A basic dressage question..

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rolsterlady

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Hi there

I am doing a BD intro level dressage test at the weekend. I have done many of these before, but i have a quick question about the work i can do with my horse in the 45 seconds i have after the bell rings. Is it acceptable to canter, even though my test is just walk/trot?

Reason is, the warm up area is a 5 minute walk down the road from the dressage arena, but my mare goes a LOT better in her walk and trot immediately after she has cantered. Obviously i can't go straight into my test from my warm up as it's not next to the arena, so would the judge mind if i cantered before i start my test or would it be better if i stuck to walk/trot?

Thank you in advance :)
 
I actually think i disagree... having just trawled through the rule book I cant see it mentioned at all. I certainly wouldnt elimiate you for it, but out of interest I will ask on the BD judges forum.
 
I have often wondered about this also, so I would be interested to hear what you find out Ferdinase. Something at the back of my mind tells me that it is not allowed, but logically on the basis that you should be schooling at home one level above where you compete and your warm up routine is likely to include elements of your schooling techniques I am in favour of it being allowed...
 
Only had one reply so far but they agree with me that it is permitted.

I think it is a bit like doing shoulder in round the outside when you are doing novice...not in the test but still a training movement.
 
I do a lot of writing for judges and until you enter at A you are not being judged so I would imagine you can do whichever pace you like. A trawl through BD website or even an email to them should clarify the rules though.
 
I would also say yes. There wouldn't be anything wrong doing some medium trot before you start a prelim, or a bit of shoulder-in before a novice, so surely no problem doing a bit of canter. The only thing you might have to answer is why you're doing a walk and trot not a prelim if your canter is established, but that will probably more from spectators than the judge ;)
 
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