligibility

Sværhedsgrad 0 (horse and pony). No qualification for C/D/E shows; OUT rule (5 results ≥68 %) applies at D-shows.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None.

Notes

LC1-A: time 5:00, max 320; LC2-A: 5:00, max 310 (LC2-B: 4:30, max 300); LC3-A: 5:00, max 320. Same purpose text as LD ('urutinerede ryttere og/eller heste'). Only working gaits, no lengthenings; no halt or salute in any LC test.

Why this rung

Working canter, 20 m and 15 m circles, serpentine; no lengthenings → rung 2.

Tests and sources

• LC1 - A 2025 2025
• LC1 - B 2025 2025
• LC2 - A 2025 2025
• LC2 - B 2025 2025
• LC3 - A 2025 2025
• LC3 - B 2025 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

LB (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x60 (A) and 20x40 (B) versions of every test; ponies B only

Movements

• LB1 (for the first time): 12 m volter i trav; schenkelvigning i skridt til begge sider (leg-yield in walk both ways); 20 m trot circle with clear lengthening of the reins (stretching); 15 m volter i galop; parade (halt)
• LB2 (for the first time): 12 m volter i galop; brudt schenkelvigning i skridt (broken/zig-zag leg-yield in walk); changer gennem 6-8 travtrin (simple change of canter lead through 6–8 trot steps); parade
• LB3 (for the first time): brudt schenkelvigning i skridt og parade
• Trav med øget trinlængde (trot with lengthened strides, rising trot) with transition back to working trot
• Galop med øget springlængde (canter with lengthened strides) with transition back to working canter
• Half 20 m circle in rising trot, stretching (added Sept 2025 in all tests from LB1 upward)

Gaits

middelskridt, arbejdstrav, trav med øget trinlængde (lengthened trot), arbejdsgalop, galop med øget springlængde (lengthened canter)

Eligibility

Sværhedsgrad 0 for horses, 1 for ponies. No qualification for C/D/E shows; OUT rule at D-shows.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None.

Notes

Purpose text (LB1): horse now shows trot with lengthened strides and canter with lengthened strides while lengthening the frame. Rising trot still allowed (letridning appears in the text). No rein-back and no shoulder-in at LB (keywords 'tilbagetrædning', 'versade' absent).

Why this rung

Lengthened trot/canter strides, leg-yield in walk, 12 m voltes, halt, simple change through 6–8 trot steps (LB2) → rung 3 (upper).

Tests and sources

• LB1 - A 2025 2025
• LB1 - B 2025 2025
• LB2 - A 2025 2025
• LB2 - B 2025 2025
• LB3 - A 2025 2025
• LB3 - B 2025 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

LA1, LA2 (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back)); LA3, LA4 (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes)); LA5, LA6 (rung 6: Medium without flying changes / FEI Pony (trot half-pass, extended gaits))

Arena

20x60 (A) for LA1–LA5 (B versions exist for LA1–LA4 and LA6); LA5 only as A; LA6 has separate hest (horse) and pony A versions plus LA6-B (pony)

Movements

• LA1 (for the first time): changer gennem 4-6 travtrin (simple change through 4–6 trot steps); kontragalop på lige linie (counter-canter on a straight line); galopanspring fra skridt (walk–canter strike-off); middeltrav (medium trot); parade – tilbagetrædning 1 hestelængde (halt – rein-back one horse-length)
• LA2 (for the first time): schenkelvigning i trav (leg-yield in trot); 10 m volter i trav; 10 m ½ volter i galop
• LA3 (for the first time): bagpartsvending (turn on the haunches); kontragalop på volte (counter-canter on a circle); changer gennem 6-8 skridt (simple change through 6–8 walk steps)
• LA4 (for the first time): versader (shoulder-in) in trot
• LA5 (for the first time): sidetraversader i trav (half-pass in trot); fri skridt, fri trav, fri galop (extended walk/trot/canter)
• LA6 (for the first time): ½ pirouetter i skridt (half walk-pirouettes); LA6-B (pony) also lists 8 m volter i trav for ponyer og sidetraversader i trav. LA6-A (hest and pony, identical pattern): versade and sidetraversade in trot, 10 m voltes in trot and canter (pony version 8 m), middeltrav, fri skridt/trav/galop, parade – 4 skridt tilbage (rein-back), slangegang with second loop in kontragalop, changer galoppen gennem 6-8 skridt
• Middelgalop (medium canter) present from LA1
• Half 20 m circle in rising trot with stretching before the final centre line (added 2025)

Gaits

middelskridt, fri skridt (LA5/LA6), arbejdstrav, middeltrav, fri trav (LA5/LA6), arbejdsgalop, middelgalop, fri galop (LA5/LA6), kontragalop (LA1–LA4, LA6)

Eligibility

Horses: LA1–LA3 + LA Kür = sværhedsgrad 1; LA4–LA6 + LA6 Kür = sværhedsgrad 2. Ponies: LA1–LA2 = grade 2; LA3–LA4 = grade 3; LA5 = grade 4; LA6 = grade 5. From grade 4 ponies may ride on A-bane. Kandar (double bridle) first allowed from sværhedsgrad 4 (DRF news July 2025). No qualification for C/D/E shows.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Rulebook grade 1 (LA1–LA3) is listed together with FEI 5-year-old tests (indledende/finale). Grades 2 have no FEI tests listed alongside.

Notes

LA is the broadest level (LA1–LA6). Shoulder-in enters at LA4, trot half-pass and extended gaits at LA5, walk half-pirouettes at LA6. Simple changes are through trot (LA1) then through walk (LA3). No flying changes at LA (first at MB0). LA6-A exists as separate hest and pony sheets with the same 28-movement pattern (max 500); they differ only in volte size (hest 10 m, pony 8 m) and indicative time (hest 6:00, pony 6:30). LA6-B: 6:00, max 510. The working LA6-A files on the index page are DRFLA6_HEST.PDF and DRFLA6_PONY.PDF; the 'DRF LA6 - A (hest) 2025.pdf' / '(pony) 2025.pdf' links on the same page are dead (404).

Why this rung

LA1–LA2: simple change through trot, counter-canter, medium trot, rein-back, leg-yield in trot (rung 4); LA3–LA4: turn on haunches, simple change through walk, shoulder-in (rung 5); LA5–LA6: trot half-pass, extended gaits, walk half-pirouettes (rung 6). LA spans rungs 4–6.

Tests and sources

• LA1 - A 2025 2025
• LA1 - B 2025 2025
• LA2 - A 2025 2025
• LA2 - B 2025 2025
• LA3 - A 2025 2025
• LA3 - B 2025 2025
• LA4 - A 2025 2025
• LA4 - B 2025 2025
• LA5 - A 2025 2025
• LA6 - A 2025 (hest) 2025
• LA6 - A 2025 (pony) 2025
• LA6 - B 2025 (pony) 2025
• LA kür 2022 (file dated 11-07-2022)
• LA6 kür 2022 (file dated 11-07-2022)

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

MB0, MB1, MB2 (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes)); MB3 (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20x60 (A); B versions exist only for MB1 and MB3

Movements

• MB0 (for the first time): enkelte galopchangementer (single flying changes), incl. flying change on the diagonal and out of counter-canter; ½ pirouette in walk (samlet skridt → ½ pirouette → middelskridt); versade (shoulder-in); sidetraversade i trav (trot half-pass); collected gaits
• MB1: single flying changes (e.g. changement ved I / ved L on the centre line); halvpirouette til venstre/højre in collected walk; shoulder-in; trot half-pass; collected/medium/extended gaits
• MB2: sidetraversade in trot AND in canter (half-pass in canter to the centre line); single flying changes; walk half-pirouettes; counter-canter
• MB3 (for the first time): 3 changementer på diagonalen med vilkårligt antal spring imellem (3 flying changes on the diagonal, min. 3 strides between = introduction to tempi); ½ pirouettes in collected walk; 8 m volte
• Parade – 4 skridt tilbage (halt – rein-back 4 steps) in MB1 (A and B) and MB3 (A and B); no rein-back in MB0 or MB2. Every MB test opens and closes with parade – hilsen (halt, salute)

Gaits

samlet skridt, middelskridt, fri skridt, samlet trav, middeltrav, fri trav, samlet galop, middelgalop, fri galop, kontragalop

Eligibility

Horses: sværhedsgrad 3 (MB0–MB3, MB Kür). Qualification for B-shows and above (§56, horses): in min. sværhedsgrad 3 at C-shows, 63 % at least 4 times or 65 % at least 2 times, within 3 consecutive calendar years; only classes on A-bane qualify. Double bridle allowed from grade 4 only, i.e. not yet at MB.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Rulebook grade 3 lists MB0–MB3 alongside FEI 6-year-old tests and FEI Junior tests (FEI-PCJ, FEI-TCJ, FEI-ICJ, FEI-JUN Kür) — i.e. DRF treats MB as Junior/Medium level.

Notes

MB1-A: time 6:20, max 540; MB2-A: 6:30, max 530. Purpose text (MB1/MB2): 'At bekræfte, at hesten har opfyldt de mål, der blev stillet til LA klasserne fra 4 til 6' — horse shows a degree of collection, clear differences between tempi, and lateral work. MB0 is the entry test into M-level (first flying changes).

Why this rung

MB0: first single flying changes, walk half-pirouettes, shoulder-in, trot half-pass; MB2: canter half-pass; MB3: 3 changes on the diagonal ≥3 strides (rung 8). MB spans 7–8; DRF lists MB with FEI Junior.

Tests and sources

• MB0 - A 2025 2025
• MB1 - A 2025 2025
• MB1 - B 2025 2025
• MB2 - A 2025 2025
• MB3 - A 2025 2025
• MB3 - B 2025 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

MA (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60 (A only)

Movements

• MA1: 5 changementer for hvert 4. spring (5 four-tempi changes); halvpirouette in collected canter (correct number of strides 3–4); enter in collected canter, halt/salute; shoulder-in; half-pass in trot and canter; 8 m volte; extended walk/trot/canter
• MA2: 5 changementer for hvert 3. spring (5 three-tempi changes) in addition to four-tempi; canter half-pirouettes; counter-canter; shoulder-in; half-passes; collected/medium/extended gaits
• Rein-back: MA2 has 'Parade – stilstand – 5 skridt tilbage' (halt, rein-back 5 steps) at C; MA1 has no rein-back

Gaits

samlet skridt, middelskridt (MA2), fri skridt, samlet trav, middeltrav (MA2), fri trav, samlet galop, middelgalop (MA1), fri galop, kontragalop (MA2)

Eligibility

MA1 = sværhedsgrad 4; MA2 = sværhedsgrad 5 (horses). Double bridle allowed from grade 4. B-show qualification as for grade 3 and up (§56).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Grade 4 (MA1) is listed with FEI-PCY (Young Riders Preliminary) and FEI 7-year-old tests; grade 5 (MA2) is listed with PSG, FEI-PSGTY, FEI-ICY (Young Riders Team/Individual) and FEI-YR Kür — so MA1 ≈ Young Rider preliminary, MA2 ≈ PSG level.

Notes

MA1-A: time 6:00, max 530; MA2-A: time 6:30, max 550. Both start with 'Indridning i samlet galop, parade – stilstand – hilsen' (enter in collected canter). MA1 introduces canter half-pirouettes and 4-tempi; MA2 adds 3-tempi and a 5-step rein-back. MA1 and MA2 exist only as A-bane programmes.

Why this rung

MA1: 5x4-tempi + canter half-pirouettes; MA2: adds 5x3-tempi → rung 9 (DRF: MA1 ≈ YR Preliminary, MA2 ≈ PSG).

Tests and sources

• MA1 - A 2025 2025
• MA2 - A 2025 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Prix St. Georges (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi)); Intermediare I (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• PSG: shoulder-in, trot and canter half-passes, canter half-pirouettes, 5 four-tempi and 5 three-tempi changes, counter-canter, extended walk/trot/canter, 8 m voltes (DRF PSG 2025 follows the FEI Prix St. Georges pattern)
• Intermediare I: canter half-pass zigzag (5 m each side of the centre line with flying change at each change of direction), canter pirouettes, 5 changementer for hvert 3. spring (5 three-tempi), 7 changementer for hvert 2. spring (7 two-tempi), shoulder-in, half-passes, extended gaits (time 6:00, max 540)
• Intermediare I Kür

Gaits

samlet skridt, fri skridt, samlet trav, middeltrav, fri trav, samlet galop, fri galop, kontragalop

Eligibility

PSG + PSG Kür = sværhedsgrad 5; INT1 + INT1 Kür = sværhedsgrad 6 (horses). Pony grade 5 = LA6, PRI; pony grade 6 = PRM, PRT, FEI Pony Kür.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

PSG = FEI Prix St. Georges (grade 5, alongside FEI-PSGTY / FEI-ICY); Intermediare I = FEI Intermediate I (grade 6). DRF's Danish-language protocols are translations of the FEI tests (DRF news June 2020: 'Små rettelser i nogle af de sværeste dressurprogrammer i henhold til FEI').

Notes

DRF PSG 2025 read in full (28 movements, time 6:20, max 550) and compared with the FEI Prix St-Georges sheet (edition 2009, update 2026; 26 movements): DRF movements 1–25 follow the FEI pattern movement for movement (shoulder-in, 8 m voltes, trot and canter half-passes, walk half-pirouettes, canter half-pirouettes of 3–4 strides, 5 four-tempi, 5 three-tempi, extended gaits). DRF then inserts a transition to collected trot at A and the DRF half 20 m circle in rising trot with stretching (movements 26–27) before the final halt, so it is not a literal copy of the FEI test. Inter I tempi verified: 5x3 and 7x2 with zigzag.

Why this rung

PSG (rung 9) and Inter I (rung 10) – DRF translations of the FEI tests.

Tests and sources

• Prix St. Georges 2025 2025
• Intermediare I 2025 2025
• Intermediare I kür Copyright 2009.V17.1, update 2018 (file in folder 'Kür programmer 2026')

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Intermediare A / Intermediare B / Svær Intermediare I (Medium Tour) (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi))

Arena

20x60

Movements

• Intermediare A: passage, piaffe, canter pirouettes, tempi changes, half-passes, extended gaits (time 5:40, max 550) — DRF translation of FEI Intermediate A
• Intermediare B: passage, piaffe, changementer for hvert spring (one-tempi changes), pirouettes, shoulder-in, half-passes (time 6:15, max 580) — DRF translation of FEI Intermediate B
• Svær Intermediare I ('Heavy Inter I', DRF-specific): passage, piaffe 7–8 trin with 1 m forward allowed, transitions collected walk–piaffe–collected trot, 7 changementer for hvert andet spring (7 two-tempi), 5 changementer for hvert spring (5 one-tempi), canter half-pirouettes, shoulder-in (time 8:30, max 570)

Gaits

samlet skridt, fri skridt, samlet trav, fri trav, samlet galop, fri galop, passage, piaffe

Eligibility

Sværhedsgrad 7 (horses only; no pony tests).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Intermediare A = FEI Intermediate A; Intermediare B = FEI Intermediate B. Svær Intermediare I is a DRF national test with no direct FEI counterpart (contains piaffe/passage and one-tempi changes, i.e. between Inter I and Inter II).

Why this rung

Inter A/B (FEI) and Svær Intermediare I (piaffe 7–8, 7x2s, 5x1s) → rung 11.

Tests and sources

• Intermediare A 2025 2025
• Intermediare B 2025 2025
• Svær Intermediare I 2025 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Intermediare II / Grand Prix (Store Tour) (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60

Movements

• Intermediare II: piaffe (7–8 steps), passage, 7 changementer for hvert 2. spring and 11 changementer for hvert spring (7 two-tempi, 11 one-tempi), canter pirouettes, half-passes, shoulder-in, extended gaits — DRF translation of FEI Intermediate II
• U25 Grand Prix, Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special: piaffe, passage, one- and two-tempi changes, canter pirouettes, trot/canter half-passes and zigzag, extended gaits — DRF translations of the FEI tests
• Grand Prix Kür

Gaits

samlet skridt, fri skridt, samlet trav, fri trav, samlet galop, fri galop, passage, piaffe

Eligibility

Sværhedsgrad 8 (INT2, GP U25, GP, GPS, GP Kür) — horses only.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Intermediare II = FEI Intermediate II; U25 Grand Prix = FEI Grand Prix 16–25; Grand Prix = FEI Grand Prix; Grand Prix Special = FEI Grand Prix Special.

Notes

Sheets opened: Intermediare II (5:55, max 540), U25 Grand Prix (6:30, max 600), Grand Prix (7:00, max 660), Grand Prix Special (7:10, max 670). GP, GPS and U25 each contain piaffe, passage, canter pirouettes, 9 changementer for hvert 2. spring and 15 changementer for hvert spring; Inter II has 7 two-tempi and 11 one-tempi. The DRF sheets were not compared movement for movement with the FEI sheets; FEI equivalence is per the rulebook table.

Why this rung

Inter II, U25 GP, GP, GPS – FEI tests → rung 12.

Tests and sources

• Intermediare II 2025 2025
• U25 Grand Prix 2025 2025
• Grand Prix 2025 2025
• Grand Prix Special 2025 2025
• Grand Prix kür Copyright 1999, update 2011 (file in folder 'Kür programmer 2026')

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Introductory Test A, B (rung 1: Walk–trot only); Introductory Test C (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20x40 or 20x60 (test sheets: 'Standard or Small'; times e.g. Test A 5:00 standard / 4:00 small; Test C 6:00 / 5:00)

Purpose

To introduce the rider and/or horse to the sport of dressage, confirming that they are beginning to develop an understanding of correct dressage basics. (Test sheet adds: horse ridden freely forward in a steady tempo with a clear rhythm, accepting contact with the bit; test accuracy and geometry demonstrated.)

Movements

• Halt and salute through medium walk at X (Test A: halt at X on final centerline only; B and C: halt at entry and exit)
• 20 m circles in working trot rising
• Change of rein across the diagonal in working trot (Tests A and C)
• Medium walk
• Free walk on a long/short diagonal (e.g. H-X-F, F-E, B-H)
• Test C adds: 20 m circle developing working canter (each lead) in the first quarter of the circle, then back to trot before A
• All trot work ridden rising (sitting permitted briefly for transitions)

Gaits

medium walk, free walk, working trot (rising), working canter (Test C only)

Eligibility

Open; intended for riders and/or horses new to dressage. USEF DR119: horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels at any one competition. No verified age restriction for this level.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (below FEI). Walk-trot(-canter) introductory tests; no FEI counterpart.

Notes

Max points: Tests A/B 160, Test C 200. Purpose statement quoted verbatim from 2023 Intro A sheet and USDF 'Introducing the 2023 Dressage Tests'. Test A: 9 movements; Test B: 9 movements (20 m circles at E and B, free walk F-E); Test C: 13 movements. USDF also prints an older, longer Introductory purpose in its Teaching Manual appendix (purposeoftests.pdf) — that is a pre-2023 edition.

Why this rung

Tests A/B walk–trot (rung 1); Test C adds working canter 20 m circles (rung 2). Spans 1–2.

Tests and sources

• 2023 USDF Introductory Level Test A (Walk-Trot) 2023
• 2023 USDF Introductory Level Test B (Walk-Trot) 2023
• 2023 USDF Introductory Level Test C (Walk-Trot-Canter) 2023

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Training Level (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x40 or 20x60 (test sheets: 'Standard or Small'; Test 1 5:00/4:00, Tests 2-3 5:30/4:30)

Purpose

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, by showing suppleness both laterally and longitudinally, moving freely forward in a clear rhythm with a steady tempo, and readily accepting contact with the bit.

Movements

• Halt and salute at X on entry and exit (Test 1 enters in working trot, halt, proceed working trot)
• 20 m circles in working trot and working canter
• Working canter departs on both leads (Test 1: developed within a 20 m circle; Tests 2-3: between letters on the long side/short side)
• Change of rein across the diagonal in working trot
• Medium walk and free walk on a diagonal (Test 1: E-F; Test 2: F-E medium walk then E-M free walk; Test 3: K-X-H free walk)
• Test 2 adds: 20 m 'stretchy' circle in rising trot allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward while maintaining contact, then shorten the reins
• Test 3 adds: single loops (shallow serpentine loops) H-X-K and M-X-F in working trot; canter departs between A and F / A and K; stretchy circle at the end
• Trot may be ridden rising or sitting except where 'rising' is specified (stretch circle)

Gaits

medium walk, free walk, working trot, working canter

Eligibility

Open. USEF DR119: horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels at one competition.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (below FEI). Roughly comparable to other nations' entry/preliminary working-gait levels.

Notes

Max points: Test 1 260, Test 2 290, Test 3 250. 2023 changes: Test 1 medium walk transition now 'between' letters; Test 2 unchanged; Test 3 three-loop serpentine removed and shallow loops restored (USDF 'Introducing the 2023 Dressage Tests').

Why this rung

Working gaits, 20 m circles, free walk, stretchy circle, single loops; no lengthening except free walk → rung 3.

Tests and sources

• 2023 USEF Training Level Test 1 2023
• 2023 USEF Training Level Test 2 2023
• 2023 USEF Training Level Test 3 2023

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

First Level (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x60 only (test sheets: 'ARENA SIZE: Standard'; Tests 1-2 5:30, Test 3 6:00)

Purpose

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and in addition to the requirements of Training Level, has developed improved balance, lateral suppleness and throughness, as well as the thrust to perform lengthenings of stride. The horse should be on the bit.

Movements

• Lengthening of stride in trot across the diagonal / on the long side (all three tests)
• 10 m half-circles / 10 m circles in trot (Test 1: half circles at E and B; Test 3: 10 m circles at I)
• 15 m canter circles
• Stretching 20 m circle in rising trot (Tests 1, 2, 3)
• Free walk on a diagonal, medium walk
• Test 2 adds: leg-yield from the centerline to the track (L-M, L-H), lengthening of stride in canter (P-M, V-H) with working canter developed after
• Test 3 adds: leg-yield from the quarterline to X (V-I, P-I), single loop in canter K-X-H / F-X-M maintaining the lead (introduces counter-canter), lengthening of stride in canter, change of lead through trot at X
• Test 1 has no canter lengthening (removed in 2023) and no leg-yield

Gaits

medium walk, free walk, working trot, lengthening of stride in trot, working canter, lengthening of stride in canter (Tests 2-3)

Eligibility

Open. USEF DR119: horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels at one competition.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (below FEI).

Notes

Max points: Test 1 270, Test 2 330, Test 3 360. 2023 changes: Test 1 canter lengthenings removed; Test 2 leg-yield now approached by turning up the centerline; Test 3 gait order changed to trot-canter-walk-trot-canter. The single canter loop in Test 3 is the first counter-canter exposure.

Why this rung

Trot and canter lengthenings, leg-yield, 10 m circles, 15 m canter circles, single canter loop (counter-canter), change of lead through trot → rung 4.

Tests and sources

• 2023 USEF First Level Test 1 2023
• 2023 USEF First Level Test 2 2023
• 2023 USEF First Level Test 3 2023

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Second Level (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x60 only (test sheets: 'ARENA SIZE: Standard'; Test 1 5:20, Tests 2-3 6:00)

Purpose

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and now begins to accept more weight on the hindquarters as the collected and medium gaits develop. A greater degree of straightness, throughness, and balance are required to perform the movements with ease and self-carriage.

Movements

• Collected trot and collected canter (first level requiring collection; test entered in collected trot)
• Medium trot and medium canter with transitions back to collected
• Shoulder-in in trot (all three tests)
• Counter-canter (Tests 1 and 2: change rein then counter canter along the long side)
• 10 m circles in trot and canter (Test 1: 10 m canter circles at C)
• Free walk and medium walk
• Test 1 adds: halt and rein back 3-4 steps at C; medium trot; shoulder-in; counter canter; 10 m canter circles
• Test 2 adds: travers (haunches-in) in trot; half turn on the haunches in walk (left and right); 3-loop serpentine in canter with simple changes of lead over the centerline; 10 m half-circles in trot; counter canter; no rein back (removed in 2023)
• Test 3 adds: shoulder-in followed by 10 m circle then travers; rein back 3-4 steps; half turns on the haunches; 3-loop canter serpentines without change of lead (counter canter); simple changes through trot across the diagonal

Gaits

medium walk, free walk, collected trot, medium trot, collected canter, medium canter, counter canter

Eligibility

Open. USEF DR119: horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels at one competition.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (below FEI); first collected-gait level.

Notes

Max points: Test 1 350, Test 2 390, Test 3 420. Simple changes at this level are ridden through trot (Test 2 serpentine and Test 3 diagonals say 'simple change of lead (through trot)'). 2023 changes: Test 1 ending shortened; Test 2 medium trot placed before lateral work and rein back removed; 'shorten stride in walk' before canter departs replaced by 'collect'. Plain snaffle bridle required in warm-up and competition; a double bridle is not permitted at Second Level (USEF DR121.3.j.1: 'For Tests at Second Level and below ... a plain snaffle bridle is required'; the double bridle is allowed from Third Level, DR121.3.j.2).

Why this rung

Collected/medium gaits, shoulder-in, travers, rein-back, half turn on haunches, counter-canter, simple changes through trot → rung 5 (upper).

Tests and sources

• 2023 USEF Second Level Test 1 2023
• 2023 USEF Second Level Test 2 2023
• 2023 USEF Second Level Test 3 2023

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Third Level (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

20x60 only (test sheets: 'ARENA SIZE: Standard'; Test 1 6:00, Test 2 5:35, Test 3 6:00)

Purpose

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics while maintaining consistent uphill balance and self-carriage. Increased engagement facilitates clear differences in collected, medium, and extended gaits with well-defined, balanced transitions.

Movements

• Extended trot, extended canter and extended walk (first level with extended gaits) plus medium and collected gaits
• Half-pass in trot (all three tests; Test 1 from a 10 m half-circle V-L-H / P-L-M; Test 3 to the centerline B-G / E-G)
• Single flying changes of lead (all three tests; double coefficient in 2023)
• Shoulder-in in trot
• Half turn on the haunches in walk (all three tests)
• Halt and rein back 4 steps (Tests 1 and 3)
• 10 m circles / half-circles in trot and canter
• Test 1: shoulder-in, trot half-pass, rein back, extended walk, half turns on haunches, medium canter, 10 m canter circles with flying change after, extended canter, extended trot
• Test 2 adds: renvers in trot (B-M, E-H); canter half-pass from the centerline (A-D-R, A-D-S) followed by flying change; 20 m canter circle showing clear release of both reins for 4-5 strides ('give and retake'); extended walk, extended canter
• Test 3 adds: trot half-pass to the centerline; canter half-pass to X then half 10 m circle and flying change (F-X-I / I-S-F pattern); rein back; extended gaits

Gaits

medium walk, collected walk (implied via half turns; sheets say 'medium walk'), extended walk, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter

Eligibility

Open. USEF DR119: horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels at one competition. Test sheets print 'Double Bridle Optional' from Third Level.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None directly; introduces flying changes, half-pass and extended gaits that form the basis of the FEI Prix St. Georges.

Notes

Max points: Test 1 370, Test 2 380, Test 3 400. 2023 changes: all flying changes carry coefficient 2; otherwise minimal changes. Walk pirouettes at this level are 'half turn on haunches', not half-pirouettes (those appear at Fourth Level).

Why this rung

Trot half-pass, single flying changes (all tests), extended gaits, renvers (T2), canter half-pass from centre line with change (T2/T3), half turn on haunches, rein-back 4 → rung 7.

Tests and sources

• 2023 USEF Third Level Test 1 2023
• 2023 USEF Third Level Test 2 2023
• 2023 USEF Third Level Test 3 2023

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Fourth Level Test 1 (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes)); Fourth Level Tests 2, 3 (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60 only (test sheets: 'ARENA SIZE: Standard'; 6:00 each)

Purpose

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and has developed sufficient throughness, suppleness, balance, and impulsion to perform with ease the exercises at this medium level of difficulty.

Movements

• Entry in collected canter with halt and salute (all three tests)
• Collected walk and extended walk (all three tests); half-pirouettes in walk (Tests 1 and 2)
• Trot half-pass (all tests; Test 1: K-X half pass right, X-H half pass left), shoulder-in, extended and medium trot, collected trot
• Canter half-pass (all tests; Test 1 from the centerline D-B / D-E into counter canter then flying change)
• Flying changes of lead (single) and tempi changes
• Test 1: 3 single flying changes on the diagonal K-X-M (near first quarterline, near X, near last quarterline); 20 m circle with 5-6 strides of very collected canter; counter canter; extended canter
• Test 2: counter change of hand in trot (D-E half pass left, E-G half pass right) and in canter (D-B half pass right, flying change at B, B-G half pass left); working canter pirouettes (right and left); three flying changes of lead every fourth stride; flying change after extended canter; extended trot
• Test 3: working half-pirouettes in canter approximately 3 m in diameter; three flying changes of lead every third stride; canter half-pass to X followed by half 10 m circle; halt and rein back 4 steps; extended walk on a half 20 m circle; extended canter with flying change
• No half-pass zigzag (three or more half-passes) in any 2023 Fourth Level test; changes of direction in half-pass are single only (Test 1 trot K-X right / X-H left; Test 2 counter change of hand in trot and canter)

Gaits

collected walk, extended walk, collected trot, medium trot, extended trot, collected canter, medium canter, extended canter, very collected canter (Test 1), counter canter

Eligibility

USEF DR119: horses competing at Fourth Level must be a minimum of six (6) years old (same minimum as FEI Children/Pony/Junior tests); Prix St. Georges/Intermediate I require seven (7) years; tests above Intermediate I eight (8) years. Double bridle optional.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Highest US national level; directly precedes FEI Prix St. Georges. USEF DR118.2 describes Prix St. Georges as 'Test of medium standard. This test represents the medium stage of training', and the Fourth Level purpose uses the same 'medium level of difficulty' wording — i.e. Fourth Level ≈ preparation for / approximately equivalent in demand to Prix St. Georges (working pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi changes).

Notes

Max points: Test 1 380, Test 2 380, Test 3 360. 2023 changes: Test 1 shoulder-in moved to the rail; Test 2 extended canter placed before working pirouettes, canter half-passes gain double coefficient; Test 3 redesigned (canter tour shortened, half-pass to centerline followed by diagonal half-pirouette, extended-trot transitions double coefficient). Above Fourth Level, US competitions use FEI tests (Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate A/B, Intermediate II, Grand Prix), plus USEF Developing PSG/Developing GP and young-horse tests.

Why this rung

T1: 3 single changes on the diagonal, canter half-pass, walk half-pirouettes (rung 8); T2: working pirouettes + 3x4-tempi; T3: working half-pirouettes + 3x3-tempi (rung 9). Level = rung 9 (lower); USEF: 'medium level of difficulty' ≈ PSG preparation.

Tests and sources

• 2023 USEF Fourth Level Test 1 2023
• 2023 USEF Fourth Level Test 2 2023
• 2023 USEF Fourth Level Test 3 2023

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

JEF Test 1 (Level 1) (rung 1: Walk–trot only)

Arena

20x40 m

Movements

• halt-salute (3 s immobility)
• 20 m circles in working trot
• 10 m half-circle in trot
• lengthened (歩幅を伸ばした) trot on diagonal
• lengthened walk on diagonal
• rising trot (軽速歩) permitted

Gaits

working trot, lengthened trot, medium walk, lengthened walk

Eligibility

Entry-level JEF test (新設 2022). Rider must hold a JEF rider licence for JEF-sanctioned shows (details UNVERIFIED).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (below FEI). Roughly comparable to an introductory/walk-trot-plus level.

Notes

No canter required. 11 movements, max 130 points, reference time 3'45''.

Why this rung

No canter; working trot, lengthened trot/walk, 10 m half-circle → rung 1 (upper).

Tests and sources

• JEF 馬場馬術競技 第１課目 (2022, revised 1 Apr 2026) 2026
• JEF 馬場馬術競技 第１課目 (original 14 Nov 2022 sheet) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

JEF 2A, 2B (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings)); JEF 2C, 2D (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back)); JEF 2E (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x40 m

Movements

• 2A: working canter both leads, 20 m circles, lengthened trot/walk, 10 m half-circle in trot
• 2B: 3-loop serpentine in trot, 20 m canter circles, lengthened canter
• 2C: 10 m trot circles, 15 m canter circles, medium canter, simple changes via 20 m half-circles
• 2D: leg-yield (脚を用いた横歩) both directions, 10 m trot circles, free walk, medium canter, halt & rein-back
• 2E: collected trot/walk/canter, medium trot/canter, 10 m circle, halt + 3-4 steps rein-back, 10 m half-circles to counter canter, simple changes, stretching trot on 20 m half-circle

Gaits

working walk/trot/canter, medium walk, free walk, lengthened/medium trot and canter, collected gaits (2D partly, 2E fully)

Eligibility

Open JEF-sanctioned classes; used for the lower classes of regional/prefectural shows and National Sports Festival (国民スポーツ大会) type events (UNVERIFIED which sub-test each uses).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None. 2A–2C ≈ training/novice; 2D–2E ≈ first level / elementary (leg-yield, rein-back, counter canter, simple changes).

Notes

2A–2E replaced the former A1–A5 tests. Reference times 3'30''–4'30''; max 130 (2A/2B), 160 (2C), 190 (2D), 200 (2E) points. 2E is the first collected test and last 20x40 test.

Why this rung

2A/2B: working canter, lengthened trot/canter (rung 3); 2C: 10 m trot circles, 15 m canter circles, simple changes via half-circles; 2D: leg-yield, rein-back, medium canter (rung 4); 2E: collected gaits, counter-canter, simple changes, rein-back (rung 5). Spans 3–5.

Tests and sources

• JEF 第２課目A (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第２課目B (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第２課目C (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第２課目D (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第２課目E (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第２課目A (2022 sheet) 2022
• JEF 第２課目B (2022 sheet) 2022
• JEF 第２課目C (2022 sheet) 2022
• JEF 第２課目D (2022 sheet) 2022
• JEF 第２課目E (2022 sheet) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

JEF 3A (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes)); JEF 3B (rung 6: Medium without flying changes / FEI Pony (trot half-pass, extended gaits))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• shoulder-in (肩を内へ) both reins
• turn on the haunches (3A)
• 10 m half-circles (3A), 8 m circles (3B)
• 3-loop canter serpentine with simple changes (3A)
• counter canter via 20 m half-circle
• simple changes
• medium trot/canter
• extended walk
• 3B adds: trot half-pass both directions, canter half-pass, halt + 4 steps rein-back, walk half-pass

Gaits

collected walk/trot/canter, medium walk/trot/canter, extended walk, free walk

Eligibility

Used e.g. for 内国産馬 (Japanese-bred horse) 3rd-level classes at the All-Japan Dressage Championship Part II 2026 (crane.jp results page).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None directly; ≈ second level / elementary-medium (3B ≈ FEI Children/medium-type content without flying changes).

Notes

3A/3B replaced the former L1/L2 tests. 19 movements each; 3A max 260 points, 5'00''; 3B 4'45''. No flying changes.

Why this rung

3A: shoulder-in, turn on haunches, counter-canter, simple changes (rung 5); 3B: adds trot, canter and walk half-pass, rein-back 4 – no flying changes (rung 6). Spans 5–6.

Tests and sources

• JEF 第３課目A (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第３課目B (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第３課目A (2022 sheet) 2022
• JEF 第３課目B (2022 sheet) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

JEF Test 4 (Level 4, sub-tests A/B) (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• shoulder-in
• trot half-pass both directions
• canter half-pass both directions
• walk half-pirouettes (4A)
• 8 m circles (4B)
• counter canter followed by single flying changes
• flying changes on the diagonal
• extended trot/canter
• extended walk
• entry in collected canter

Gaits

collected walk/trot/canter, medium trot/canter, extended walk/trot/canter

Eligibility

Used e.g. for 内国産馬 4th-level classes at the All-Japan Dressage Championship Part II 2026.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

≈ FEI Junior / third level (single flying changes, half-pass, walk pirouettes).

Notes

4A/4B replaced the former M1/M2 tests. 4A: 19 movements, 250 points, 5'00''; 4B: 18 movements, 250 points, 4'45''.

Why this rung

Trot and canter half-pass both directions, single flying changes (diagonal, out of counter-canter), walk half-pirouettes (4A), extended gaits, entry in collected canter → rung 7/8 boundary (≈ FEI Junior content).

Tests and sources

• JEF 第４課目A (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第４課目B (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第４課目A (2022 sheet) 2022
• JEF 第４課目B (2022 sheet) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

JEF Test 5 (Level 5, sub-tests A/B) (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• shoulder-in
• trot half-pass
• canter half-pass with flying change
• canter half-pirouettes both directions
• walk half-pirouettes (5B)
• flying changes every 4 strides (3x, 5A and 5B)
• flying changes every 3 strides (3x, 5B)
• extended trot/canter/walk
• rein-back (5A exit)

Gaits

collected walk/trot/canter, medium walk, extended walk/trot/canter

Eligibility

Used e.g. for 内国産馬 5th-level classes at the All-Japan Dressage Championship Part II 2026; highest JEF domestic test.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

≈ FEI Young Rider / Prix St-Georges (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi changes). Content is PSG-like without 3-tempi in 5A.

Notes

5A/5B replaced the former S1/S2 tests. 5A: 19 movements, 270 points, 5'00''; 5B: 23 movements, 310 points, 5'30''.

Why this rung

Canter half-pirouettes, 3x4-tempi (5A/5B), 3x3-tempi (5B), canter half-pass with change, walk half-pirouettes → rung 9.

Tests and sources

• JEF 第５課目A (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第５課目B (2026 rev.) 2026
• JEF 第５課目A (2022 sheet) 2022
• JEF 第５課目B (2022 sheet) 2022

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

JEF Prix St-Georges Freestyle (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• collected walk (収縮常歩, min. 20 m)
• extended walk (伸長常歩, min. 20 m), coefficient 2
• shoulder-in right and left in collected trot (min. 12 m)
• half-pass right and left in collected trot, coefficient 2 each
• extended trot
• half-pass right and left in collected canter
• extended canter
• flying changes every 4th stride (min. 5 consecutive)
• flying changes every 3rd stride (min. 5 consecutive)
• canter half-pirouette right and left, coefficient 2 each
• entry and halts at beginning and end

Gaits

collected walk, extended walk, collected trot, extended trot, collected canter, extended canter

Eligibility

Recognised (認定) class of the セントジョージクラス together with FEI Prix St-Georges: rider must hold JEF rider qualification B級 or higher and the horse must be JEF-registered (公認競技会規程 第19版, Art. 13-14). At the All Japan Dressage Championship it is the final of the PSG class: 2026 Part I top 15 of the FEI PSG preliminary; 2026 Part II (Japanese-bred championship) top 10 with 60% or more in the FEI PSG.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

JEF's own freestyle at FEI Prix St-Georges level (FEI has no official PSG freestyle).

Notes

Listed on the JEF download page as a JEF課目; sheet in force 1 Apr 2007, last updated 1 Apr 2026 (formerly JEF 自由演技国体成年馬場馬術課目). Time 4'30"-5'00". Technical marks 200 (15 movements), artistic marks 200 (5 marks, coefficient 4, decimals of 0.1 allowed); 0.5% deducted from the artistic score if over or under time.

Why this rung

Freestyle at PSG level → rung 9.

Tests and sources

• JEF 自由演技セントジョージ賞典馬場馬術課目 (2007, 2026 update) 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

FEI Junior Team (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes)); FEI YR Team, PSG (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi)); FEI Inter I (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag)); FEI Inter II, GP, GPS (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• as per FEI tests (2009 editions with 2026 updates); Inter II/GP/GPS add piaffe, passage, one-tempi changes, full pirouettes

Gaits

collected/medium/extended per FEI

Eligibility

Recognised classes at JEF-sanctioned shows: rider JEF rider qualification B級 or higher, horse JEF-registered (全日本馬場馬術大会出場資格取得に関する公認競技会規程 第19版, 1 Apr 2026, Art. 14). All-Japan places are awarded by horse/rider ranking, not by a fixed score: ranking points = average of the best 3 set-test results plus the best freestyle result (÷4) in classes with a freestyle, or of the best 3 results (÷3) otherwise (Art. 20). For 2026 Part I the ranking period was 22 Sep 2025 - 13 Sep 2026, with a set-test average of 60% or more and a placed start in the final test required; quota 20 pairs each for the Grand Prix championship and Inter I class, 30 for the PSG class. JEF dressage rules (38th ed.) permit a snaffle or a double bridle in FEI tests.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

Identical to FEI tests.

Notes

All Japan Dressage Championship 2026 (78th): Part I (6-8 Nov 2026, Gotemba) runs the championship on FEI Grand Prix 2009 plus FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, FEI Grand Prix Special 2009 (for GP pairs not in the freestyle), the Inter I class (FEI Intermediate I 2009, final FEI Inter I Freestyle), the PSG class (FEI Prix St-Georges 2009, final JEF PSG Freestyle) and JEF Test 5/4/3 classes (A preliminary, B final). Part II (22-24 May 2026, JRA Baji Koen, with CDI3*/1* Tokyo) is the Japanese-bred horse championship: FEI Prix St-Georges 2009 plus JEF PSG Freestyle, and Japanese-bred JEF Test 5/4/3 classes.

Why this rung

FEI Junior (8), YR/PSG (9), Inter I (10), Inter II/GP/GPS (12) – FEI sheets in Japanese.

Tests and sources

• FEI ジュニア団体 (Junior Team, 2009/2026) 2026
• FEI ヤングライダー団体 (Young Rider Team, 2009/2026) 2026
• FEI セントジョージ賞典 (Prix St-Georges, 2009/2026) 2026
• FEI インターメディエイトⅠ (2009/2026) 2026
• FEI インターメディエイトⅡ (2009/2026) 2026
• FEI グランプリ (2009/2014/2026) 2026
• FEI グランプリスペシャル (2009/2014/2026) 2026
• FEI グランプリ自由演技 (2022 update) 2023
• FEI インターメディエイトⅠ自由演技 2023
• FEI ヤングライダー自由演技 2023
• FEI ジュニア自由演技 2023

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Children-II (JNEC) (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20x60 m (not stated on the sheet; movements use the 20x60 letters R and I)

Movements

• halt-immobility-salute at X and at I
• 15 m trot circles both reins (E, B)
• change of rein FXH in working trot (rising)
• transition to medium walk at A
• medium walk with lengthening of the frame (KB)
• working canter departs at C
• 20 m canter circles both leads
• half circles 20 m left and right with change of hand through an 'S' inside the 20 m circle, in working trot
• no lateral work, no lengthenings

Gaits

working trot (rising optional), medium walk, working canter

Eligibility

Riders 10-12 yrs; horse min 6 yrs for children; snaffle only; min 60% at a National Qualifier to enter JNEC.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (below FEI Children).

Notes

16 movements, total 160, plus Children quality marking sheet. Sheet header: 'to be ridden in snaffle & rising trot optional'. Verified from the NQ 2026 PDF (App. B); same test as Technical Guidelines 2021 JNEC Appendix 'D' (time 4 min).

Why this rung

Walk/trot/canter, 15 m trot circles, 20 m canter circles, no lateral work → rung 2.

Tests and sources

• EFI Dressage Test for Children-II (NQ Guidelines JNEC 2026, App. B) 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Children-I (JNEC) (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x60 m (not stated on the sheet; movements use the 20x60 letters R and I)

Movements

• enter in working trot, halt-immobility-salute at X
• 12 m trot circles both reins (E, B)
• change rein FXH with medium walk 7 to 10 steps before X
• halt 4 seconds at A, proceed in medium walk
• change rein KB in medium walk, lengthen the reins and allow the horse to stretch on a long rein; shorten the reins BR
• working canter departs at C and A
• 15 m canter circles both reins (at E)
• serpentine 4 loops C-A in working trot (coefficient 2)
• down centre line, halt-immobility-salute at I
• no lengthened strides, no lateral work, no rein-back

Gaits

working trot, medium walk (incl. stretch on a long rein), working canter

Eligibility

Riders 12-14 yrs; horse min 6 yrs; snaffle only; 60% NQ.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None stated. The 2026 sheet is identical to the EFI senior Preliminary test.

Notes

18 movements, total 190 (serpentine coefficient 2), plus Children quality marking sheet; time 4 min. The NQ 2026 sheet is movement-for-movement the EFI Preliminary test (Technical Guidelines 2021, App. G). The older Technical Guidelines 2021 JNEC Appendix 'C' printed a different Children I test (16 movements, total 170: 10 m circles left and right at X, 4-loop serpentine, 15 m canter circles, change of lead through trot on the diagonal). Other JNEC 2026 categories (NQ 2026 App. B): the Young Rider sheet (time 6'30", 27 movements, total 270) is the EFI Advanced Medium test, not an FEI Young Riders test; the Junior sheet (time 3'55', 19 movements, total 250) is the FEI Children Team Competition test and prints 'Copyright © 2020 Update 2022 Fédération Equestre Internationale', not an FEI Juniors test.

Why this rung

NQ 2026 Children-1 sheet is the EFI Preliminary test (18 movements, total 190): working gaits, 12 m trot circles, 15 m canter circles, 4-loop serpentine, stretch on a long rein in walk; no lengthenings, no lateral work → rung 3 (lower end), same as EFI Preliminary.

Tests and sources

• EFI Children-1 Dressage Test (NQ Guidelines JNEC 2026, App. B) 2026

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Preliminary (unverified content) (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x60 m (not stated on the sheet; movements use the 20x60 letters R and I)

Movements

• enter in working trot, halt-immobility-salute at X
• 12 m trot circles both reins (E, B)
• change rein FXH with medium walk 7 to 10 steps before X
• halt 4 seconds at A, proceed in medium walk
• change rein KB in medium walk, lengthen the reins and allow the horse to stretch on a long rein; shorten the reins BR
• working canter departs at C and A
• 15 m canter circles both reins (at E)
• serpentine 4 loops C-A in working trot (coefficient 2)
• down centre line, halt-immobility-salute at I
• no lengthened strides, no lateral work, no rein-back

Gaits

working trot, medium walk (incl. stretch on a long rein), working canter

Eligibility

Any horse not graded higher; horse ≥4 yrs (Art.); riders ≥16 at NEC. Upgrade to Elementary at 65% MER or compulsorily after two years.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None stated.

Notes

Lowest senior grade. 18 movements, total 190 (serpentine coefficient 2), plus quality marking sheet (rider's position and seat, effectiveness of aids, precision, general impression); time 4 min. No freestyle at this grade (Art. 1 lists 'NEC Preliminary' without FS). The sheet prints 'Minimum age of horse: 6 Years old for children / 5 Years old for Adults', whereas Art. 3 admits horses of 4 yrs and above. The same test is used as the Children-I test in the JNEC 2026 NQ guidelines.

Why this rung

Sheet read: working gaits only, 12 m trot circles, 15 m canter circles, 4-loop serpentine, medium walk with stretch on a long rein, halt 4 s; no lengthened strides, no leg-yield, no rein-back → rung 3 (lower end; above rung 2 because of the 12/15 m circles and serpentine).

Tests and sources

• EFI Preliminary test (Technical Guidelines 2021, Appendix G, 4 min) 2021

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Elementary (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x60 m (not stated on the sheet; movements use the 20x60 letters L, R, S, V, P, I)

Movements

• enter in working trot, halt-immobility-salute at X
• medium trot on the diagonals (MXK, HXF) with transitions marked separately
• leg yielding to the right and to the left from the centre line (from L to the track)
• circle 20 m in working trot, give and retake the reins for a few steps (coefficient 2)
• rising trot circle 20 m, allow the horse to stretch on a long rein forwards/downwards (coefficient 2)
• medium walk, lengthen the reins and allow the horse to stretch on a long rein (coefficient 2)
• medium canter on the long sides with transitions marked separately
• change rein and half circle in counter canter, both leads (coefficient 2)
• canter to medium walk at S, walk to working canter at H
• down centre line, halt-immobility-salute at I
• no shoulder-in, no rein-back, no collected gaits, no simple change scored as such

Gaits

working trot, medium trot, medium walk (incl. stretch on a long rein), working canter, medium canter, counter canter

Eligibility

Horses upgraded from Preliminary; horse ≥5 yrs. Upgrade to Medium at 65% or compulsorily after two years.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None stated.

Notes

22 movements, total 270, plus one collective mark (General Impression, coefficient 2) = 290; time 5 min. The sheet prints 'Minimum age of horse: 6 Years old for children / 5 Years old for Adults'.

Why this rung

Sheet read: leg-yield both directions in trot, medium trot and medium canter, counter-canter half circles, canter-walk-canter transitions, stretching circle; no shoulder-in, no rein-back, no collection → rung 4.

Tests and sources

• EFI Elementary test (Technical Guidelines 2021, Appendix F, 5 min) + Elementary Freestyle 2021

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Medium (Senior I) (rung 5: Elementary / Second (shoulder-in, collection begins, simple changes))

Arena

20x60 m (movements use 20x60 letters R, S, V, P)

Movements

• shoulder-in both reins
• 10 m half-voltes
• medium trot with transitions
• turn on the haunches both directions in medium walk
• medium canter
• 2-loop canter serpentines with counter canter
• simple change from counter canter to counter canter
• 10 m half-voltes in canter with simple change
• stretching on 20 m circle in working trot

Gaits

collected trot/canter, medium trot/walk/canter, working trot (stretch)

Eligibility

Horses upgraded from Elementary; horse ≥6 yrs. Upgrade at 62% with two MERs (or one MER ≥70% on written request). Downgrading permitted only down to Medium.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None; ≈ US Second Level / BD Elementary-Medium. No half-pass, no flying changes.

Notes

20 movements, verified verbatim. Note: no half-pass despite one summary claiming so.

Why this rung

Verbatim: shoulder-in, 10 m half-voltes, turns on the haunches, counter-canter serpentines, simple changes (incl. counter to counter), medium gaits, collected trot/canter; no half-pass → rung 5 (upper).

Tests and sources

• EFI Medium (Senior I) test (Technical Guidelines 2021, Appendix E, 6.30 min) + Medium Freestyle 2021

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Advanced Medium (rung 7: Medium / Third (single flying changes))

Arena

20x60 m (not stated on the sheet; movements use the 20x60 letters R, P, L, S, V, I)

Movements

• enter in collected canter, halt-immobility-salute at X, proceed in collected trot
• 8 m voltes in collected trot both reins
• shoulder-in both reins (RP, SV)
• half volte 10 m followed by trot half-pass, both directions
• halt, immobility 5 seconds at G
• medium trot and extended trot on the diagonals
• halt, rein back 5 steps, immediately proceed in collected trot
• walk half pirouettes right and left (out of shortened medium walk)
• extended walk
• medium canter
• half voltes 10 m with simple change of leg (through walk), twice
• counter canter, then single flying change of leg at A and at C
• no canter half-pass, no extended canter

Gaits

collected trot/canter, medium walk/trot/canter, extended walk/trot, counter canter

Eligibility

Horses upgraded from Medium; ≥6 yrs. Upgrade to Advanced at 62% with two MERs (or one ≥65%).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None stated.

Notes

27 movements, total 270, plus one collective mark (General Impression, coefficient 2) = 290; time 6.30 min; minimum age of horse 6 years. The same test is used as the Young Rider test in the JNEC 2026 NQ guidelines.

Why this rung

Sheet read: two single flying changes (out of counter canter), trot half-pass both directions, shoulder-in, 8 m voltes, walk half pirouettes, rein back 5 steps, extended trot/walk, simple changes; no canter half-pass, no tempi changes, no canter pirouettes → rung 7.

Tests and sources

• EFI Advanced Medium test (Technical Guidelines 2021, Appendix D, 6.30 min) + Freestyle 2021

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Advanced (Senior II) (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• 10 m voltes
• shoulder-in both reins
• half-volte to half-pass in trot both directions
• halt + rein-back 4 steps
• medium and extended trot
• extended walk
• walk half-pirouettes both directions
• collected walk
• canter half-pass both directions
• single flying changes (incl. at I and L)
• extended canter

Gaits

collected walk/trot/canter, medium trot/walk, extended walk/trot/canter

Eligibility

Horses upgraded from Advanced Medium; ≥6 yrs. Upgrade to PSG at 62% with two MERs (or one ≥65%).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

≈ FEI Junior / BD Advanced (no tempi changes, no canter pirouettes, no piaffe/passage).

Notes

28 movements, verified verbatim.

Why this rung

Verbatim: trot half-pass from half-volte, canter half-pass both directions, single flying changes (incl. at I and L), walk half-pirouettes, rein-back 4, extended gaits → rung 8 (≈ FEI Junior).

Tests and sources

• EFI Advanced / Senior II test (Technical Guidelines 2021, Appendix C, 5.40 min) + Freestyle 2021

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Prix St-Georges (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• enter in collected canter, halt-immobility-salute
• medium trot, extended trot
• shoulder-in both reins
• 8 m voltes
• trot half-pass both directions (coefficient 2)
• walk half pirouettes left and right
• collected walk, extended walk
• canter half-pass left and right, each with flying change
• canter half pirouettes left and right (coefficient 2)
• counter canter with flying change at C
• 5 flying changes every 4th stride
• 5 flying changes every 3rd stride
• extended canter with flying change

Gaits

collected walk/trot/canter, medium trot, extended walk/trot/canter

Eligibility

Horses upgraded from Advanced; horse ≥7 yrs. Upgrade to Inter I at 62% with two MERs (or one ≥65%).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Prix St-Georges

Notes

Appendix B reproduces the FEI Prix St. Georges movement for movement (26 movements, total 320 + collective = 340, time 5'50", minimum age of horse 7 years); movements identical to the current FEI sheet D-PSG-2009-2026 (Edition 2009). The EFI copy carries no FEI edition code or copyright line; its single collective mark is worded 'General Impression' with the reference 'Art 430.6.1', i.e. an earlier FEI update of the 2009 edition than the 2026 sheet (which words it 'Harmony'); the exact update year is not printed.

Why this rung

EFI Appendix B sheet read: it is the FEI Prix St. Georges (canter half pirouettes, 5 changes every 4th and every 3rd stride, canter half-passes with changes) → rung 9.

Tests and sources

• NEC Prix St Georges (= FEI Prix St. Georges) & PSG FS (Technical Guidelines 2021, Appendix B) 2021 (FEI Edition 2009; update year not printed)

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Intermediate I (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• enter in collected canter, halt-immobility-salute
• extended trot, medium trot
• shoulder-in on the centre line both reins
• 8 m voltes at X
• trot half-pass both directions (coefficient 2)
• halt, rein back 5 steps and immediately proceed in collected trot
• collected walk, extended walk
• canter zig-zag: 3 half-passes 5 m to either side of the centre line with flying changes (coefficient 2)
• extended canter with flying change
• 5 flying changes every 3rd stride
• full canter pirouettes left and right (coefficient 2)
• 7 flying changes every 2nd stride

Gaits

collected walk/trot/canter, medium trot, extended walk/trot/canter

Eligibility

Horses upgraded from PSG; ≥7 yrs. Gold medallist of Inter-I at NEC is declared National Champion.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Intermediate I

Notes

Highest EFI national grade; no Inter II / Grand Prix in the national ladder. Appendix A reproduces the FEI Intermediate I movement for movement (25 movements, total 320 + collective = 340, time 5'30", minimum age of horse 7 years); movements identical to the current FEI sheet D-INTI-2009-2026 (Edition 2009). The EFI copy carries no FEI edition code; its collective mark is worded 'General Impression' with 'Art 430.6.1', i.e. an earlier FEI update than 2026; the exact update year is not printed. International riders (e.g. Anush Agarwalla, Shruti Vora) compete at GP abroad under FEI.

Why this rung

EFI Appendix A sheet read: it is the FEI Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 5 three-tempi, 7 two-tempi, canter zig-zag) → rung 10. Highest EFI grade; no Inter II/GP nationally.

Tests and sources

• NEC Intermediate-I (= FEI Intermediate I) & Inter-1 FS (Technical Guidelines 2021, Appendix A) 2021 (FEI Edition 2009; update year not printed)

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Preparatory III (rider grade 初三级) (rung 1: Walk–trot only)

Arena

20x40 m

Movements

• enter in trot, track right
• 20 m circles right and left in trot
• walk transitions
• halt-salute on centre line
• no canter

Gaits

trot, walk

Eligibility

Rider grading exam test; pass = ≥50%. Below this are 基础三/二/一级 with no dressage test.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (walk-trot).

Notes

9 movements + collectives, 130 points, ~3 min.

Why this rung

Walk–trot, 20 m circles, halt → rung 1.

Tests and sources

• CEA 初三级科目 (骑手分级骑乘考核科目标准 2025) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

初二级 Preparatory II (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x40 m

Movements

• working trot entry
• 20 m circles both reins
• change of rein on diagonal
• medium walk and free walk
• 2-loop serpentine
• working canter
• trot lengthening (快步伸展)
• exit in walk on long rein

Gaits

working trot, working canter, medium walk, free walk

Eligibility

Grading exam; pass ≥50%. Competition classes named 'CEA初二级科目' appear in club leagues (e.g. 2024 Beijing 北京舞者 league).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (≈ intro/training level).

Notes

12 movements, 160 points, ~3.5 min.

Why this rung

Working trot/canter, 2-loop serpentine, free walk, trot lengthening (快步伸展) → rung 2/3 boundary (content-wise rung 3 despite being the lower rider grade).

Tests and sources

• CEA 初二级科目 (2025 standard) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

初一级 Preparatory I (rung 2: Introductory walk–trot–canter)

Arena

20x40 m

Movements

• working trot (sitting, rising not allowed)
• medium walk, free walk
• canter depart left and right
• 20 m circles and half-circles in canter
• serpentine
• minimum 3 consecutive canter strides required or test failed

Gaits

working trot (sitting), working canter, medium walk, free walk

Eligibility

Grading exam; pass ≥50%. Highest CEA-authored test.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

None (≈ training level).

Notes

210 points, ~4 min. Snaffle only for all grades.

Why this rung

Sitting working trot, canter departs, 20 m canter circles/half-circles, serpentine, medium/free walk; no lengthening mentioned → rung 2 (upper). Note: rider grade above 初二级 but test content is not harder in movement terms.

Tests and sources

• CEA 初一级科目 (2025 standard) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Medium III (rider grade 中三级) (rung 3: Preliminary / Training (working gaits + lengthenings))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• 12 m trot circles
• halt 4 s immobility
• medium walk on diagonal with stretch on long rein and retake
• 15 m canter circles both leads
• 4-loop serpentine
• no lateral work

Gaits

working trot/canter, medium walk

Eligibility

Grading: one score ≥55%. Required minimum grade for 少年组 (8-15) at the national youth dressage championship (2024, 2025 notices).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Dressage Challenge Preliminary

Notes

18 movements, 290 points, ~5 min. 2022 standard listed this as a CEA test on 20x60; 2025 standard adopts the FEI Challenge test.

Why this rung

FEI Dressage Challenge Preliminary: 12 m trot circles, 15 m canter circles, 4-loop serpentine, stretching; no lateral work → rung 3 (upper, 20x60).

Tests and sources

• FEI Dressage Challenge Preliminary Test (as adopted in CEA 2025 standard) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Medium II (rider grade 中二级) (rung 4: Novice / First (leg-yield, medium gaits, rein-back))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• working trot and medium trot (MXK, HXF) with scored transitions
• leg-yield right and left from the centre line (来格优丁/偏横步)
• 20 m circle in trot giving and retaking the reins for a few steps over the centre line
• rising trot 20 m circle with stretch forward-down and retake
• medium walk, including lengthened rein to let the horse stretch and retake
• working canter and medium canter with scored transitions
• change rein in working canter (变换里怀) followed by counter canter half-circle and counter canter (both leads)
• no flying change and no simple change: lead is changed through medium walk or working trot

Gaits

working/medium trot, working/medium canter, counter canter, medium walk

Eligibility

Grading: one score ≥60%. Minimum grade for 青年组 (16-21) at the national youth dressage championship.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Dressage Challenge Elementary

Notes

22 movements; sheet prints total 290 points, time 5 min (reference only). Score sheet headed （2015国际马联挑战赛-初级科目）.

Why this rung

FEI Dressage Challenge Elementary (2015): leg-yield, working/medium trot and canter, counter-canter half-circles, stretching circle; no collection, no flying or simple change → rung 4 (upper).

Tests and sources

• FEI Dressage Challenge Elementary Test (as adopted in CEA 2025 standard) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

Medium I (rider grade 中一级) (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• entry in collected canter
• rein-back 4 steps
• shoulder-in
• travers (腰向内)
• extended walk
• walk half-pirouettes (180°) both directions
• single flying changes
• extended and collected canter

Gaits

collected/medium/extended trot, canter, walk

Eligibility

Grading: one score ≥60%. May enter competitions up to 国家三级 level.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Junior Team Test 14-18 / FEI Challenge Medium

Notes

28 movements, 330 points (310+20), ~5.5 min.

Why this rung

FEI Junior Team test / FEI Challenge Medium: rein-back 4, shoulder-in, travers, walk half-pirouettes, single flying changes, extended canter → rung 8.

Tests and sources

• FEI Junior Team Test / FEI Dressage Challenge Medium (as adopted in CEA 2025 standard) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

National III (rider grade 国家三级) (rung 8: Advanced Medium / FEI Junior (canter half-passes, multiple changes, walk half-pirouettes))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• as FEI Junior Individual / FEI Challenge Advanced (half-pass, single flying changes, walk pirouettes, etc.)

Gaits

collected/medium/extended

Eligibility

Two scores ≥60%. May enter competitions up to 国家二级 level.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Junior Individual / FEI Challenge Advanced

Why this rung

FEI Junior Individual / FEI Challenge Advanced → rung 8 (upper).

Tests and sources

• FEI Junior Individual Test or FEI Dressage Challenge Advanced (CEA 骑手分级规则 2025) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

国家二级: FEI PSG (rung 9: Small Tour entry / Prix St. Georges / Young Riders (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi)); 国家二级: FEI Inter I (rung 10: Intermediate I (full pirouettes, 3- and 2-tempi, canter zig-zag))

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• as FEI Prix St-Georges / Intermediate I / Inter I Freestyle (canter half-pirouettes, 4- and 3-tempi changes, half-passes)

Gaits

collected/medium/extended

Eligibility

Two scores ≥60%; 国家级 riders may enter all levels. These are the tests of the National Dressage Championship (2026: PSG team/individual qualifier, Inter I, Inter I FS final; https://www.chinanews.com.cn/ty/2026/05-10/10618728.shtml).

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI PSG / Inter I

Notes

National championship level.

Why this rung

FEI PSG (9) / Inter I (10) / Inter Freestyle → rungs 9–10 (national championship level).

Tests and sources

• FEI Prix St-Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate Freestyle (CEA 骑手分级规则 2025) 2025

Compare this level with other federations

Rungs covered

国家一级: FEI Inter A/B (rung 11: Medium Tour / Intermediate A–B (first piaffe/passage, one-tempi)); 国家一级: FEI Inter II (rung 12: Big Tour / Intermediate II – Grand Prix – Grand Prix Special)

Arena

20x60 m

Movements

• as FEI Intermediate A / B / II (piaffe and passage steps, 2- and 1-tempi changes, full canter pirouettes)

Gaits

collected/medium/extended, piaffe, passage

Eligibility

Two scores ≥60%. Above this, 国家骑手（年度） is awarded on international results (Olympics/Asian Games), not on a test.

FEI equivalent stated by the federation

FEI Inter A / Inter B / Inter II

Notes

Grand Prix is not a rider-grade requirement. The 2025 National Games (十五运会, Shenzhen Guangming, 10-12 Nov 2025) dressage did not use Grand Prix tests: team competition and individual qualifier on FEI Prix St-Georges, individual preliminary on FEI Intermediate I, individual final on FEI Intermediate I Freestyle to Music (CEA reports; CEA calls Intermediate I 国际马联中一级科目 there, not to be confused with the rider grade 中一级).

Why this rung

FEI Inter A / Inter B (11) / Inter II (12) → rungs 11–12. Grand Prix not a rider-grade requirement.

Tests and sources

• FEI Intermediate A, Intermediate B, Intermediate II (CEA 骑手分级规则 2025) 2025

Compare this level with other federations