Doing first dressage test soon, and it's prelim 10

[merry_legs]

i have finally got round to doing some dressage, and we finally have are trailer fixed. I am going to be doin prelim 10 in two weeks.

anyway has anyone got any advice?? i have been told that prelim 10 would be fairly difficult as a first test as i would have to canter across the diagonal (not got a copy of the test yet)

i went to watch the dressage last tuesday, and was a bit put of at first as all the horses were big warmblood types and were only doing prelim 4, but then someone came in on a little pony just like merry (but grey) so i think i will be ok.

also i am not sure wether or not i should use a schooling whip or not. i don't realy like to use one but everyone else was and merry can be a tad lazy. i might take one and use it in the collecting ring to get him going off my leg, but not actually use it when i do the test.

Anyway does anyone have any tips for me??

[DITZ]

i'd have to agree and say 10 is probably the hardest of all the prelims. Specifically (well for me anyway) it has movements which come up really quick for example you have to canter at A - all other prelims allow you to canter between 2 points but this is quite precise. Also as you are on a straight its harder to give the correct aid and I need some bend to work off. But one of the hardest bits is when you canter across the diagonal for the second time you then have to trot and almost immediately come up the centre line.

As for the schooling whip I used mine for the first time in my last test and I actually used it too. I heard that judges dont like to see you holding a whip unless you actually use it but i could be wrong.

I think a nice easy first test is actually 18. Its quite short and really easy to remember and theres nothing to catch you out in it.

Oh and dont be put off by other horses. I see lots of coloured cobs going really well against warmbloods.

[sprite]

I recently did prelim 10 as my first test too, and am glad to hear that other people think its a bit tricky. I got 53% which i was fairly pleased with especially as i was paralysed with fear! My horse is still a bit unbalanced in canter and found the diagonal bits a bit much. Am doing 18 in a couple of weeks and i too think its a bit easier so i'm hoping to do a little better.
Best advice i can give is to try and relax and not worry about what anyone else is doing. All you can hope for is to gradually improve your own performances. Having said that i'm sure i will be terrified again next time!

[DITZ]

yes i'd agree its not the diagonal bit itself its the acute angle you have to take to start it. It shows up any signs of unbalance. Also if your horse is a bit lazy or unfit then theres an awful lot of cantering which just seems to go on and on. Be prepared for your horse to get tired so remember to keep him going.

[Ginger Thing]

Have to agree - I think 10 is the hardest prelim and 18 is my favourite. Practice the cantering across the diagonal, and the downward transition - my boy likes to carry on round the corner in counter canter if I'm not careful!
Last year when he was very green it was really hard for him to keep the canter, he kept petering out into trot. Now he's more balanced and fitter, I have trouble bringing him back as we reach the track - can't win, eh?
Good luck!