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== Arena ==
There are two sizes of arenas, small and standard. Each has letters assigned to positions around the arena for dressage tests to specify where movements are to be performed. Cones with letters on them are positioned on the sidelines of the arena for reference as to where a movement is to be performed.

The small arena is {{convert|20|by|40|m|ft|abbr=on}} and is used for the lower levels of [[eventing]] in the dressage phase, as well as for some pure dressage competitions at lower levels. Its letters around the outside edge, starting from the point of entry and moving clockwise, are A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F which is commonly remembered by the acronym: "All King Edwards Horses Can Make Big Fences". Letters also mark locations along the "center line" in the middle of the arena. Moving down the center line from A, they are D-X-G, with X being directly between E and B.

[[File:Dressage ring schema.svg|thumb|right|350px|Standard dressage arena, {{convert|20|by|60|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=sqbr}}]]
The standard arena is {{convert|20|by|60|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and is used for tests in both pure dressage and [[eventing]]. The standard dressage arena letters are A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F. The letters on the long sides of the arena, nearest the corners, are {{convert|6|m|ft|abbr=on}} in from the corners, and are {{convert|12|m|ft|abbr=on}} apart from each other. The letters along the center line are D-L-X-I-G, with X again being halfway down the arena. There is speculation as to why these letters were chosen.

In addition to the center line, the arena also has two "quarter lines", which lie between the center line and the long side of the arena. However, these are infrequently, if ever, used for competition except in a freestyle.

At the start of the test, the horse enters the arena at an opening at A. Ideally this opening is then closed for the duration of the test. However, this is not always logistically possible, particularly at smaller competitions with few volunteers.