Prelim 14 - any tips?

[Bebe]

Hi

I've just sent in the entry form in for my first ever show. I've entered Bebe and myself in Prelim 14 (unaffiliated, just a local show). I've memorised the test and feel confident about most of it, just a bit sticky on the canter takeoff at the moment but we have time to work on it.

As this is our first show, I'm unsure of what to expect so any info on that would be great. Already know what I'm wearing and that Bebe's tack is fine.

Any tips on how to ride the test to eek the most points out of it? Our best movements at the moment are the walk/trot and trot/walk transition. Trot is good if I really push Bebe forwards.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Amanda

[KarlR]

Well done. I did my first "proper" (non-school) tests recently: prelim 6 and prelim 18, and we had quite a passable score all things considered.

I find that I lose most points generally from accuracy, and I think this is quite common at prelim level. Try to ride the circles right up to the edges. Also, if the show is ridden in a field with marker boards, make sure that Bebe isn't afraid of them...showing them the boards at the show is frowned upon but you can practice in a field at home with something similar.

I did do prelim 14 some time ago in a school show, and was given some advice. The main bits were...

On the shallow loops try to get the 5metre distance right, and...

As you cross X, make sure that you are on the actual line between B-E rather than still at an angle.

Good luck!

[CarolineR]

One thing Karl forgot to mention, try to find out, how and where the Judges will be sitting. If outside this is likely to be in a car, so do the test with a car at the C end of the field and beep the horn etc as you will hear this at the show which is your indication that you can start the test entering at A.

If in an indoor school, set the table up at the c end also.

Ensure that you have the correct size arena set out 20 x 40, as even 5 each way will seem strange if you are not used to riding the full area size, or maybe your school is larger in which case the 20 x 40 will seem cramped to you both.

Ensure that you enter at A in a straight line to help you proceed down the centre line.

As Karl says be as accurate as possible, the guideline is that the action/transition should happen when the horses shoulder is level with the relevant letter.

Practice your Free Walk on a long rein accross the long diagonal, the Judges will want to see not only the straight line, but the horse streching down taking the rein forward and down, do not just throw the reins at her ease them down, and gather them up slowly do not grab them suddenly and expect her to carry out the next task. This can give you a high mark 10, and can easly loose you alot of marks by not teaching your horse to streach.

Work your horse in at the show fort about 45 mins before the test, if you are having problems with the canter, practice this on the ground around you that the test will be performed on.

Know your place in order of the other riders and watch a couple of other tests for tips on where potential problems may be. If you panic and forget the test don't worry there will be plenty of people there to read for you and many will have the test read for them its no embarassment for your fist time out.

I wish you the best of luck, and don't forget to go to the loo before your test!!!!!

Just as an indication of what good practice will do for you, Charlie, my 4 year old Cob's first ever show and only 6th time off the yard beat most of the other competitors at Prelim 6 & 18, and if we had been Club members we would have taken 3rd place!!!!

Even beating my husband's horse KarlR 7 year old thoroughbred Zak, Oh he hated being beaten my a Cob with no training!!!!!!! I can live on that one for years.

Just goes to show that you don't need a fine bred horse to do dressage.

[KarlR]

You see what I mean Amanda!

Please...when you meet them...no compliments for Charlie over Zak - I'll never be allowed to forget them! ;)

[Bebe]

Can I take the neutral ground and say they're both equally gorgeous as each other??

Either that or I'll keep a diplomatic silence :)

[CarolineR]

Charlie is the most gorgeous horse in the world, there is no questions on that score.

However Zak is very lovely but in a different way - but not as good looking by any streach of the imagination!!!!!

[KarlR]

<sigh>

Judging the two of them is in truth impossible. They are about as dissimilar as can be (except in colour). As a result I will of course take any "Charlie is better looking than Zak" comments as sheer prejudice and ignore them!! :(

In any case, we're on holiday after today, so we'll leave the argument for your to decide when we meet! (Of course what you'll actually be thinking when you meet them is "Well, they're both nice, but not as attractive as Bebe!")

Karl R

P.S. Zak is more handsome, but Charlie is kind of "cute" ;)

[Bebe]

Wow, I get the feeling you both love your horses :o)

Anyway, it's all moot because not only am I a sucker for handsome horses, I have a soft spot for cute one's too so I'll probably gush over them both.

Thanks for the tips on the test. May not be able to take Bebe because of her cut leg (very sore on it at the moment) but will be riding in it whether it's on her or another horse so can put your help to good practice.

Have a good holiday
Amanda