First Timer...

[horsegurl_chenz]

I have never competed in dressage before and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what things to look out for when I do start. What things should I remember and what needs to be done first? :o

[shirley]

Get a hold of the test you are doing and learn it off by heart. Although you can have a caller and I would always recommend that you do when starting out, it is always better to know it yourself as well.
Then practise at walk, add the trot and canter. Think about the things that seemed difficult and practise this move, then put it with the move before and after and then within the whole test.
Learn your arena letters and where they are. You will need to learn them for 20 x 40 meter arean and 20 x 60 meter arena as well.
Work at getting your horse balanced, good rhythm and as accurate as possible for the different parts of the test. i.e. 20 meter circle, ensure you do 20 meters. not sort of 18 or so. A tip I read recently was to walk it on foot i.e. circles and then see how big they are and how you turn your body, this should help turn your body when riding and therefore have effect on your horse etc.
After several tests read again what the judge has said and see if there is any common things running through them. With my cob is leg to hand, so I need to use my legs more strongly on him.
Have some lessons with trainer who does dressage, although all good basic trainers will be able to do good flatwork lessons.
On the day of the test take time to warm up well enough, get your horse listening to you aids etc. Make him look to part and you dress appropriately too - this always makes a good impression.
Go and see some local competitions before you actually have a go yourself, see what happens. Perhaps go and assist a friend with their horse, this will help as well.
Also remember that it is the judges comments are just about what they saw at the time in those few minutes - never take things personally - or feel she / he does not know what they are talking about, as long as they give you encouraging feedback on your score sheet, use it as a learning curve to make things better for your partnership with your horse. Best of all have fun learning together. I have only really done dressage this last several monthes and have learnt so much and it has increased my ability and certainly my confidence - not cocky like, but positively and made me more determined to do better and improve.
Good luck with this venture - I think that dressage should be fundmental to all disciplines.