first ever dressage test

[Emarmite]

Hi,

I must be completely mad but have decided to enter my first ever dressage test on 20th May, it is only prelim 7 but I feel quite sick already.

Although I love my horse dearly she is so very very lazy and I know I am going to make a complete twit of myself.

The only thing I am hoping is by the time we have walked to the show (45 minutes) and warmed her up she my have some go in her!!!

The main problem will be keeping her in canter as she is very stubborn and really difficult to get all the way around the arena.


She did a lot of dressage years ago and did quite well but she seems to get lazier and lazier, and also the last few weeks she will no longer work in an outline.

Wish me luck



bev

[SA rider]

Hi Bev, good luck with that, I'm doing Prelim 7 in a couple of weeks and in fact haven't even had a look at it yet although have a vague idea of how it pans out. Am getting a copy tomorrow.
My pony struggles in canter but with her its because she's still young and learning. A very experienced dressage rider gave me the tip that when cantering her try and sit very tall lifting up my ribcage and put as little weight in the saddle as possible (obviously bottom stays in the saddle but isn't grinding away deep in the saddle). She says this prevents discomfort for the horse and prevents blocking the flow of energy through the horses back. Also be careful not to block with the thighs or calfs.
So its aiming for a lightness in the saddle to make cantering a pleasurable experience for the horse. (This could help with outline too)
When I said to her that I needed to use my body to urge my pony forward then she explained that the movement should be coming from my stomach area (stomach muscles should be held firmly though).
It definitely helped. And she knows what she's talking about as she's amazing to watch!
OH and finally, do you canter on hacks, as horses really enjoy it and it renews their pleasure in cantering. Just cantering around the school can be demoralising and boring for a horse.

[Ross]

Good luck - but just go and have fun. Remeber to breathe, and try and smile - it makes an amazing difference if you look as though you're enjoying it, and also tends to make you feel happier :)

Ross

[LesleyR]

Hurrah! Good for you Bev! Just relax and enjoy it. As it's your first one it doesn't matter if it doesn't go well. The important thing is you're having a go.
You may remember when I first got my pone we propped up the class every time but we kept plugging away and eventually got halfway good at it :)

Whereabouts are you competing?

[Emarmite]

Hi

Thanks for the advise and good wishes. It is only the local shows at Urmston and Bucklow, but still very nerve racking.

I will let you know how we get on.

Regards

Beverley

[chewitmonster]

ooo good luck, your braver than me! You'll do fine, like the others have said just relax and enjoy the experience and it'll be over before you know it :) xxx