Dressage is the French word for "training." It is always the first phase of eventing. Dressage tests are ridden in a formal arena. White blocks with black letters printed on them tell the rider where to execute certain movements. The main letters are: A, C, K, B, E, M, H, F, and X. X is an "invisible letter" in the exact center of the arena. Arenas are carefully measured to be exact to the point. The judge scores the test by each movement, meaning that when you go down the center-line, the judge gives you points out of ten. The objective of dressage is to have a seamless relationship with your horse and look completely in sync. Read the following links to learn more: LEVELS MOVEMENTS THE ARENA SCORING