Doing your very first Elementary test

[Izzwizz]

Im thinking of having a go doing my first ever Elementary test. Im aware you can use a double bridle at this level and my horse goes beautifully in it. However, what are peoples thoughts on this, am I better doing it in a snaffle or not? Really not sure what to expect atall at this level. My horse has done quite well at Novice with some decent scores but we do seem to get comments like needs to work over back more. Im not hugely competitive and we are competing at Unaffiliated dressage. I would be interested to see what others think. My horse is 15, has a bit of arthritis in his hocks and pastern for which he has had as much treatment as he can. He has regular Physio, and saddle and teeth checks.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

I think go for it if you are prepared for maybe not getting a mega score, but for me you don't know if you are 'ready' until you dip your toe in and give it a go!

Double bridle vs snaffle, simplistically go for what works best for you both, but make sure he is working properly in it and isn't tucking behind it and giving a false sense of lightness (apologies if I'm teaching you to suck eggs here ). A judge should not care as it is allowed at this level end of .

If he's a touch older (would not call him old!), but with a bit of arthritis then make sure you get him as supple as you can with lateral work and giving yourself plenty of warm-up time. For 'needs to work more over the back', have you identified the issue? Does he need to be powering from behind more (with his hock issues it may be more difficult for him), or is he tensing/hollowing his back? Either way making sure he is powering along whilst maintaining relaxation should help, (easier said than done ).

I've found that they will want a slightly more advanced frame rather than the longer, lower frame at prelim and novice, though when they talk about 'collected' trot and canter they are only looking for enough collection for the movement so try not to over do it and kill the impulsion. Prepare for quicker transitions and movements but most of all just enjoy it and give it your best shot, good luck and please do report back .

 

[sarahandwilby]

In my personal experience, E42 and E44 aren't that much harder than some of the novice tests. Maybe a few more 10m circles and a weeny bit of counter canter but that's about all that's different.

Definitely have a go! Even if it's just for the experience and to be able to look back and say 'we did it'. It doesn't matter about the score and you can always drop back to novice if you don't feel happy about it 😊

 

[Izzwizz]

Thankyou both so much for your replies, some helpful hints there. The working over his back is probably related to his hocks a bit, he isnt the most forward going horse at times and does need reminders. I think I will definitely give it a go and probably in the double bridle. Why not as you say! Incidentally its E44 that Im thinking of doing, it looks a nice test! I will report back. Its towards the end of August so we will be getting some practice in, I want to remember it as there isnt always a caller available and sometimes it makes me concentrate better when I have to do it from memory..