Cant decide which test

[Alflover]

Im going to have another go at a local show, went great 1st time, awful the second - didnt even finish whilst pony in foul mood for a couple of weeks but hes over it now so im hopeful he wont play up this time. I cant decide between Prelim 4 and 10. Ive done Prelim 4 and know it already etc, but dont know whats involved in 10. Can someone give me a run through of some of the main movements so i can decide what would suit him best. thanks.

[augermoon]

Prelim 10 has 2 x half 10m circles in trot (returning to the track at B/E) as well as cantering across the diagonal with the transition to trot as you hit the track. Arnie finds this particularly difficult (he'd rather do counter canter round the corner) so I have come to hate Prelim 10 but in reality, its actually fine. Aside from that there is 20m circles in trot and canter and the usual walk work (the free walk is on a short diagonal and then straight rather than the long diagonal.) I'd say its a bit more technical than 4 but thats sometimes a good thing as it can keep their attention better.


Hope that helps. Good luck XX

[MeMe]

Prelim 10 is our least fave one, P18 is great :D Def my fave, 4 is ok to :D

Why not ride them both?

[DITZ]

P10's awful, the movements come up very quick in it - especially the end when you canter across the diagonal and have to transition to trot just before you turn up the centre line - far too fast for me.

[MeMe]

Yep and my horse thinks canter across the diagonal means 'extended canter'

[Alflover]

Thanks for all your help. Maybe ill stick to 4, safe bet - i know i should be more adventorous but i need to have a positive experience after our last attempt. I think the 4 test would suit him better anyway i do hate the 2 half 10m circles though. Oh well thanks again and ill let you know how i get on. :)

[DITZ]

good luck. i think you'd find p18 much better than -p10 so keep an eye out for that one.

[Alflover]

thanks will do, ive had a look at the test before and it seems like a good test for my boy.