Does anyone else's riding go to pot when the 'D' word is mentioned?

[LeneHorse]

We are having our yard show next weekend and I am going to do Intro A and P7. It's not the first time by any means that I've done dressage but no matter how many times we do it the nerves just kick in. I had a lesson today and asked my instuctor if we could run through P7 - honestly, my riding just went to pieces! If i hadn't mentioned 'dressage test' to her I'd have been fine. Does anyone else just tense up at the very mention of the 'D' word?

 

[WelshMisfit]

Lol....the very thought of doing dressage makes me shudder with horror! My friend has just decided to take it up and keeps nagging me to have a go. I would rather remove my kidney with a blunt spoon!

 

[NeverSayNever]

me i just get so tense i dont breathe and end up rushing my horse. i detest it i cant remember tests either, i tried so so hard to do so at a ode recently because you werent allowed a caller and despite going over and over it, setting up an arena in my living room and front garden, i still got it wrong on the day and wanted the ground to open up and swallow me

 

[MizzPurpleKitten]

Haha I'm so glad it's not just me! I LOVE Dressage but for some reason, whenever I have to concentrate and practice for a test not only does my riding go to put but my horse also similarly decides that pretending to be a cross between a giraffe and a tank is definitely the best way forward!