Moving to the next level

[alove4horses]

So my horse and I have done a couple schooling shows at training level. Our scores are in the high 50's. How long do I keep having to ride training level before I can move up? Do I keeping at it until next year then move up to first level? We have started working on our leg yields. Just wondering what the rule of thumb here is.

[SamanthaSky]

I would not move up from training level until I could score consistently in the 60's. I make my students get consitantly over 65% before I allow them to move up. It's only training level, it does not get any easier then that.

[alove4horses]

oh I would not want you as my instructor- over 65%? I would never leave this forsaken level!

[horse99]

For me, I like to be able to at least get a few scores in the mid 60's before I think of moving up. Everyone is different, some folks will never make it past first or second level, some folks will not get past training level and that's totally fine. If you feel like you have a good handle on the concepts of training level, and your horse is consistent in the high 50's, maybe make a few scores over 60 your goal then, and then move up. If you are not super competitive and this is not exactly the Olympics, keep it fun and engaging for both you and your horse.

[ThisOnesWild]

Yes, agreed. You should be scoring mid 60's consistantly before you move up the levels. Dressage is a discpline. Skipping levels in a hurry to move up will only hurt you in the long run when it comes time to do the upper level work. Be a master of your craft not a cheat in a hurry to go now where.