Blondeness and dressage-do we mix?

[Secret Smiley]

Hi,
I have a lovely horse (who though very sweet has had his fair share of learned bad habits) who is really now after almost 9 months of my owning him is really starting to get softer, lighter and more responsive.
We have done 3 dressage tests in this time (i had to pull out of 2 others due to unfortunate circumstances) and though not 'fantastic' or near the lead, they were pretty much reflectory of where we were at, at those particular times. However in two of these tests i made an error of course, not because i was nervous, not because i hadn't learnt them well, but because i am blond and forgetful (i was told 3 times this week about the dangers i would face if my head was not attatched :D)
With my next test a week from tomorrow and my horse working so incredibly supple and obedient in virtually every sense i am morbidly afraid that my blond 'ditzy' memory will desert me and i will make a mess of what otherwise would be a great test!
My lesson today went really well (well the lengthened strides and canter transistions were a notch less than perfect, but you can't have everything) and i discussed with my instructor my aprehension in trusting my memory. Because next week's event is two different tests that i have to learn, she suggested that i learn the hardest one best and go over the other a little and then in detail just before the event, but i don't think she realises how 'daydreamy' and unattentive my brain is!

Anyway i've gone on for ages, but i was just wondering if there is anyone on here who like me has a memory that is so small it is virtually non-existant, and if so how do they handle a dressage test, or worse still, two on the one day?!?!

[IrisSilverMoon]

you might be interested to know that most people have similar memories, one person does not have a worse memory than the other, most people are pretty equal in this sense. However, we do have different learning styles, so perhaps the one you are using for your dressage tests is not the best one for you.

Overlearn your tests, if you think you have them memorized a week before the test, good, keep memorizing, you'll forget if you stop a week or even a few days out....

Practice the test, ride it, put a little dressage arena down on paper and run it with your fingers, set up your own arena and run it without the horse...

try saying it over and over again outloud. Saying things outloud helps them stick better so if you have it memorized speak it to make sure...

;)

good luck!

[LindaAd]

Originally posted by Secret Smiley
Hi,
i am morbidly afraid that my blond 'ditzy' memory will desert me and i will make a mess of what otherwise would be a great test!


IrisSilverMoon is right - anyone can learn a test, it's just a question of finding the right method for you and putting in enough effort.... It gets easier the more you do, and it is hard to learn two if you're not used to learning tests. But if you go wrong, you only lose two marks so it's not a tragedy. And you could always get someone to "call" the test (read it out) for you.

My instructor is blonde, and very attractive. But she has a mind like a steel trap. It's a question of choice.

[kedwards]

After I've learned a new test, gone over it on paper, spoke it aloud, etc., I visualize myself riding it. I imagine riding the test whenever I have some free time to just think (including riding in the car). Also, the night before a show, I ride the tests in my mind while falling asleep. It seems to help me a great deal.

Also, while initially learning the test, it can help to learn it backward. Start with the the last two movements, then the last three, then the last four, etc...

[laura jeanne]

Visual, auditory and tactile are the 3 learning methods -which the others have covered so well in their answers. Using all three would sure seem to cover all the possibilities!

You can tell which you are by figuring out how you have learned or understood something difficult in the past.

With anything financial, I need to see the numbers written down on a piece of paper, I can't just have someone tell me about them. Of course it also helps if I have written them; so altho I know I do best as a visual learner, I guess I use the tactile part too.

[Nikita88]

i have that SAME problem...im not blonde but i have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) basically what it is...i have trouble paying attention and remembering things. Im not saying you have ADD 'cause you forget things, thats common lol. im also a VERY VERY concrete thinker...so dressage tests are not the best for me. Memorizing jumper tests are easier for me. So, your not alone ;) . Well, i am on medication for my ADD to help me concentrate on things more so that helps me. i wouldnt suggest you going on medication though lol, not that serious. What really helps me the most is my horse :).

Just go out there and think of everything your instructor gets after you about (for example, my instructor gets after me to keep bend in my elbows so i think about that alot). It might also be your nervous and dont even know it. I get very nervous so before i go into the ring (when the person ahead of me is in) i just think to my self "I know we can do this, we have done it before! even if we dont place, i know i have the best horse out here, i dont need a judge to tell me otherwise" and most importantly, even if you dont place...treat your horse as if you got first place! they gave you their best, reward them :)

This might also help you but...when i take test's in school i will get all worried about me forgetting something really simple (similar to your dressage tests). Dont think about it! i cant stress that enough. if you think your going to forget something, you will forget something. just DONT THINK ABOUT IT! You'll do fine :) your not the only one with that problem!


Best of luck!
xoxo
*Jen*

[DITZ]

it really helps to visualise the test. I never learn the precise moves, ie between which letters, just where they are in the arena. To be honest other than A and C I couldnt tell you where the other letters were.

I get my tests from www.dressagediagrams.co.uk which provides you with a step by step picture version of the test for I think £2.

Then its just a case of running it through your head over and over and over. And for good measure start at different points of the test in your head.

Failing that perhaps you could get a caller?