Dressage
Dressage is “the highest expression of horse training” where “horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements.”
What is dressage?
Dressage is the art of partnership on horseback, focusing on precise, harmonious movements between horse and rider. Unlike showjumping, dressage is judged on accuracy, suppleness, rhythm, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection – with scores given for each movement out of 10, plus overall impressions.
Whether you’re a beginner learning basic walk, trot, and canter or an advanced rider performing flying changes and piaffe, dressage builds effective communication and control. As an Olympic equestrian sport, it provides a strong foundation for other disciplines like Horse Trials/Eventing (dressage is one of the three phases) and Show Jumping (improved balance and control over fences).
Getting started is simple and welcoming – join a local Pony Club Victoria club for rallies, training, and coaching tailored to all ages and levels.
Skills you’ll learn
Dressage develops essential skills for both rider and horse, with a focus on fun, safety, and welfare.
These skills progress step-by-step through the grades, building from basic harmony to advanced elegance.
Competition
Riders compete individually or in teams (Club, Zone, State, and National levels). Competitions follow PCV Dressage Rules, with tests performed from memory in an enclosed arena with letters marked around arena to guide each movement.
Scoring is based on the directive of each movement out of 10, with some movements having a co-efficient to be worth more points. Judges are also looking for obedience of the pony, accuracy and smoothness of the test, as well as position and control of the rider. The total score is turned into a percentage, with higher percentages placing higher. Events that involve dressage include club rallies, dressage days, zone qualifiers, combined trainings, horse trials, the PCV State Dressage & Showjumping Championships, and the Pony Club Australia National Championships.
Competitors must use current official tests, and horses/ponies must be sound and fit. Organising committees often provide printed colour tests for judges (optional).
Progression
Pony Club Victoria offers a clear, step-by-step grading system with seven levels (Grade 6 to Advanced).
Beginners start in smaller arenas (40m x 20m) with basic tests, progressing to larger 60m x 20m arenas and more complex movements. Progression aligns with the Pony Club Australia Syllabus of Instruction, emphasizing skill-building, safety, and horse welfare. Coaches use the syllabus for progressive lessons at rallies.
Dressage Rules
FAQs
Qualify through club/zone events using the required tests. Check the PCV calendar for entries and details.
Yes! No advanced equipment is needed — just enthusiasm and a pony. Clubs welcome all levels.
https://ponyclubvic.org.au/dressage/dressage-tests for all current downloadable tests.
Ordinary snaffles are standard; refer to the current National Gear Rules (updated periodically) and PCV Dressage Rules for specifics on bits, saddles, and permitted items.
