Third Level dressage requires increased collection, power, and suppleness. The definition centers on the introduction of fully extended gaits, half-passes (both trot and canter), and flying lead changes. It demands greater engagement and throughness than Second Level to perform well-defined transitions between collected, medium, and extended gaits.

The horse canters on the left or right lead. During a flying change of lead, the horse switches canter during the suspension time. The horse changes from a right lead canter to a left lead canter while staying on the same line. This is an easy exercise when the horse is calm and straight, and has a good quality canter. With very reactive and complicated horses, the flying change of lead can be very difficult and time consuming, and require a lot of work and experience.

“The flying change of lead is a fresh canter depart inside the canter”
Nuno Oliveira.