The objective
To show a horse trained so well that its movements look effortless — moving forward, balanced and responsive to nearly invisible aids.
Format and scoring
Riders perform a set pattern called a test in a marked arena. Judges score each movement from 0 to 10; results are given as a percentage. At top levels, the freestyle is ridden to music.
Words to know
Piaffe: a trot on the spot. Passage: a slow, elevated trot. Pirouette: a turn on the haunches at canter. Collection and extension: shortening and lengthening the stride.
Following the action
Look for steady rhythm, a soft contact and a relaxed horse. Live scores often update after each movement.
Sources
- FEI Dressage rules — Fédération Équestre Internationale
- United States Dressage Federation — USDF
By National Horse Co. Editorial Team · Checked against cited sources 2026-10-03. National Horse Co. is not affiliated with the organizations cited.