Any hints on practice area at dressage comp??

[VickiGG]

Hi everyone. I did my first dressage competition yesterday and we did pretty well considering (56.66%) :rolleyes: - but I had lots of problems trying to get my horse to concentrate in the practice area. After doing a perfect practice test the day before things didn't go so smoothly on the day. There were horses (that my horse hadn't met yet) cantering and trotting all over the place and one lady cantered past me really close and my horse got all excited. My horse is quite a sociable guy so he thinks it's much more interesting trying to say hello to all the new horses. No one stuck to the 'left to left' arena rule - does this apply?....I ended up not really warming him up properly and then the test was a bit wiggly/crooked/stilted. It was a new venue for him, first time for me (and him I suspect). Any tips for me from you old hands? This pic is from the day before the test!

[Bay Mare]

Hiya

Unfortunately it's a matter of getting him and you used to it which means going out there and doing it.

Left to left SHOULD still apply but school rules tend to go out of the window in the practise arena for whatever reason. It's probably a good move to check out how people are riding for a few minutes. You'll find some who are polite, some who cannot see anyone else and carry on regardless and some who are out to intimidate you. The best thing to do is to try and avoid the latter two and especially the last one!

If you can ride in the school with other horses at home it will help a bit as he will get used to other people being around. You will also get used to seeing spaces and going for them but that will only come with time.

All the best

[augermoon]

Hello,

Agree with Bay Mare - its just a case of getting out again and again until he is so unphased by the whole thing that he focuses solely on you. When I started competing, I specifically asked on my entry form for very early times (ideally the first one of the day if that is feasible) so that the arena is a little quieter. We have gradually built it up and he will now happily work amongst 6 or 7 other horses (wouldn't have dreamt of it a year ago.) Try to stick to the left to left rule even if others don't and don't feel embarassed to 'remind' anyone that forgets - people at our place are shouted at for forgetting the basic rules, but that is dependant on someone supervising the warm up arena.

Anyway, good luck and well done for getting a great score on your first outing.

[drookitsheep]

I agree with what's already been said about just taking time to get used to the atmosphere of the warm up area. Good idea to get there early so that you and your horse get a chance to settle in. There are always people who will cut you up/pass too close/countless other stupid things and it is really annoying - I try and find my own "space" in the warmup arena to start with. Generally if people see you sticking on a 20m circle for a few mins, they stay out of your way. Gives you a chance to get your horse listening to you without being right in the thick of it.

It takes a long time to get a horse as settled and concentrated at a comp venue as at home. It's just a matter of time and patience (.... I keep telling myself and Murph!)

Good luck and enjoy!

[DITZ]

agree with everyone else and lots of transititions will help get his attention. How long did you allow for warm up?

[virtuallyhorses]

...There were horses (that my horse hadn't met yet) cantering and trotting all over the place and one lady cantered past me really close and my horse got all excited...

Oh come on Vicki, tell them about the stallion chasing the mare and the general circus atmosphere ... :D You did great! You're riding a horse that you've only had a month and ridden a handful of times! Practice arenas are hard enough most of the time when you both have another couple under your belt you'll be really competitive - you also didn't mention that there were some really experienced riders and horses competing in your test (well below where they should have been)

[VickiGG]

hi ya - well yes, ....I did forget to mention a 3 y/o stallion was doing his dressage test and decided it would be much more fun to dump his rider and chase the mare (who was being warmed up in the practice area) and try and get his naughty way with her. That in turn, made another couple of riders fall off and their horses bolt - what a day! :rolleyes:

Oh - and yes - found out there were quite a few really experienced riders (ie pony club insructors etc) doing my Beginners Riding Test....

Glad to hear everyone else has the same problem when they first start - and that there is no real secret to it - keep on doing what I am doing and things will get better... :)

In saying that Garbo was a real angel - he behaved perfectly really. Amoungst all the bolting horses he remained calm and didn't panic. ;)

I really enjoyed myself - couldn't help but chuckle to myself when the stallion was in full chase though - it was quite funny to watch. :eek:

[Lgd]

Go with a clear plan for your warm-up routine and stick to it. The horse tends to take confidence from that routine and they will settle more quickly

Folk should pass left to left, although if someone is in counter canter, shoulder-in, travers or renvers on the track it is considered good manners to give way to them. Certainly on the UK affiliated scene someone would very quickly say something if you didn't.