"The Olympic sport of dressage is derived from the French term meaning "training" and its purpose is to strengthen and supple the horse while maintaining a calm and attentive demeanor. The Pyramid of Training offers riders a progressive and interrelated system through which to develop the horse over time.

Currently, competitive dressage involves progressively difficult levels incorporating multiple tests within each level. Each test is a series of movements that must be performed by the horse and rider. Each movement is scored by a judge on a scale of 0-10. Special tests are also written for musical freestyle, sport horse breeding and performances incorporating multiple horses and riders."

~ The United States Dressage Federation

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The Michigan Dressage Team competes at Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) Shows. The IDA offers riders the chance to compete in Intro through Second Level tests and equitation classes. Riders will be placed in a class based on their riding ability and previous show experience

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The Dressage ring is 20m by 60m and is labeled with letters. When a rider performs a test, they will perform different movements at specific letters in the ring. 

An example of an intro level test can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St_n7KWvc9k