The article by Olympic medallist Laura Tomlinson addresses why downward transitions in dressage tests often receive marks around 6.5 despite appearing accurate at the marker. Tomlinson explains that accuracy alone isn’t enough; judges look for transitions that demonstrate balance, control, and engagement. Key qualities include a clear, prompt reaction, uphill balance without collapsing forward, active hindlegs before and after the transition, steady elastic contact, and a horse that remains attentive to the rider. Poor transitions often reveal underlying issues such as loss of balance, dropping contact, or the horse tipping onto the forehand.

Tomlinson emphasizes that riding downward transitions well improves the overall quality of the test, while poor execution causes the performance to unravel. She advises riders to focus on collecting the horse before the transition, maintaining energy and engagement behind, and ensuring the horse waits for the rider’s aids rather than shutting down. By addressing these fundamentals, riders can elevate their downward transitions from mediocre scores to 8s or higher, enhancing both the horse’s self-carriage and the test’s overall impression.