Dressage first competiton advice please?

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lcharles

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Hello!

Just entered my first EVER dressage competition on Wednesday evening, my time is at 6 o'clock. I am going to ask boss if i can leave at 4 instead of half 4on Wednesday so i can drag Billy in from the field (unless i go and put him in at lunchtime?!) and then go straight from work to get lorry, get horse, changed and go straight to the show (Abbey Dressage-Tewkesbury), its about 30 minutes away from the stables.

Realistically i wont have time to plait.....does this really matter? I know it is better to do it but after watching a competition on Sunday, not all of them had plaited...is that ok? Do i really need white gloes....as i dont own any but could go but some if really required!

I am not expecting wonders from Billy (or myself) but any tips on how i can make it run as smooth as possible? I am going to try and be as organised as possible but as I've never been to dressage before i'm not really sure what to expect.
 
I think you really should plait unless your horse is a cob/native type.
Dont need white gloves for low levels they are just preffered as can see hands move more.

Go and enjoy im sure you will be fine
 
if you don't have time to plait then it isn't the end of the world, I find evening dressage tends to have less horses plaited, I guess mostly because people have sprinted out of work in order to get there at all!

Re the gloves, you must wear some gloves, it is only preferred that they are pale. If you don't wear pale gloves then you will prob be given a comment on your sheet, but you won't loose points for it.

Loads of luck, abbey dressage is ace so sure you'll have a brilliant time!
 
I wouldn't plait for evening dressage - I think most venues accept that at local competitions people are rushing out of work to be there and provided the horse is well presented otherwise it's hardly the end of the world.
 
R-E-L-A-X :)

Plaits are not mandatory, particularly unaffiliated so don't worry.

Gloves are a must, however, again if it's unaffil then black gloves won't matter however if you're going to do more dressage in the future, white gloves would be an investment.

Make sure you know you're test/s and have a caller sorted if you're having one. Be as accurate as you possibly can, try and get a nice consistent rhythm and leave enough time to have a thorough warm-up getting the horse as forward as possible and working into the contact. Lots of lateral work to get them supple and transitions to get them listening to you.

Have fun and good luck :)
 
Thanks x Its so hard to relax but probably the best thing i can do! x I can leave work at 3.45 on Wednesday so gives me a little bit more time!!

Might be a stupid question, but when it says 'walk one horses length', is that four steps?

With the prelim 14, all of the transitions are 'between' the letters so it'll be easier to be accurate wont it?!

Soo scared! Only ever used to showjumping!! x
 
Yep, about four steps, best to prepare for your transition out of the walk so you get the trot at the end of the horses length not that you ask for the trot at the end of the length (iyswim). Much easier to be accurate in the 'between' letters, mainly enjoy the experience though!
 
I've always done 4-5 steps and never been marked down for it.

Yup, a lot easier to be accurate when it's between markers, just make sure you plan ahead even so as movements can still come up quite fast.

You'll be fine :) I have my first dressage with new horse on Sunday and am nervous too so I can't talk lol.
 
awww good luck with the newbie!! Can i use a crop as well?-will try tonight without one though! x Would prefer not to have one but he could go crazy and rear and buck mid-test and might need it then!! x
 
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Hello,

First of all, don't worry! Trust me, it's fine once you get in there (I even found it fine, me who very nearly fell off right in front of the judges table when the silly po thought the pot plant was going to eat him:D ) If you do have the time, I would plait up, just because it makes you look 'better', however don't worry if you don't :) Also, when you're finished, make sure you look happy with your horse ie lots of patting and smiling (even if he's gone badly!) as it just gives your test a better overall look to the judge :) Good luck!
 
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