QUESTION: "I have been riding Training Level for a couple years and I want to try moving up to First Level. I know the expectations are higher, but what is the judge looking for in a First Level Horse and Rider?"
Answer submitted by Kerry Petty:
If you check the front of the test for 1st level and the USDF rule book 1st level horse must show they are developing thrust. They are showing more balance coming from behind and this is why lengthenings are included in these tests. Also the circles are smaller so more bending is required. The biggest mistake riders make is since they are tired of doing training level they would like to move up. That is certainly understandable but not the reason to move up. You move up because your horse is comfortable doing the requirements of 1st level. As a rule for showing and doing well you need to be schooling a level above what you show. This provides that both you and your horse under the stress of showing find the level you are showing fairly easy to handle.
Answer submitted by Sue Hughes:
The First Level horse needs to show a Little more engagement behind. This is achieved by a growing amount of strength because the new requirement is to produce Thrust. That is necessary for the lengthenings, which are a new bigger development of the gait.
This better engagement will lift the wither s little more than the training level horse shows. In other words, the back to front balance will be a little more uphill. The danger lies in riders thinking that if they get the neck up that will do. It will NOT. The neck needs to come up and out of the higher withers and improved longitudinal balance.
The horse needs to be a little more laterally supple. Read the trot figures to see the new demands of tighter bending lines. In addition Every trot figure in First Level demands a change of lateral balance/bend. My expression of this is that the horse has to put its weight from one set of lateral (outside) legs to the other. The ribs have to move out as well. A more traditional way of saying this is that the horse has to move through its length from one set of outside aides to the other. I do not say just "outside rein" because the horse has to move into the new "outside leg" as well.
In First Level the transition need to be more clear in the clarity of the rhythm between the gaits and well as in consistency of the back to front balance.
The improvement in all three of these areas will happen if the rider/trainer remembers the old reliable thoughts - ride from back to front, get the horses' legs going correctly first, and apply your aids legs before reins and release and trust.