Riders pay attention: the FEI has released its new dressage tests for 2027. They will be applicable as of 1 January 2027.
Review of Almost Two-Decade Old Tests
Over the past 12 months, the FEI Dressage Test Writing Group has carefully reviewed the FEI Dressage Tests and evaluated the proposed amendments through a live test riding evaluation
The primary objective of this review was to ensure that the tests remain aligned with the agreed Object of Dressage, while updating their technical requirements to include movements that better demonstrate suppleness, balance and self-carriage. The revisions also seek to ensure an appropriate progression of technical difficulty across the different competition levels, in accordance with the Dressage Scale of Training.
Major Changes in FEI Level Tests
At the highest level (CDI 3* and above), the Grand Prix, the biggest addition is that a stretch circle has been added at the end of the test, while the line of the extended walk has been revised to make the collected walk more clearly visible to the judges.
The Medium tour (CDI 2*) has undergone a name change which on first sight doesn't make much sense due to overlap, but "what's in a name," right? The current Intermediate A and B tests are replaced by Intermediate II A and Intermediate II B, while a new Grand Prix A test will be used for CDI2* events and CDIAm (Diamond Tour).
For the Prix St Georges (CDI 1*) the test remains largely unchanged, with a give-and-retake of the reins added at the end. Same for the Young Riders Team test (= PSG) which remains unchanged, with the addition of a stretch circle that may be performed in either sitting or rising trot. In the Intermediaire I there has been a give-and-retake of the reins added to complement the stretch circle included in the PSG.
At Junior level a new preliminary test has been designed for regions where the sport is developing. It includes long, stretched trot half-passes, flying changes performed between markers and a stretch circle at the end. The junior team test is unchanged, the individual test has a coefficient introduced for the simple change.
At Pony level only the individual test has a revised trot section and a Rein back and a stretch circle have been included.
At Children level the Preliminary A test has one give-and-retake of the reins on a diagonal in working trot added and the trot serpentine has been simplified from four loops to three, with the second part of the test mirrored accordingly. The Preliminary B test remains largely unchanged, with a revised simple-change exercise requiring a transition from counter canter into 7–9 walk steps, replacing the previous 16-metre walk. A stretch circle has been included. The team test is unchanged, the individual test has a revised canter section as the counter-canter serpentines and the simple change from counter canter to counter canter were considered too demanding, particularly for younger children riding taller horses.
Changes to Young Horse and Developing Horse Tests
For Developing Grand Prix Horses aged 8–11-year-old (Grand Prix (CDN) a new Grand Prix test has been introduced.
The biggest change in the tests for 5, 6 and 7-year olds is that there are now two versions of the preliminary test.
For Developing Prix St Georges Horses aged 7 years old the Preliminary A is based on the movements of the Prix St-Georges (PSG), but with simplified requirements. Working pirouettes are permitted with a radius of 3–4 metres, focusing on the horse's willingness to take weight rather than demanding full collection. No tempi changes; three flying changes are performed on the diagonal. No extended trot. (This test is not to be used for qualifiers for the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses).
The 7-year old Preliminary B is a new test designed to make the initial competition level more accessible. It includes working pirouettes with a radius of 2–3 metres, the second trot extension is placed at the end of the test, allowing the horse an opportunity to improve following the canter section.
The 7-year old Finals test Final remains largely unchanged, but the stretch circle may now be performed in either sitting or rising trot. A coefficient has been introduced for the stretch circle.
The 6-year-old Preliminary A introduces a simplified test, with no halt on the first centre line. It includes long trot half-passes and lengthening of trot steps, but no medium trot, two flying changes are performed between markers rather than precisely at a marker. (This test is not to be used for qualifiers for the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses).
The 6-year-old Preliminary B remains similar to the existing Preliminary test, with the addition of a stretch circle.
The 6-year-old Final also remains largely unchanged, with the test mirrored from left to right to improve the visibility of the walk for the judges seated at E. The walk now leads to B, and several metres of collected walk are required before the walk pirouettes.
The 5-year-old Preliminary A introduces a simplified test for regions where the training and presentation of young horses are at an early stage of development. No counter canter; simple changes are performed through trot. The first halt has been removed. (This test is not to be used for qualifiers for the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses)
The 5-year-old Preliminary B replaces the previous Preliminary test, which included only a short canter section and one simple change. The medium walk has been shortened to allow more time for an extended canter section, including two counter-canter movements and two simple changes.
In the 5-year-old Final test the walk now continues to A, making any loss of rhythm more visible to the judges at the front of the arena.
The new dressage tests can be downloaded here. Practise makes perfect!
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