Dear Amy,

I am new to dressage and competing, and I have a few questions.

First, I recently rode in a dressage clinic and was corrected throughout the lesson: I was told that my excess rein should always lie on the right side of my horse. Somehow my rein continually ended up on the left side instead. Is there a rule regarding this? Will I be penalized or eliminated if the end of my reins swaps sides or is on the left side?

Second, my trainer encouraged me to purchase a “position reminder” to help me build muscle memory to keep my elbows tucked in. I am addicted to this tool. May I wear it under my jacket when showing? I understand that there is a horse and equipment inspection. Is there one for the rider, too? Would I be asked to remove my coat? Could I be eliminated if I used this aid?

Finally, I am a bit confused about the appropriate way to leave the arena when competing. Are you still being scored? I have seen some riders just turn around and go out, others walk all the way up to the judge, and I have even seen some make a small circle at the opening before leaving. Could you please advise on all these matters?

Dear Newbie, 

These are some very interesting questions and observations. I would be happy to discuss them all.

Let’s start with what to do with your reins. So what is the excess rein? It is the leftover length of the rein. This part does not have any effect on the contact with the horse’s mouth. You might be surprised to learn that there is a proper name for this portion of the rein. It is known as a bight. Traditionally, the bight is placed on the right, which spawned the rhyming term “bight on the right.”  As with tradition, the horse’s mane and braids should also fall on the right. This goes back to military cavalry and turnout protocol. The horse was always mounted on the left, or near side, and swords would also be hung in their scabbards on the near side. This made it easy for the cavalryman to reach over and pull out the sword when he needed it. Anything that might interfere with, or get tangled in the sword would be kept on the right, or off side. This would include the mane and any excess rein.

As far as the USEF 2026 rulebook goes, there is not a current rule stating which side the bight must be on or where the mane and braids should fall. There is a rule (DR117 under Position and Aids of Rider) which says that riding with both hands is obligatory in standard tests, apart from the salute or a discreet pat on the neck. I do not know of any judges that would comment on the side of the bight, and certainly there would be no penalty if it were on the left side, as there is no ruling on this. I personally do think it is more classical to have the bight and braids on the right, and you will find that, for most riders, the excess rein naturally falls to the right, and the same is true for the manes of most horses. So keeping the bight on the right is desirable, but not required and would have no effect on your score.

Now let’s discuss what a “position reminder” is, and how it works. This can be a helpful device for riders needing assistance maintaining their arm and upper body position. If you have not seen one, it is an adjustable, flexible strap that wraps around your upper arms and connects directly behind your back, reminding you to hold your arms close to your body and keep your shoulders back. I have heard of many success stories with these pieces of equipment and can see why you could be addicted! 

Unfortunately, according to the USEF dressage rules, using such a thing at a competition would be illegal, since it would be considered a “gadget.” The rules state that the use of body tape, body bands, kinesiology tape, and resistive or elasticized body bands is prohibited on the show grounds. A position reminder would fall into this illegal category. However, it is true that the ring steward would only be checking your horse and equipment, and would not ask you to remove your jacket or any riding attire. Adhering to the prohibition on gadgets (such as a position reminder) would be on the honor system. You might get away with it, but my advice would be to continue to use it at home to help develop your riding position, and strive to become less reliant on it because you cannot legally take it to a show.

As far as exiting the dressage arena after your final salute, there is only one rule: you must leave at A (the letter where you came in), and you must leave in the way prescribed by the test you have performed. Most tests say to leave the arena at A at the walk on a loose or long rein. You are required to remain mounted.

Are you still being scored? No. Your test technically ends after your final salute. It is appropriate after your salute to walk forward toward the judge at C, but this is not required. It is also courteous, but not required, to say thank you to your judge. You may turn right or left to make your way out of the arena at A. In traditional dressage tests, you should avoid making a small circle before exiting: the promptness of your exit enables the rest of the show’s rides to stay on time. I have heard it said that in eventing dressage, making a courtesy circle is a sign of respect, but is not required. In traditional dressage tests, however, this practice is not encouraged.

I hope this has given you some insight into some very interesting questions. Enjoy your ride and showing in dressage!

Dear Amy,

I have been a seasoned dressage competitor for many years, riding many lovely horses throughout the levels. I have always been petite, and now that I am older, I have purchased the most charming pony to be my next competition horse. We are only getting to know each other now, but I was wondering how to be eligible for pony classes and other opportunities. Any information would be much appreciated.

-Downsizing

Dear Downsizing,

How much fun it is to hear you have found your dream pony. There are so many opportunities for ponies now in dressage. They are not just for children anymore: Today they are popular with adult amateurs and even professionals. Ponies may compete at all the dressage levels, including the Grand Prix. Aside from the open classes, there are also many pony-only divisions to compete in. There is even a yearly competition where ponies from all over the country come together: the National Dressage Pony Cup championships. In 2026, this will take place over the Fourth of July weekend at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio.

So what determines if you are riding a pony and not a horse? The size, of course. A pony must stand not more than 149 centimeters (58.6 inches, or about 14.2½ hands) with shoes on, or 148 centimeters (58.2 inches, or just slightly over 14.2 hands) without shoes. This measurement is taken at the highest point of the withers. 

You do not need to do anything special with your entry if you wish to compete your pony in any classes that are not pony-specific. You just have to enter, as you would with any other horse. If you are interested in pony classes, however, that is a different story. To compete in a pony division, you will need to have an official measurement to obtain a pony card from the USEF.

How do you go about getting your pony card? Measurements need to take place in conjunction with a USEF-sanctioned show. Unfortunately, measuring him at a schooling show or at home is not acceptable. In addition, in order for your pony to be eligible for measurement, you (his owner) must be a USEF member in good standing.

So who is allowed to measure your pony, and when is this done? When seeking a measurement, it is important to plan ahead. Dressage shows that include pony classes will offer a period of time during which you can sign up for a measurement appointment: This will be stated in the prize list. To make an appointment, it is wise to request a pony measurement when you send in your entry. You might also email or call the show secretary, because it is the secretary who will be the organizer for this procedure. Be prepared to have all of your and your pony’s paperwork: USDF and USEF numbers, owner’s identification numbers and so on.

It is also a good plan to practice before the measuring day. Make sure that your pony is willing to stand still and has a well-established halt that is square. He needs to be able to tolerate being touched with a metal bar pressed on his wither. He needs to be comfortable standing on a concrete surface. The actual process takes just a few minutes if the pony is cooperating, but can be more difficult if the pony is frightened or hard to manage.

What happens the day of measurement? Once you are at the competition, you will be notified of a time and location for the measurement, usually on the morning of the first day of the show. Before the measuring takes place, the show veterinarian, who is required to be present, will perform a soundness check. Although the pony card itself does not have an associated cost, the veterinary exam comes with a fee. The suggested price is $150, and the vet is not allowed to charge you more. During this brief exam, if any signs of lameness appear, your pony will not be eligible for measurement that day.

If all is well, the measurement may proceed. This part is done by the technical delegate, who must use an offiicial certified USEF measurement stick. A witness must be present during the measurement: It may be the veterinarian or another official from the show. During the measurement, your pony should stand still and square. The handler (who must be at least 18 years old) may lower the head to make it easier to determine the highest point of the withers. After the TD takes the measurement, they will submit it electronically to the USEF. 

Assuming your pony is not over height, you will be given a temporary verification form to use at that show, and an official card will be mailed to you afterwards. If your pony is less than 8 years old, your card is temporary. It will be good for the calendar year and needs to be renewed annually. If your pony is 8 or older, you will get a permanent card with no expiration date or maximum age limit. In cases where there is no vet on call at the show, it is possible to get a temporary card, good for that show only, from another show official.

Do you really need to have a pony card? No. If you are not interested in entering specific pony-only classes, then it is neither mandatory nor necessary to carry a pony card. This measurement is up to you.

Who can ride in pony classes? There is a specific Pony Rider division that is restricted to youth riders between the ages of 12 and 16. In the United States, this division is based on the FEI Pony Rider division and has tests at the equivalent of the second and third level. To be eligible for this division, the rider must fit in the age category, and the pony must have his official pony card and be at least 6 years old. There is even a USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship. 

Outside of the Pony Rider division, however, many classes are open to riders of all ages. If your pony is registered, he may even be eligible for a year-end award through his breed organization. As a discipline, dressage welcomes horses of all breeds and sizes, and smaller mounts are getting more popular with adults all the time. There is even a bumper sticker: Ponies = Happiness.

I hope this helps you and encourages you to get your pony card and show off your special pony. Enjoy this new journey, a little closer to the ground.

Dear Amy,

I am so looking forward to this year’s dressage competitions. After not having an upper-level horse to show for many years, I have just purchased a lovely FEI schoolmaster that I am planning to compete at the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire 1 levels at our national shows here in Aiken. I hope to advance all the way to Grand Prix. I do have some questions.

First, I have heard a rumor there were changes to the 2026 tests at the FEI levels. Is this true? Second, I want to purchase a new dressage whip so I need to confirm the legal length of a dressage whip and if I will be allowed to carry a whip in my test. Finally, I heard there is the Grand Prix Special test and wonder what that is and can anyone enter? How is it different from the Grand Prix? I would be very grateful for any information you can provide.         

Upward Bound!

Dear Upward,
How exciting to have a new horse and especially a schoolmaster so that you can return to the FEI levels. You are correct there have been some updates to the FEI tests in 2026. The FEI is the international body that regulates horse sports, and it does not follow the same timeline as US Equestrian. The FEI tests (Prix St. Georges through Grand Prix) and the National-level USDF tests (Fourth Level and below) are revised every four years. Changes to the FEI tests are effective in 2026, while the USDF tests will be updated next year, in 2027. 

The FEI often alters its tests to a smaller degree than the USDF, which usually revamps its tests rather extensively every cycle. In the 2026 FEI tests you are interested in, there is only one change that you will see. This is the rewording and criteria of the final collective mark: “Rider position and seat, correctness and effectiveness of aids.” This mark is a number that summarizes your ride and has a coefficient of two, meaning that it counts double. In 2026, this final mark is now simply called “Harmony” and evaluates “Harmony, cooperation, lightness, effectiveness, and sensitivity of aids as well as adherence to the training scale.” This is such a wonderful change of wording, making it clear for all to understand what is to be achieved and rewarded. True harmony is such a joy to ride, judge, and observe. The PSG and Intermediaire 1 tests have no other changes to the patterns, directives or coefficient movements.

To answer your question about whips, yes, you may carry one during your test: According to the 2026 USEF rule book, in National shows, you may carry a whip in all levels (Introductory through Grand Prix) unless you are competing at a championships show such as the USDF regionals or USDF finals. (Keep in mind these competitions may have different rules than a regular show.) 

The following is the current legal length for a dressage whip, including the whip itself and the lash: When schooling your horse mounted at a show or performing your test, you may carry a whip with a maximum length of 47.2 inches. A whip with an adjustable length is never permitted when you are mounted. However, when you are doing groundwork or working your horse in hand (lungeing, for example) there are no limitations on the length of your whip. At all levels, if the ring steward conducts an inspection of your horse and equipment after your ride, they will measure your whip to confirm that is a legal length. If you have any concerns about your whip when you are at a show, you are always welcome to ask the technical delegate (TD) to measure it before you enter the arena. You may also ask the TD to check any other equipment to ensure that all your tack, clothing and other gear is legal. Remember that a TD must be present and available throughout any recognized show. 

Finally, you asked about the Grand Prix Special and who may enter to ride. Many people do not realize that Grand Prix level has more than one test. In addition to the standard test and the freestyle, there is also an FEI Grand Prix Young Horse test and a US Equestrian Developing Horse Grand Prix test for horses between 8 and 10 years of age. For young riders, there is an FEI Grand Prix 16-25. Finally, there is a variation called the Grand Prix Special.

The Grand Prix Special (GPS) is not as commonly seen at National levels, but it is a test like any other, and you do not need any particular qualifications to ride it. (In fact, in regular National shows – not championships – anyone can ride any test!) The special has the same movements and criteria as the Grand Prix, but its pattern and transitions are a little more intricate. 

It sounds like you have much to look forward to with your new horse as you get back into competing at the FEI levels. I wish you success at the PSG and Intermediaire levels – hopefully there will be a Grand Prix in your future, and maybe even a Grand Prix Special. Good luck!

Dear Amy,
I am a newbie to the dressage competition world, although dressage has always intrigued me. I competed in a few schooling shows and did fairly well, so I decided to try a USDF-rated show. I had a rude awakening. I was surprised to learn so many things are illegal!

I had one test on Saturday and a second one on Sunday. For my first test, the ring steward sent me into the arena, and I was riding around the outside. I was so nervous, I had forgotten to take my number off my halter and put it on my bridle. The judge said I needed to dismount because I could not ride without a number. I made a temporary number and was able to start my test in time, but I was really rattled. Halfway through my ride, the judge kept blowing her whistle, so I stopped, and she told me I was off course. She gave me instructions on how to proceed, but now I was even more rattled, so I decided I had had enough and headed out of the arena. My judge blew her whistle again and said I could not just leave the arena; I would need to ask to retire. She encouraged me to continue, so I completed my test successfully. When I did my final salute, I dropped my whip, so I dismounted to pick it up, and the judge blew her whistle again! This time, she said I was eliminated because I was required to leave the arena mounted.

I was very upset, but was planning to try again the next day. To cheer myself up, I purchased a fun saddle pad with matching socks and a shirt decorated with margaritas. I thought I was dressed for success, but when I rode into the arena, the judge blew her whistle to say I was in an illegal saddle pad and would be eliminated. I am thinking this
judge had it in for me! Can you please explain these rulings? Was this judge correct?

First Timer

Dear First Timer,
That was quite an interesting first recognized dressage show! To answer your question, there can be differences in the rulings between schooling and recognized shows. I can certainly understand your confusion and distress, and would be happy to explain all the scenarios you described.

Let’s start with your competition number. You were correct to have the number on your halter initially. The USEF rule states that competition-assigned numbers must be worn and visible at all times when a horse is being hand-walked, exercised, or ridden, under penalty of elimination. It is unfortunate that the warm-up area ring steward did not notice
you did not have your number, as you should not have been allowed to be mounted without it. In any case, the rules are ultimately the responsibility of the rider. It was quick thinking to create a make-shift number and get into the arena on time. Your judge was absolutely correct in this situation, and moving forward, I bet you will never forget your number again. Some riders invest in a set of their own numbers so they can leave one on the halter and the other on their bridle or saddle pad. This can make it easier to be sure you always have your number on.

As far as going off course, your judge was absolutely following the correct protocol. She may have had to blow the whistle many times to get your attention, and I can see how that would be unnerving, especially combined with the number incident. In the future, if you are worried about forgetting your test, remember that you are permitted to have a “caller” who reads the test to you out loud. When you do get lost or miss a movement, your judge will need to signal you to explain your mistake and help put you back on track. This will incur an error (2 points off your score for the first incident), but it is not the end of the world, and it is still possible to earn a good score. You would be surprised how many riders, including professionals, go off course. As long as the ride is safe, you are expected and encouraged to continue your test. You will not be eliminated unless you make three errors in one test.

After this many mishaps, it is certainly tempting to call it a day, but you may not simply ride out of the dressage arena. The USEF rules state a rider can choose to retire their ride at any point before the final salute. The correct procedure would be to come on the centerline and/or face your judge at C and salute. It is appropriate and appreciated to say you would like to retire. If you do retire, you would not be eligible for a final score or placing in the class, but you still can receive your test sheet, where you would be able to see your comments up to that point, and you are still permitted to compete in other classes if you choose to. In this case, it sounds like your judge was following the rules and offering you a way to end your ride correctly. It is admirable that you decided to complete the test, and I am glad your judge encouraged you to keep going.

Now let’s talk about your final salute and dismount. Dismounting inside your competition arena after your test has started is prohibited and will always result in immediate elimination: your ride is not officially concluded until you exit the arena at A. The correct procedure after completing your final halt and salute is to leave the arena at the walk on a loose rein. If you dropped something during your test, it is appropriate to tell your judge or the ring steward after your ride, and they will have someone gather the item for you. Only dismount once you have a tack check if one is required (usually right outside the arena), and you are away from the competition arena. In this case, even after all you went through, your judge had no choice but to eliminate you.

It sounds like you kept a positive attitude and were planning to start the next day anew. Treating yourself to some new equestrian gear sounds well-deserved. Unfortunately, the USEF has a number of rulings about legal and illegal equipment and attire for horse and rider, and if you violate the rules, you will be eliminated. While there is no ruling on socks, as they are hidden by your riding boots, the 2025 rules for shirts state that they may be of any color or pattern. If the management has made jackets optional and you have elected not to wear one, your shirt must have sleeves (long or short) and a collar.

If you are not wearing a jacket, you also would not wear any neckwear. So, according to the rules, it sounds like your new fun shirt was legal. Unfortunately, the regulations for saddle pads are more stringent. Surprisingly, saddle pads themselves are optional, but I have never seen anyone go without one. The rules state that pad should be white or of a conservative color and that contrast piping and colors are permitted. However, stripes, multi-colors, patterns, and shiny or reflective materials are not permitted in the competition arena. Your judge must follow the rules, and the rules clearly state that equipment and dress code violations inside the competition arena will entail mandatory elimination. Again, your judge handled the situation appropriately.

You had quite a learning experience at your first rated show. No, your judge did not have it in for you: all the discrepancies were correctly handled. I hope this clarifies all your concerns, and now you know for the future! All the rules may be found on the USEF rulebook online, which is an excellent and informative read for all competitors. I hope you will get back out soon, now that you understand a little more about recognized dressage shows. Remember your number, use a caller if you are worried about forgetting your test, and know the correct way to retire if you need to. Finally, always stay on your horse, and save your fun pad for schooling at home.

Good luck at your next show.

Dear Amy,
I am competing in dressage at Third Level. I have been riding Third Level Test One and Third Level Test Three, and I am excited to be qualified for the Regionals. In my most recent show, I decided to ride my tests by memory (my first time without a caller) in practice for the championships, where readers are not permitted. I rode Test One first, and then I rode Test Three. I thought I had nice rides on both tests, but when I got back my Test Three sheet, I was surprised to see that I had an error in my flying change, with the comment that I was riding on the wrong line, and two points were deducted from my score. I realized afterwards that I must have accidentally ridden the flying change the way it is called for in Test One, instead of the way it is called for in Test Three, so I did deserve an error. However, I was very confused because I thought that when you got an error, the judge had to ring the bell, and she never did. What’s even more confusing is that I made the same mistake in the other direction and did not receive an error that time, although I did earn a low score. Can you explain why this might have happened?

There was another thing that surprised me. The judge made a comment that warned me that my bridle numbers were too small – I have my own decorative bridle numbers, and I have been using them for years with no problem. Is there a new ruling on this, or something else I should know?
Third Level

Dear Third Level,
Congratulations on being qualified for the Regionals, especially at Third Level! What a good idea to practice showing your test without a reader. As you can see, it is very important to know your patterns. Practicing riding without a whip is also a good idea if you normally carry one, as that is also forbidden at the Regionals.

First, let’s talk about errors. An error is when you make a mistake in your test, either by riding the wrong pattern, or by performing the wrong gait or movement. When you have an error, the judge may ring the bell, stop you, explain what is wrong, and then send you back to finish your test correctly. Errors may be divided into two general groups: errors of test and errors of course. An error of course would throw off the entire pattern – say you turn left when you should have turned right, or forget to make a turn to go across the diagonal, or just get lost. An error of test would be an error that does not disrupt the pattern – say, you canter instead of trot, or ride a diagonal all the way across the ring to one of the letters near the corner, when the test calls for a diagonal line to one of the letters between the middle and the corner.

When there is an error of course, the judge will sound the bell and stop your test because otherwise, you would not be able to proceed correctly. When there is an error of test, your judge may, at his or her discretion, elect not to sound the bell so as not to disrupt the flow of your ride, but will still penalize you with an error. It is important to know, however, that if the judge does not ring the bell to stop you, if you make the same mistake going the other direction, the judge may not count that as an error against you, but is free to mark down your score for inaccuracy. In National tests, your first error will incur two points off your final score; your second error will cost you four more points, and if you have a third error, you will be eliminated.

Third Level is when the flying change is introduced, and it is required in both Test One and Test Three, in a pattern that is similar but not the same. In both tests, the changes are asked for in both directions, and they happen on a diagonal line; however, they are not asked for on the same line. In Test One, the first flying change happens directly after a 10-meter circle on a right lead canter at V, which is halfway between the first letter after the corner (K) and the middle letter (E) on the long side of the arena. After the circle, you take a half diagonal towards R, which is the letter between the middle on the opposite side (B) and the corner (M). You ask for a flying change between the centerline and R. The second flying change is a mirror image: you make a 10-meter circle on the left lead at P (the letter between the first letter after the corner, F, and the middle, B), and then head toward S (halfway between E in the middle and H near the corner) and perform your flying change between the centerline and S. This movement and scoring box has a coefficient of 2.

In Test Three (your championship test) for your first flying change, you come from a half circle of 10 meters to the left from I to S (I is opposite S on the center line) and then head on a diagonal line toward F, which is the letter on the long side right before the corner. You ask for your flying change at, or around, the center line. Again, going the other way, the flying change is a mirror image. You make your half circle on the right lead from I to R (opposite S and halfway between the middle (B) and the last letter, M), and make your flying change at or near the center line while riding across the diagonal to K, the last letter before the corner. In this test, the movement also has a coefficient of two.

You might be surprised how many competitors make errors even with a reader. Third Level Test One and Three can be particularly confusing, especially if you are riding them both at the same show: it is easy to ride the diagonal to the wrong letter. I am sure your judge had your best interest in mind when she did not sound the bell, and probably hoped that you would recognize your mistake for your second flying change going the other direction. Since the judge did not ring the bell when you made your first error, she was not allowed to give you an error for the same mistake in the other direction, but marked you down for inaccuracy instead. I hope this answers your concerns about errors – I am sure you won’t want to make the same mistakes again, so it is a great idea to keep practicing without a reader and continue to familiarize yourself with the championship test so you will be confident and prepared by the time you go to the Regionals.

As far as bridle numbers go, yes, there is a new rule that was passed recently and will go into effect on December 1, 2025. (DR.121.19) According to this new rule, each digit of a number must be a minimum of 1.5 inches tall and 3/8ths of an inch wide. The numbers cannot be obscured by the encasement or holder. Before this rule goes into effect, please confirm the size and legibility of your numbers and replace them if they do not comply with the updated regulations. Remember, it is always appropriate and appreciated to check in with your steward in your warm-up, and when you are going around the apron of the arena to present yourself to the judge and state your number.
Good luck at the Regionals!

Dear Amy,

I recently went to a dressage competition where I entered Third Level, Test 2. This level and test are
a step up for me. I thought I had a lovely ride! My horse was very steady and happily listened to my
aids. I was very surprised to see my score was not as high as I had hoped and expected. After
reviewing my test sheet I saw that I had received very low marks for my “renvers” both to the left and
to the right. The comment said I was on wrong bend and angle. I think my horse was doing exactly
what I asked, so this makes me think maybe I do not know how to do the renvers correctly. Could you
please explain how to get a good score for this movement?

The other place where I had low marks was on the “circle with a clear release.” My test sheet said
“not to be ridden or confused with a stretch circle.” I am thinking maybe I do not understand what is
meant by a “clear release,” and I am not sure what I need to do differently. Could you please explain
how to ride this movement and what the judge is looking for?
–Stepping Up

Dear Stepping,
Congratulations for making the move to Third Level. With this level comes a few additional new movements: extended gaits, half passes, and single flying changes. Also, you now have the option to compete in a double bridle. Specifically, in Third Level, Test 2, there are three new elements introduced: Renvers left and right, and a release of reins at the canter on right lead.

Let’s take a look at renvers. This movement can be ridden in the walk, trot, and canter. In this test, it is judged only at the trot. So what is renvers? In this movement, the horse’s hindquarters remain on the track, while the forehand moves off the track to the inside of the arena. Let’s imagine you are tracking left and want to do a renvers along the long side of the arena. In a correctly ridden renvers, the horse should be traveling at a 35 degree angle to the track, and his body should be bent slightly around the rider’s right leg. At the correct bend and angle, the horse will be looking straight ahead toward the short side of the arena. Viewed from the front or the back, the horse’s legs should be moving on four separate tracks.

The renvers only appears in one standard USDF dressage test, Third Level Test 2, and the test sets up the movement to make it easier to perform correctly. In both directions, you will be on the long side performing a shoulders-in, and then you switch to the renvers. The horse’s shoulders are already off the track, so you just need to add more angle and change the bend. For example, if you are tracking to the left, you would start your shoulder-in with your horse bent around your left leg and at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the track. When you transition to the renvers, you add a bit more angle and change the bend so that the horse is slightly bent around your right leg and his head is looking straight ahead in the direction he is going.

The renvers has a coefficient of two for both the left and right direction, and the shoulder-in has its own separate scoring box. These movements are worth a lot of points, and will also be taken into consideration when doing the final collective marks. Whether you show Third 2 or not, it is a wonderful exercise to understand and be able to execute as you move up the levels, since it encourages engagement. It sounds to me from your judge’s comments that you might have been accidentally riding a different movement, called the travers or haunches-in. In this movement, the horse is slightly bent around the rider’s inside leg and moves at a consistent angle of 35 degrees from the track, which can be seen from the front or the back. The travers (which dressage riders almost always call the haunches-in) appears in the Second Level at the trot. The big difference between the renvers and the travers is that in the travers, it is the forehand that remains on the track and the haunches that are moved inward. The horse’s outside legs pass and cross in front of the inside legs. This is also a good schooling movement that may be executed in the walk, trot, or canter.

Now let’s talk about the release circle. This can easily be confused and ridden as a stretch circle, which is a movement seen in Training and First Level tests. In a stretch circle, you allow your reins to lengthen as your horse stretches his or her neck forward and downward until the mouth is at the level of the point of the shoulder or lower. In a properly ridden stretch circle, you maintain a light contact with the horse’s mouth at all times. A stretch circle is good for training and is often used at the end of a schooling session.

The release circle required in Third Level, Test 2 is quite different. In this test, you are asked to perform the canter right lead on a 20-meter circle, “showing a clear release of both reins for 4 to 5 strides over the centerline.” In a properly ridden release circle, you must show a clear loop in the reins for four or five strides, with no contact at all. The horse should maintain the same frame, demonstrating self-carriage and keeping the rhythm, tempo, and quality of the gait. The release circle has a coefficient of two, so it is worth double points, and its performance will also be taken into consideration in the final collective marks. From your judge’s comment, I believe you may have performed a stretch circle rather than a release circle. Since these three movements have coefficients, they will greatly affect your final percentage. They are particularly important because they are movements that are introduced at this level and represent new steps along your dressage journey. I hope this has helped to clarify the necessary adjustments you will have to make to improve your score and be even more comfortable and competitive at this test.
Good luck as you reach new levels!