The dressage arena used for driving is larger than that used for ridden dressage. For novices it is 80 x 40 metres and for most other tests it's 100 x 40 meters.DRESSAGE
The dressage arena used for driving is larger than that used for ridden dressage. For novices it is 80 x 40 metres and for most other tests it's 100 x 40 meters.
Judges look out for accuracy of the movements prescribed in the dressage test, which includes circles, half-circles and serpentines, driven at various speeds and paces - from walk to extended trot. Other manoeuvres include circles driven one-handed, serpentines, halts and rein-backs (reversing).
Each movement is awarded marks out of 10. At the end, all points are added and the total is subtracted from 150 (maximum score) to give the final mark. The competitor with the lowest mark is therefore the winner of the dressage phase.
Further penalties may be added for errors of course or dismounting of grooms. All turnouts must carry a groom (two grooms for teams of horses or ponies) who must remain seated throughout the test and may not speak or sign to the driver.
