Levels And Scoring In Dressage And Western Dressage For Stock Horse Breeds

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90 – November/December, 2026

By Marie-Frances Davis

As the events of Dressage and Western Dressage have begun to gain traction in the Stock Horse Breeds, especially AQHA, for more than seventeen and seven years respectively, and APHA not far behind with Dressage, and Western Dressage coming in 2027, the levels of competition and the scoring process must be visited to completely understand the benefits of the training being evaluated in competition.

Dressage tests are written and published by the United States Dressage Federation, and Western Dressage tests are written and published by the Western Dressage Association of America. The tests act as a check on the progress of the horse as it moves up the levels. As the tests advance and call for more difficulty in movements, so do the skills of the rider. For these reasons, not only are singular elements scored in the test, but collective marks also include position of and correct use of aids from the rider. Hence, a picture of grace and harmony as the pair becomes one.

In both Dressage and Western Dressage, the Introductory Levels call for walk and trot or walk and jog. The introduction of the canter comes at Training Level in Dressage, and the lope at Basic Level in Western Dressage. Similarly, the First through Fourth Levels in Dressage, and Levels 1-4 in Western Dressage gradually build the horse’s training with lateral movements, advanced transitions, and collection. Beyond Level 4 in Dressage, the International, or FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) Levels–and Level 5 and 6 in Western Dressage–house the utmost collected movements including pirouettes and flying changes of lead.

In Dressage, for non-FEI tests, there are 3 tests per level. In Western Dressage, there are 4 tests per level. Each level lists its purpose, and each test within the level lists its new requirements. For even more guidance, each movement is clearly explained with a directive as to what is being judged within that movement. These tools give a clear and concise path to advancing the training of the horse and skills of the rider as well as understanding the reason for a certain score along with space for the judge’s remarks. Coincidentally, both the USDF and WDAA tests are new in 2027, and they will remain in place for 4 years.

Click here to read the complete article
90 – November/December, 2026