Taking a novice horse into its first dressage competition...

[morgan+rose]

In 3 weeks time im taking my mare into her first dressage comp.(combined training) Now shes a very good jumper and thats all she done really but not so good at dressage.
Although she works on the bit its not for long.
Now we are doing prelim 4 2002. Its a fairly easy one apparently.I dont want to go into the this test and make a fool of myself but it will be brill experience for her.Ill be able to do the test on her but not totally on the bit for all of it. Andas its combined training i feel that i might have a go.
What do you think?
Im not famillier with dressage is there any point in doing it from a dressage persons point of veiw~????

please help.....
morgan

[Lgd]

Learn the test pattern, even if you are going to have a caller,

Try to be accurate as possible. Movements should be ridden to the indicated markers so that the rider is level with the marker (rather than the horse's head). For example if it says 'trot at C' the transition should happen when the rider is level with C.

Practice straight centre lines and good halts - one of the things that is done badly. Halts in particular are bad even at GP level - and those are riders who know better and have a horse that is schooled to halt correctly!

To salute at the end of the test, take the reins and whip in one hand, drop the free hand down beside your leg (palm away from the judge) and nod your head once.

You must follow the test straight through, you can't go back and redo any mistakes unless you make an error of course. If you do make an error, the judge will stop you, indicate wher you made the error, and ask you to restart the test from that point or from a point that the movement started at.

No voice commands allowed from the rider, that includes 'clicking'.

Test must be ridden in dressage legal snaffle bridle. Spurs and whip are permitted. Someone is allowed to call the test.

Remember that dressage is only basic training. A horse that can work on the bit, in balance and in a good rhythym will also be a better jumper. Ask any of the top jumpers how much jumping they do at home - the answer will be virtually none. 90% of jumping training is flat work. The SJer Robert Whitaker trains with Ferdi Eilberg who is a top International dressage rider.

And last but most important - enjoy yourself.

[AJB]

im thinking of prelim 4 this spring-where can you get a copy of the test though???? cant learn it until I locate it...anyone???

[DITZ]

i got it off www.dressagediagrams.com, £2.

[Lgd]

www.dressagediagrams.co.uk

you can order test sheets and diagrams through the site and pay on line

or www.britishdressage.co.uk print off the order form and send it to BD

[Sarah B]

to me, the most important thing is to remember that it is supposed to be fun - it's not the end of the world if you or the horse make a mistake, so just smile and carry on! Smile at the judge at the end and treat it as a learning experience. Who really cares if you get it wrong? You have to try and make it a pleasant experience for your horse so next time you go to a competition she is enthusiastic about it!

Learn the test in your living room before you go - even if you were going to have a caller! I have heard several callers completely mess it up for the rider because they got confused or embarrassed! Non-horsey mums being asked to read for daughter is a recipe for strife on the way home!!:D :D