Dressage tips

[Alexia]

Does anyone have any handy hints or tips when riding a dressage test? I've just started entering into some prelim shows and so far have managed a 3rd and a 4th which I am really pleased with. I'm planning to carry on with the prelims but just wondered if anyone has any tips from experience on what judges might be looking forward from both horse and rider.

[katefarmer]

The best tip I've had - but also the hardest to do - is "smile and relax"! If you can enjoy it yourself, your horse will enjoy it, and so will the judge. Having also written for judges a couple of times, the "aura" around horse and rider certainly makes a difference - and if you look happy and confident, they'll often overlook a few mistakes and imperfections!

Personally, I find I can follow this fine in the warm-up arena - but usually it all vanishes as soon as I enter at A! :D

Kate
www.harmony-project.net

[eventerbabe]

i'll get back to you next week when i've done my bit writing for a judge. must say, i agree with Kate, smile and relax. ooze confidence, even if you don't feel confident!! ride the test accurately and if you do make a slight mistake, carry on like nothing happened :)

[Alexia]

Cheers ya all,

I'm doing a prelim 4 next week. At the mo I feel ok about it as I did the same test about a month ago and 3rd so I've been going through my score sheet and trying to improve from there, thought it would make a good starting point for hopeful progress :)

[Samsky]

At Prelim level,horses do not need to be on the bit.

The judge will be looking for a nice,even,active rythm throughout the test.They will also be looking for you to be accurate with your markers and circle sizes etc.

[LindaAd]

Does anyone have any handy hints or tips when riding a dressage test? I've just started entering into some prelim shows and so far have managed a 3rd and a 4th which I am really pleased with. I'm planning to carry on with the prelims but just wondered if anyone has any tips from experience on what judges might be looking forward from both horse and rider.


Well, if you look at your test sheets, see which parts of the test had the lowest marks, and what the judge's comments were, then that's what you need to work on! 3rd and 4th are pretty good, as long as there weren't only three people in the class!

Linda

[eventerbabe]

A judge is looking for a neat, accurate test. make sure you stick to your markers, and don't make circles or sperpentines too big or small, although i don't think prelim tests have serpentines in them.

one thing commented on at the dressage comp i was writing at was that the horses, in general, lacked balance, suppleness and active, forward going paces. so make sure your horse is moving forward and not slouching or coming too much onto the forehand. also, if theres a free walk, make sure your horse has a purpose to his walk, and stretches down nicely. picking up the odd point here and there over your fellow competitors can boost your placing considerably! also, don't forget to smile at the judge!!! my judge was so chuffed when someone smiled at her. makes all the difference :)

[LesleyR]

Echo eventerbabe - for your first few tests aim for accuracy above all. If you do the movements as and when required you should be getting at least 5s. Then if it is rythmic and balanced you will get the extra marks.

Also - look at your Free Walk. It carries double marks and it is amazing how infrequently it is performed well. Don't turn the corner and throw the reins at the horse. Feed the reins out gradually so the horse seeks the contact down and forward and lengthens his frame

[eventerbabe]

Feed the reins out gradually so the horse seeks the contact down and forward and lengthens his frame
what a perfect explanation lesley!! that is EXACTLY the comment my jugde kept making, horse needs to seek contact forward and down. it was amazing the number of horses that just didn't relax, or just collapsed in a heap and shuffled along.