Right...I've got my time for Sunday...

[Miss MoneyPenny]

....what time should I get there?

You must also remember that Penny can still be highly excited at shows, and so will probably be just the same at the dressage test, as there will be unknown horses and exciting things going on!

My 1st test is at 9.40am, so should I get there for 9 at the lastest? What do you all think??

[DavidH]

When OH goes competing we work back from start time
9.40am
40 minute warm up
9.00
20 minutes to get ready
8.40
15 minutes to declare etc.
8.25

So thats the time I would arrive.

We also like to have a cup of coffee etc so add another 30 minutes but this is because we generally have a drive of atleast an hour.

[RachelEvent]

ditto above!

As this is your first dressage, you want plenty of time to do everything so that it is as chilled out as possible. It's best to leave a big warm-up time to start with - if penny is relaxed and going well you can come back to walk and just keep her moving, if she is quite excited you can keep up a higher level of activity and keep her thinking so by the point you are in the arena, she is chilled out.

Sometimes due to the distance I travel to get to certain shows, I end up having very little time to tack up and warm up, and beleive me, it's no fun like that!

Rachel xx

[Miss MoneyPenny]

Thanks guys, I think I will be taking her earlier, as I too an someone who hates rushing! That way I'll have plenty of time to calm everyone down...including myself (1st Ever dressage test!)

Thanks for your help!

[DITZ]

give yourself as much time as you can. Unfortunately I am a last minute person and no matter how much time I give myself I end up rushing. I'm sure it doesnt help!

Good luck and let us know your results ASAP!!!

[Esther.D]

Good Luck!:)

[tancock1]

I agree that you should give yourself as much time as possible.

Think positively about it all. Gordie was a complete idiot at the couple of shows we went to. We werent even able to leave him tied to the box when we were standing there with him because he would go mad. Went to dressage and he didnt batter an eyelid. He just stood there eating his hay (and any grass he could pinch). I think this is because it is a far more relaxed atmosphere and also there arent horse cantering past his back end within 3".