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KEEPING THE BASICS IN MIND WHEN MOVING UP  A big part of moving through the levels successfully in dressage is mastering new movements and patterns. Often it is easy to get so focused on the patterns and movements and criteria for moving along that the purpose of the level gets ignored. Setting goals and a time frame for moving up the levels is good but only if you are able to perform with strong basics at the given level.             Some clear examples are when a rider is able to sit the trot for five minutes First Level seems the place to be. A more important measure would be the ability to keep the connection and balance needed for the extra requirements and lengthenings. The purpose stated on the test is to confirm that the horse in addition to the requirements of Training Level has developed thrust and achieved a degree of balance and throughness.             The other obvious place is when moving to third level as soon as an inkling of a flying change exist the rider feels ready to compete at third level whether or not the pair is able to stay supple and through. Again the Purpose stated on the test is To confirm that the horse having demonstrated that it has achieved the thrust required in Second Level, now demonstrates in each movement-especially in medium and extended paces and in the transitions to/from the collected movements-rhythm, suppleness, acceptance of the bit, throughness, impulsion, straightness and collection. …..             The written purposes on the tests could not make it any clearer that the correct basics are expected in all movements and transitions. Riding the pattern accurately is only a modifier and a place to start. Being able to get through the test with no mistakes is not enough if you and your horse are not able to achieve with some consistency the stated purpose of the level.             It pays to be honest with yourself as you evaluate your skill and ability at a level. Be sure that you are not only confident with each movement in a test, but that you are also able to keep a fair amount of correctness in the test. Again be sure to look under the directive ideas for each movement. Most directives include the word quality. Yes it is the quality that counts. If your connection or throughness suffers each time you make a transition or start a movement perhaps you are not yet confirmed enough to be competitive at that level. This doesn’t mean that eventually you won’t be able to perform the test successfully. It just means that you need to take the time to more thoroughly establish your basics at home before expecting success in the show ring. There is no shame in staying at an appropriate level for you and your horse.             Everybody sometimes has an off day however if the comments from the judges often refer to needing stronger basics it will be worth your time to heed this advice. The basics are what we refer to when using the training pyramid. Rhythm, suppleness, acceptance of the bit, throughness, impulsion, straightness and collection. Sound familiar?             Once you are able to keep a connected, balanced, supple, active horse through your test at home you will be ready to ride that test in competition with a true expectation of success no matter what the level.