The Capital Region holds an eventing rally every year that lets the riders see how the measure against the standard and their peers. The top riders at the rally represent the region at the National Championships.

The following text was taken from the Introduction of the USPC Dressage rulebook.  It describes the levels of dressage competition but does not describe the purpose or driving principals behind dressage.  Nor does it describe the operating model of the dressage rallies.

Article 101  Objectives & Standards

Objectives and Standards of Levels of competition used in USPC Dressage Rallies or functions:

USDF Introductory Level: To confirm that the horse is ridden on a light but steady contact, and that the rider places great importance upon preparation, correctness and quality of the movements, rather than the gaits of the horse and exact execution of the movements at a specific marker.

Training Level: To confirm that the horses muscles are supple and loose, and that it moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit.

First Level: To confirm that the horse, in addition to the requirements of Training Level, has developed thrust (pushing power) and achieved a degree of balance and throughness.

Second Level: To confirm that the horse, having demonstrated that it has achieved the thrust (pushing power) required in the First Level, now shows that through additional training, it accepts more weight on the hindquarters (collection), shows the thrust required at medium paces, and is reliably on the bit. A greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, and self-carriage is required than at First Level.

Third Level: To confirm that the horse has achieved the requirements of Second Level. It now demonstrates in each movement, especially in medium and extended paces and in the transitions to and from collected movements, rhythm, suppleness, acceptance of the bit, throughness, impulsion, straightness and collection. There must be a clear distinction between the paces.

Fourth Level: To confirm that the horse has achieved the requirements of Third Level. These are tests of medium difficulty designed to confirm that the horse has acquired a high degree of suppleness, impulsion, throughness, balance and lightness while always remaining reliably on the bit, and that its movements are straight, energetic and cadenced with the transitions precise and smooth.

FEI Levels: For requirements, see USA Equestrian Rulebook.

Article 102  Standards of Proficiency

D Level: The horse and rider are judged at an elementary level. The horse should go forward on a light contact with steady rhythm, in a quiet, obedient and consistent manner. The rider should be able to demonstrate basic control of his mount, position and balance, and mastery of basic figures in the Dressage arena.

C Level: Horse and rider are expected to demonstrate, in addition to the above requirements, better balance, more flexibility, and improved control in circles, turns, and diagonals. The horse should remain calm and attentive, show increased acceptance of the bit, while the rider demonstrates increased refinement of the aids.

B and H-A Level: Horse and rider at this point should exhibit increased harmony and style, in addition to maintaining the solid foundation of relaxation, rhythm, straightness, and activity of the horses hindquarters. The horse should show acceptance of the bit and of the riders aids without tension or resistance.

A Level: In addition to all the above qualities, the horse and rider should demonstrate increased accuracy in performing all figures of the required tests. The horse should begin to show a degree of self-carriage and engagement (as required for appropriate level shown) while the rider maintains a secure and independent seat.