Just Intro Level test- what to wear?

[KarinUS]

What are we supposed to wear for our intor level test? Does it matter or is it too piddly to even worry about it?

[galadriel]

What kind of show? Recognized or schooling?

If it's a recognized show, you get to wear a formal ratcatcher/stock tie & stock pin, light colored breeches, tall boots, and a conservative colored blazer. Lucky you. You'll need a dark (blue or black) helmet cover if yours isn't velvet.

If it's a schooling show, they may allow breeches & polo shirts instead of formal show shirt & blazer--it may be printed on the show's flier, if you have one. You could probably wear a "naked" schooling helmet. I recall you have pretty nice boots so I bet there's no point in mentioning this, but they probably won't allow half chaps at all (and full chaps are definitely out).

You'll need an approved bit; if you still use the mullen you should be fine. You'll need a light colored saddle pad (white is good :) ). DJ may not wear any wraps, boots, bell boots, etc. I wouldn't braid for an Intro test, but you might want to just for the whole "show experience" ;) and the pictures! Your first show! Whoowhoo!

Does your instructor know the association putting the show on? If so she'll probably know what they've wanted in the past.

[KarinUS]

flier says: informal attire, helmet and boots required

breeches don't have to be white, do they?

[galadriel]

Aha, informal means polos are okay :)

Breeches don't have to be white, just a light color: beige, grey, tan, khaki, etc. Actually, with "informal," you could probably wear black :) or the denim-type breeches and you'd be fine.

Note for future reference: while a white saddle pad and light not-white breeches looks fine, wearing white breeches with an off-white pad just makes the pad look stained. Or even if your breeches are off-white but lighter than your pad.

[kedwards]

So when is the show, Karin? How exciting! I'd love to get up the nerve to try a test.

[KarinUS]

Are you kidding me? From your posts it is very clear that you are a much more advanced rider than I am. Of course you will go to your first show in the fall as well!

The only thing is that DJ's 'grand parents' want to come watch. Other than that I've been told that intro level dressage tests are so boring no aduience is present (unless you bring your own...)

[kedwards]

Bwa Ha! I've got you fooled, Karin!:D More advanced? Of a more advanced age maybe, but that's about it.

Plus, I have terrible performance anxiety. It doesn't bother me as much in jumping classes (where the more obvious concern grabs my attention) or in hunter flat classes (where there are many people in the ring at once).... but, doing a dressage test in a ring? Just me and the horse? That, I'm not so sure about.

[galadriel]

So you start off riding in schooling shows where the placement doesn't matter :D heck, show up, ride your test, and don't even stick around for the scoring ;)

Gradual desentitization, just like we do to the horses!

[OlavS]

Hi, all,

I just entered my first dressage competition today. Only a club event, of course, as I've only been riding since February... :D

I did something call LD and LC programmes, the L stands for light (or easy..same word in Norwegian). The LC is required for obtaining a competition licence called green card over here. I don't know if this is the same everywhere else...

Anyway, I finally downloaded the programmes yesterday and spent all evening walking and skipping around the living room to memorize the track and gates. Much to the amusement of my flatmate :o

I've only got black breeches, jorphur boots and half chaps, and that was ok. My crop was ok as well, although everyone else had a dressage whip.

The LD programme went ok, but I forgot to transition from trot to walk and messed up the final.

The LC programme is a bit harder, but was much more fun, as it involved cantering :D
I scored a bit lower than in LD, but I really enjoyed it. I got 96 out of 210 in LD and 97 out of 240 in LC. So, pretty dire when looking at what the others got (up to 145).... but who cares!

The dressage instructor says one should have three months of practice in LC before competing. But not if you just want to have fun!
But all the sitting trot bugged me, so I'll be flying over to try Heather's equisimulator in July to get it sorted! Or at least improved!

Anyway, just go for it and HAVE FUN!! :D

Olav