New young horse format puts confidence and partnership first

A new concept for young dressage horse classes has been unveiled with the TRT Young Talent Competition, a format designed to give four- and five-year-olds a positive and confidence-building introduction to competition. Developed by trainer Tristan Tucker, the initiative offers a more horse-centric approach that emphasizes relaxation, partnership, and clear communication.

The format was showcased at a live event at the KNHS Centre in Ermelo on 19 March. Demonstration riders, including Marten Luiten, Anna Blomgren, and Cynthia Eggenkamp, presented the tests with live commentary by Tucker, Olympian Morten Thomson, and FEI young horse judge Mascha Reijs.

In both age groups, tests begin with a walk in-hand around the arena on a loose rein, scored for relaxation, awareness, and rider-horse connection. Horses then complete "confidence zones"—gentle challenges such as walking past flags, through obstacles, or over carpet—designed to assess the horse's comfort and the rider’s calm guidance.

Riders mount without assistance, with marks awarded for preparation, stillness, and relaxation. Mounted exercises include walk-throughs of the zones and simple dressage movements like basic trot and canter work, lengthenings, and rein-back. The five-year-old test adds basic leg-yield and extended rein-back steps.

Unlike traditional young horse tests, the TRT format avoids penalties for course errors or use of the voice and replaces terms like “submission” with language focused on partnership. Collectives assess the rider’s ability to let the horse express itself, overall relaxation, and confidence between horse and rider.

New elements such as in-hand work, obstacle navigation, mounting, and rein-back account for nearly half of the total score, setting this format apart from existing FEI tests.

Though no official competition rollout has been confirmed, support from top riders and judges has helped spark conversation around this alternative model. While feedback from officials praised the relaxed and horse-friendly approach, suggestions were made to refine time allowances and scoring clarity as the concept evolves.