If you are a visual learner it may be hard to memorize your dressage test from only a call sheet. I find that by diagramming the test side-by-side with the movement description, it helps me memorize the test better. I hope it helps you too.

Visit the USDF site for the official test sheets. Review the official tests so you have a clear understanding of what the judges are looking for at your level (the Purpose at the top of each test) as well as the important directive information for each movement.

Suggested ways to use these diagrams and other hints for memorizing your tests.

• Print sheets and place them back-to-back into a top-loading sheet protector.
• Print front back onto matte photo paper and laminate, laminate, laminate.
• Download the pdfs and save them to your tablet.
• Search for videos online of people riding your test and watch the pattern (don't judge the riding :-) ).
• Ask a friend to video or consider investing in something like Pivo to video you and your horse riding your test (don't be hard on yourself) and focus on the pattern and your timing so you can be prepared for each movement.
• Be your own horse! Find an open space such as your barn aisle, a conference room, an empty tennis court, or a patch of sand on the beach. Mark out a mini dressage arena with a 1:3 dimension ratio. Walk, trot and canter your test in your mini arena. Ignore the looks you get from the people around you!

Random Resources

• Click here for printable blank arena diagrams (20x40 and 20x60).
• If you have a relatively flat outdoor space you would like to use for a dressage arena, here is a Facebook post I did about how I set up an arena in one of our fields.

You've got this! You are that rider!