QUESTION: I have a question concerning diagonals. When doing the loops in test four, should I change diagonals back and forth depending on how the horse is bent? Also, when changing direction across the ring, should I change the diagonal at X or wait until I am ready to make the turn at the end?
Answer submitted by Kerry Petty:
In training level test four you DO NOT change your diagonal as you do not cross the centerline but are staying on one rein through the entire movement though you do change the bend.
It is your choice of where you change your diagonal in the test BUT I have my students change after they reach the new direction for 2 reasons. 1) Many when they sit at training level the horse seems to think of this is the time to canter so the horse hops into canter. 2) Also some students still have a tendency to look down when they change diagonals and this could cause the horse to take a crooked step or two.
I also have students to not check their diagonal after the halt but to wait until after the turn at C and AFTER the corner so again the rider can concentrate on keeping the horse straight on the C-line just like keeping the horse straight as you change rein across the diagonal.
But above all REMEMBER you can not be counted off for being on the 'wrong' diagonal as in some countries it is their practice to post on the inside diagonal.
Answer from Sue Hughes:
To me, the posting diagonal in a dressage test is a non-issue. There is no requirement or even discussion of this in the rules. Therefore, in my
opinion, any judge who mentions this subject is on the wrong path.
So on the long diagonals, change wherever you wish - if you change at all - simply to keep the horse balancing into the new outside aids. The same applies to the loop figure. I believe that the loop intends that the horse and rider show a small degree of lateral flexibility as well as the ability to ride
that figure accurately. It is a challenge to get to X and through the corners at both ends in a balanced relaxed manner.
Hope this helps.