prelim 2 dressage test

So—You’ve Signed Up for a Prelim 2 Dressage Test. Now What, Love?

Ever trotted into the arena, heart doing the Macarena, sheet clutched in sweaty gloves, only to realise *you’ve got the wrong test printed*—and it’s not even the same level? Yeah. We’ve all been there—or at least, enough of us have that “prelim 2 dressage test” is now typed into Google more often than “how to calm a spooked pony” (and that’s saying something). Let’s be real: Prelim isn’t Grand Prix. It’s not even Medium. But it’s where *real* dressage begins—not just “go round, don’t fall off,” but *“show us ye can halt without skidding, and for heaven’s sake, keep yer circles *round*.”* It’s the sweet spot where ambition meets achievable. And yes—it’s absolutely possible to score 60% *and* feel like a proper equestrian wizard.

Prelim 1, Prelim 2, Prelim 12—Wait, What’s the Difference?

Right—first things first. No, prelim 12 is *not* the same as prelim 2 dressage test. That “12”? It’s not a level—it’s the *test number*. British Dressage (BD) uses a numbering system: Prelim *Level* has Tests 1, 2, 3… all the way up to 13 (and yes, 12 exists—it’s just… niche). Test 1 is the gentlest intro: halt–walk–trot–canter, big 20m circles, minimal transitions. Test 2? Slightly more spice: introduces *free walk* on a long rein, a *medium walk*, *and* that cheeky 10m circle in trot before cantering. Test 12? Oh, that one’s a wildcard—often used for winter league or regional quirks. Always, *always* check the BD booklet—or their app—before printing. Printing the wrong sheet is like turning up to a job interview in wellies. Embarrassing. Avoidable.

The Anatomy of a Prelim 2 Dressage Test: What’s Actually on the Sheet?

Let’s walk through it—*literally*. A standard prelim 2 dressage test (BD code: *Prelim Test 2*) looks like this:

1. Enter at A in *working trot*
2. Track right, 20m circle at C
3. Working trot, short side, X–A
4. Halt–salute at A
5. Proceed in *medium walk*
6. Free walk on a long rein, E–B
7. Working trot at B
8. 10m circle left at C
9. Working canter left, E–B
10. Working trot at B, 20m circle right at A
11. Working canter right, B–E
12. Working trot at E, medium walk at A
13. Halt–salute at A, leave at A

See? No flying changes. No half-pass. Just *clean transitions*, *balanced circles*, and *rhythm*. The devil’s in the detail—like keeping that 10m circle *actually* 10m, not “vaguely egg-shaped.” Judges *notice*. And they mark accordingly.

Is Prelim 2 the *Easiest*? Well—It Depends on Your Pony

Statistically? Yes—prelim 2 dressage test is *among* the easiest BD tests. But “easiest” is relative. Test 1 has *no free walk*, *no 10m circle*, and *only one canter transition*. For a nervous or green horse? Test 1 might be gentler. But for a pony who *loves* stretching forward in free walk and can hold a steady 10m circle? Test 2 can actually *score higher*—because the free walk is a generous movement (if done well), and judges reward boldness in the small circle. Fun fact: in 2024 BD regional data, average score for Test 1 was **58.2%**, Test 2 was **59.7%**, Test 3 (with simple changes) dipped to **56.4%**. So—Test 2? Often the *sweet spot* for first-timers wanting a confidence boost *and* a decent score.

What Judges *Actually* Look For (It’s Not Just “Don’t Fall Off”)

Here’s the tea: a prelim 2 dressage test is marked on *four* key pillars—per the BD scale:

The rest? Individual movements. That 10m circle? Worth up to 10 marks. Free walk? Up to 10. Canter transition? 8. Nail those, and yer score climbs—fast. Miss the *medium walk* (yes, it’s distinct from free walk), and… well. Deductions happen. Quietly. Ruthlessly.

Is 63% a Good Dressage Score? Let’s Talk Real Talk

At Prelim? 63% isn’t just good—it’s *bloody brilliant*. Nationally, the average Prelim score in 2024 sat at **57.3%** (BD annual report). Break it down:

• 50–55%: Solid pass. “Did the thing. Didn’t implode.”
• 56–60%: Good. Shows training. Judges nod approvingly.
• 61–65%: Very good. Often qualifies for regional finals.
• 66%+: Excellent. Might get a “Well ridden!” scribbled on the sheet.

So yes—63% on a prelim 2 dressage test? That’s medal territory at many local shows. Frame it. Brag (tastefully). Buy the pony an extra carrot. And *definitely* don’t listen to that one person who says, *“Oh, I got 72% at Novice once…”* Smile. Nod. Walk away. They’re lying—or riding a Grand Prix schoolmaster in disguise.

Has *Anyone* Ever Got 100% in Dressage? (Spoiler: Technically, Yes…)

Short answer: *Yes*—but not in BD, and not recently. Long answer: The last perfect 100% in international dressage was at the 1976 Montreal Olympics—Christine Stückelberger on *Granat*, in the *team* Grand Prix (not individual). Since then? Judges got stricter. Score inflation cracked down. BD’s highest *recorded* Prelim score? **78.6%** (Suffolk league, 2022)—on a 20yo Connemara who’d done 112 tests. But 100%? Nah. A perfect sheet would need *every movement* scored 10/10 *and* all four collectives at 10/10—meaning flawless rhythm, total submission, zero resistance, *and* the rider looking like they’re breathing through their spine. Possible? In theory. Likely? About as likely as yer pony volunteering to muck out *its own* stable.

Top Tips from the Arena: How to Nail That 10m Circle (Without Crying)

The 10m circle in trot? The make-or-break of the prelim 2 dressage test. Common pitfalls:

• Oval-itis: Drifting wide on the open side. Fix: Pick *two* markers (e.g., C and quarterline), not just one.
• Speed wobble: Pony speeds up mid-circle. Fix: Half-halt *before* entering—like tapping the brakes before a roundabout.
• Inside shoulder fall: Pony drifts in. Fix: More inside leg → outside rein. Think: “push into the holding hand.”

Drill it at home: trot 20m circle → shrink to 15m → shrink to 10m. Then reverse. Do it in rising *and* sitting trot. And—crucial—*count the strides*. A true 10m circle in trot should be ~8–10 strides. Fewer? Too big. More? Too small. Or—let’s be honest—yer pony’s doing the cha-cha.

The Free Walk: Where Points Are Won (or Lost in a Gallop)

Ah, the free walk. Sounds easy—*“just let ‘em stretch, yeah?”*—but it’s a minefield. Judges want: clear lengthening of frame, ground-covering stride, poll as lowest point, and no rushing. What often happens? Pony sees the exit, thinks “freedom!”, and bolts. Or—worse—drops behind the leg, shuffles like it’s walking through treacle. Pro tip: practice *transitioning* into free walk *from medium walk* (not halt!). Keep light contact until the stretch begins. And *do not* let the reins clatter—feed them smoothly, like pouring custard. A good free walk can net 8–9 marks. A bad one? 4. That’s a *4-point swing*. Worth practising.

From Our Stables to Yours: Keep Learning, Keep Riding

Whether you’re prepping for your first prelim 2 dressage test or just curious how bodies (human or equine) tick, we’re here for the long ride. Dive deeper at the Riding London homepage—your hub for all things equestrian, health, and quietly brilliant. Explore our growing Learn section for no-fluff guides on test prep, biomechanics, and why your left stirrup *always* slips. And if anatomy’s your jam, our piece on lower left belly pain possible causes explained blends medical insight with that same down-to-earth tone we love. Stay balanced, stay bold—and remember: every Grand Prix rider started with a wobbly 10m circle.

References

• https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/tests/levels/prelim
• https://www.fei.org/fei/your-role/athletes/dressage/rules
• https://researchonline.rvc.ac.uk/id/eprint/14287/
• https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/about/education/scoring