Level 1 - The Introduction of the Leg Yield By Lisa Wieben and Birgit Stutz
Progressing through the levels of Western Dressage, each level builds upon the last. The lower levels develop a foundation with each level adding new components to build upon it. The lower levels begin to develop accuracy, bend through the 20-metre circles, and light contact. Moving into Level 1, this is where lateral movements are developed, which leads to more collection as well as the lengthened gaits for impulsion, bringing more push power to the hind end. Level 1 is ridden in the 20x60m ring and can be ridden seated or posting, although it is suggested that the jog be ridden seated. If you do sit the jog, the lengthen jog can still be ridden posting.
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n this article we will look at the Level 1 tests and specifically the Leg Yield component. Whether you ride WDAA tests or other association tests you will likely still come across these three examples. WDAA Level 1 Test 1: From left rein - At E half circle left 15m, leg yield right, quarter line to M Now here we have two new components, the 15-metre circle and the leg yield. If you are not familiar with a 15-metre circle we suggest you use pylons/markers to lay out the size and shape of the circle. Measure 15 metres from track This pic shows using pylons to quarter line, then 7.5 metres from for the 15m circle with the the E-X line to the top of the circle. starting point for the leg This will give you the correct arc and yield in two markers distance for the half circle. The half circle will help to give your horse the shape to begin the leg yield as your horse will be bending around your inside (left) leg. As soon as the half circle is complete you may begin the leg yield. You will want to arrive at M, with the rider’s body at M as you reach the marker. While the rider’s body remains with the
bend of the horse, turn the head and eyes toward M, look where you want to go. Apply the left leg with the swing of the horse’s barrel to ask for the lateral movement, applying pressure only as the barrel is moving to the outside or away from the leg. The inside rein will maintain a slight flexion to the inside, while the outside rein will maintain straightness and prevent the horse leading too much with the outside shoulder or over-bending around the inside leg. The outside leg will maintain impulsion and also keep the horse straight. To make the distance all This pic shows the 10m half the way to M you will have to focus circle onto centre line on preventing the horse moving sideways too quickly. This can be accomplished by asking for a step over, then a step straight forward, over, forward, over, forward, until you reach M. The outside rein and leg are key to preventing the horse from moving over too quickly. Of course this is repeated in the opposite direction: Tracking right - B half circle right 15m, leg yield left quarter line to H. Level 1 Test 2: Tracking right - A down centreline, D-S leg yield left. To successfully ride this maneuver the setup onto the centreline is key. Plan to ride a 10-metre half circle to get onto the centreline. Begin the half circle one metre past F (there are 6 metres from the last letter to the end wall). To ride a 10-metre half circle you need 5 metres or start 1 metre after passing the letter. This is something to practice for all the starting and ending centrelines as well. The letter D is the first letter on the centreline, located between F and K. Once you are positioned straight on the centreline, maintaining a slight bend around the inside (right) leg, turn to look toward the letter H. At D you will begin the leg yield, again thinking of over, forward, over, forward as you make the distance to the letter. Press over with the inside leg, then ask forward with the outside leg.
18 • SEPTEMBER 2021
SADDLEUP.CA
