Doing first ever Dressage test tomorrow! Any tips?!

[FunkyFilly28]

Hi, I'm going to a combined training and doing my first ever Dressage test (prelim 12). Any tips for it? Also, what hand to you drop to salute? Thanks!

 

[china]

i usually drop my right hand but i dont think it matters, i may be wrong, most top dressage riders drop there right hand i think.

 

[irishdraftlover]

make sure you place your whip and reins in one hand and drop the other hand! try to make a good entrance,focus on something ahead to keep it straight and smile at the judge. then try to do the movements accurately at each marker and remember to breathe!!

 

[scarson]

How exciting! A good tip is be accurate you will not get below a 6 mark for an accurate move. Ride corners they are v important and when riding up centre line dont worry to much about what the horse looks like, look up at judge and ride straight to them, that way you should get a good line. Hope that helps, gd luck!! (Ive never heard a rule about saluting but all the years i have been doing it watching/judging/riding everyone i have seen and me salute with right hand!)

 

[Louby]

I salute with my left, think it maybe because Im left handed and favor that hand.
As already said, ride in the corners. The grounds always better aswell as lots of riders cut the corners. Also try and keep a nice active rymatical (sp!) trot. Oh yes and breathe, look up and look like you are enjoying it. I always end up bright red as I dont think I take a breath for the whole test

 

[henryhorn]

Make sure you don't lose marks by being inaccurate on circles and movements at markers.
It's surprising how many people lose marks for this.
Try to imagine as you trot up the centre line you are your favourite dressage rider about to give a demo of your test, sit taller and smile!

 

[Gorgeous George]

Smile and enjoy! Hope it goes well.