Dressage & Intermediate class

Changes in 2023

20 Jan 2023

No Intermediate classes in 2023

Following much consultation with members and overwhelming support at the AGM, it was decided that there will be no Intermediate classes for singles at BC Regional and National Events in 2023. This does not affect what your Club may choose to offer.

This has implications for anyone currently driving at Intermediate level, or who is due to move from Novice to Intermediate.  Also for people bringing on a new horse.

New dressage tests

There will be an Entry and an Exit Level dressage test in Novice and Open Classes at Regional and National events to ease the transition during 2023.

These tests will be called Novice A, Novice B, Open A and Open B. In subsequent years the normal progression rules outlined in the Rule Book will apply.

Current Intermediate drivers:

You have a choice of moving to either Open A dressage or Novice B dressage tests. It is up to you. Discuss the options with your trainer.

The Novice B dressage will use the same track as the BC Test 2 (2022) that you are used to. There are some slight tweaks to it that encourage better progression.

The Open A dressage will use nearly the same track as the BC Open Singles (2021). The canter will be removed for the 2023 season.

Drivers due to move to Intermediate:

You also have a choice. You may remain in Novice, driving the Novice B test or you can move to the Open A test in the Open class.

Open Drivers with a new, inexperienced, novice horse:

You can drive in the Novice class driving Novice A (HC), Novice B (competitively), or Open A.

Open Pairs classes

Following representations from current Open Pairs drivers, it has been agreed that at Open level there will be a choice of Pairs Test. This is similar to the entry and exit tests for the Singles drivers. Pair Drivers can choose either Open Pairs A (2023) or Open Pairs B (FEI 2* HP2-P4).

New dressage tests

The new amended dressage tests are now available to download:

Go to the BC dressage test page >>

If you are unsure which class you should be in or which test you should be driving, please email patti.atkinson@britishcarriagedriving.co.uk