Fairfields Farm Riding School Open Dressage Series.

What a day! The first show of our Open Summer Dressage Series kicked off on Sunday, 8th June, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start. Glorious weather, beautifully turned-out horses, and an encouraging crowd made for a super first show.

A huge well done to everyone who took part, whether it was your first time down the centre line or your fiftieth, you all did us proud.

Winners of Intro A Class

Here’s a quick rundown of the dressage classes in our series:

Class 1 & 2: intro A & B (led or unled)

These tests are walk and trot only, no canter required, making them perfect for novice riders or inexperienced horses still building confidence. Each test features 20m circles, transitions, centre lines, changes of rein and a nice stretchy free walk.

Judges want to see balance, bend, and responsiveness to the aids, not perfection. And if your horse isn’t yet working in an outline, don’t worry — Intro is still a brilliant place to start!

Winner of Intro B - Manda & Muffin

Class 3 & 4: Prelim 7 & 18

Is the next step up, introducing a working canter into the tests. Canter work appears on 20m circles and straight lines, with some of the more challenging Prelim tests including changes of rein in canter, but still no counter-canter.

Trot work becomes more varied, with serpentines, smaller circles, changes of rein and the introduction of give and retake of the reins to show balance and connection.

Mother and Daughter

Class 5: Novice 28

At the Novice level, we start to see the introduction of lengthened strides in both trot and canter. This means the horse’s frame and stride should lengthen slightly, without hollowing or falling onto the forehand. You’re only expected to “show some strides,” so there’s no need to ride lengthened paces from marker to marker.

Judges are looking for a clear difference between your working and lengthened trot or canter but not an extended pace, so don’t worry if your horse isn’t quite ready to fully stretch yet.

Novice tests also introduce more technical elements such as counter canter, 10m circles in trot, give and retake of the reins in both trot and canter, and half 15m circles in canter. Some of the more advanced Novice tests may also include walk to canter transitions, a real test of balance and responsiveness.

New Extended School at Fairfields Farm Riding School and Livery

A massive well done to everyone who competed, and a big thank you to our brilliant judges, Sam and Sue from Windmill Farm, for their helpful, supportive feedback throughout the day.

We’re already looking forward to Show 2 on Sunday, 20th July, so get your entries in early as spaces are limited. Whether you're aiming to top the leaderboard or just to enjoy the ride, we can’t wait to welcome you back.

– The Fairfields Farm Team 🐴