Dressage - first test!

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pagancluf

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Just done my first ever dressage test this am, was totally sick with nerves, but not bad. Got a score of 58.18% and didn't come last!!

Judges comments were "hollow in outline" - what does this mean ? And like a plonker cantered on the wrong lead leg on the left rein- doooh! (but didn't stop and change as concentrating on next moves!!!)

Def going to have another go and see if can better scores.
 
Hollow in outline means he was above the bridle(ie in not on the bit and working from behind). He needs to be rounder in his frame.Does he tend to go with his nose poking?
 
Hollow in my books is about the lack of roundness of his outline... You see horses that are 'on the bit' yet totaly hollow in the back. You want him working from behind, relaxing throught his back and stretching forwards, while breaking at the poll so all his topline muscles are working....
 
Well done, for your first test that is really respectable score.
Hollow in outline means horse is not working through from behind and therefore not lifting through his back. This is really common when people start dressage but with correct schooling this should improve. In prelims you get a lot of marks for accuracy so try to make sure you do everything at the right place. If you get the wrong lead the judges like to see you come back to trot and change it.

Good luck at your next one!!! But remember it will be another judge so if you get less dont be too despondent, its just the judge is a bit tougher.
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However, if you get a better mark it is because your horse has improved
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Yes!! he is an ex-racer and thinks thats what he should do. Also he tried to exit the menage and was napping to the exit area along the rt hand side all the time!!!

I am trying to get him rounder at home put as soon as I tug at the front he slows and looses impulsion, with my leg FULLY on, have tried spurs but just bucks like mad (my inexperience!) Any ideas please
 
thanks for comment - how do I know from a "feel" point of view he is going ok? Will his bum-end lift higher when riding? He does go "on the bit" for a while then I loose it - but you've made me think maybe this is a false outline? This riding mylarky is blinking hard init!
 
Thank you dozziesmummy! I was aiming for a score over 20%, no not really 50% was my bench mark, so I'm glad, but you are right the judge smiled nicely at my red face, shaking hands and wobbly knees and thought "Aaah novice - may have to be nice" The next one may not be so.. Next month it is so we shall see.
 
No problem!! I use other people as my bench mark! I know who I should be up with!!

As for feeling if it is correct it sounds like you need someone to watch you so you can be told if the horse is actually "on the bit" and "through the back" Sorry dressage lingo!! The horse should not be held in an outline but should be working into an outline from behind. Oodles of subtle halfhalts are needed!! Try to keep a soft contact and ride your horse up to the bit rather than trying to bring the bit back to him. If you try to force an outline your horse will hollow.


Everytime he drops the contact ride him forward back into it without letting him rush. (yeah, I know easier said than done- Im having similar probs at the mo!!!). Make sure you are sitting up straight and not tipping forward so you can use your seat effectively.

My old chap was very reluctant to take a contact so I put him in a nathe straight bar which really did the trick. So you might need to consider a softer bit!!!!!

I'd definitely try to get some lessons booked!!
 
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