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Justie B52
13th Jul 2005, 10:42 AM
Hi everyone,

This is my first post in this area!

I went for my lesson today (for the benefit of those who don't know me - I came back to riding in March 05 after a gap of 20 years!) anyway, I had a great lesson and I started to feel like I was making a bit of progress.

At the end of the lesson, Joleen (my fab instructor) called me over for a chat, she said she had a list of 4 of her best students & she wanted to put them forward for their first dressage competition. I said Wow, great for them! Then I nearly fell of my horse when she said I was one of them!! :eek: :D and how would I feel about doing my first competition if she can organise it with the YO?

Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather! I hadn't for one second imagined I was anywhere near ready but Joleen didn't seem in the least bit worried about my ability! Now, how happy am I?!! :)

Obviously we're only talking Preliminary stuff here, but WOW! I thought these weeks of riding 20m circles and figure of 8's was just me learning to ride :rolleyes: . I'd not given much thought to dressage either as I'm more passionate about jumping (something we do every week too) but I'm really pleased the Joleen thinks I'm ready to start practicing properly!

Now, my question for all those in the know is, where on earth do I find out about preliminary dressage? Obviously I would like to read up on the subject and have some clue as to what it all entails. We're talking proper basics!

Your help would be appreciated!

Off to phone the hubby now and impress him with my superior horsemanship - NOT! :rolleyes: :( :)

Cheers

Jus x

Stella2
13th Jul 2005, 11:44 AM
You can buy the tests from British Dressage or neat little packs of laminated Prelim & Novice tests from www.derbyhouse.co.uk and other online tack retailers and also from ebay. I'd suggest you just look at the tests and see what movements are required, then you just practice riding them as acurately as possible (although its not a great idea to repeatedly ride the entire test in order or the horse begins to anticipate the movement and may then offer it too soon). Each test is approximately 4 minutes long.

Good luck :)

Lgd
13th Jul 2005, 11:48 AM
Prelim tests are pretty straight forward. Medium walk & free walk. Working trot, working canter. 20 metre circles in trot and canter. ½10m circles in walk and trot.

Tests can be obtained from BD or www.dressagediagrams.co.uk