can a beginner do dresage

[merry_legs]

i was just wondering wether i would be able to have a go at dressage and if there id a test easy enough for me.
i have been riding for about 2 1/2 years but it was mostly just riding friends ponys, no proper teaching. i have just got my first pony and have a lesson once a week. I can do walk, trot and canter. I can get himn to kind of go on the bit for about 5 seaconds at a time in walk and trot, but not at all in canter. is are there any tests where horses arn't required to be on the bit and in an oultine??

[DITZ]

hee hee I hope so because I'm doing my first one on Sunday!! The prelim test I am doing does look very straightforward (on paper at least!) and consists of walk, trot and canter.

[Alibi]

If you want to do it, just have a go, who cares if your pony pokes his nose out through the entire test, aslong as you enjoy it - assuming that you're only doing unaffiliated (to start with!) / Riding club level (?)

I used to compete with my little horse when i first got him, and we couldn't even manage a proper circle or canter on the right lead! but we had fun having a go, which was the important bit!

Most of the Preliminary tests are just walk, trot, canter, change of rein, circles, etc, nothing too daunting.

You can only learn by getting out there and experiencing it - otherwise one day you'll kick yourself you didn't try it.

Let us know when your first test is!!!

[DITZ]

my sentiments exactly. I'm going for the fun of it. I'm sure theres bound to be someone worse than me but so what if there isnt, in my experience no one laughs at you. What i am particularly looking forwards to is the judges comments - I've never had anyone appraise me before so it should be really interested.

Go for it merrylegs, what the worse that can happen?

[Moody Mare]

I'd say go for it! :D There's only one way to learn and improve and that's by having a go!

Good luck! :D

[Dressagefreak]

I'd definately say have a go! Local competitions never have sky high standards and the atmosphere is totally friendly. At Prelim level your horse does not have to be totally round, just showing signs of submission. I entered my first dressage and won after only two years of riding (ok so it was only pc level, but still) anyone can have a go! Good Luck and let us know how you get on if you do decide to go for it!:)