Editing Dressage (section)

=== Tests ===
Dressage tests are the formalized sequence of a number of dressage [[Riding figures|movements]] used in competition. Although horses and riders are competing against each other, tests are completed by one horse and rider combination at a time, and horses and riders are judged against a common standard, rather than having their performance scored relative to the other competitors.

At the upper levels, tests for international competitions, including the Olympics, are issued under the auspices of the [[International Federation for Equestrian Sports|FEI]]. At the lower levels, and as part of dressage training each country authorizes its own set of tests. For example, in the US it is the [[United States Equestrian Federation]] and the [[United States Dressage Federation]]. In Great Britain, dressage is overseen by [[British Dressage]]. [[Pony Club]]s also produce their own tests, including basic walk/trot tests which cater for child riders.

Each test is segmented into a number of sequential blocks which may contain one or more movements. Each block is generally scored between zero and ten on a scale such as the following:<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2013/08-DR.pdf| title = 2013 USEF Rule Book, dressage division, Rule DR-122| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130808152050/http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2013/08-DR.pdf| archive-date = August 8, 2013| url-status = dead}}</ref>
*10 Excellent
*9 Very good
*8 Good
*7 Fairly good
*6 Satisfactory
*5 Marginal
*4 Insufficient
*3 Fairly Bad
*2 Bad
*1 Very bad
*0 Not executed

Since 2011, all international tests, and some national tests have also allowed half marks (0.5 – 9.5) in all blocks.

Along with each mark a "comment" may be given, which can describe things a rider and horse lack during the movement, or what they have. Any of the definitions of each numeric mark can only be used in the comment if the mark corresponds with the definition.

In addition to marks for the dressage movements, marks are also awarded for more general attributes such as the horse's gaits, submission, impulsion and the rider's performance. Some segments are given increased weight by the use of a multiplier, or coefficient. Coefficients are typically given a value of 2, which then doubles the marks given for that segment.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2009/08-DR.pdf| title = United States Equestrian Federation, 2009 Dressage Rules. Accessed October 21, 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081031174913/http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2009/08-DR.pdf| archive-date = October 31, 2008| url-status = dead}}</ref> Movements that are given a coefficient are generally considered to be particularly important to the horse's progression in training, and should be competently executed prior to moving up to the next level of competition. The scores for the general attributes of gait, submission, impulsion, and rider performance mentioned above are scored using a coefficient.