Dressage judges/riders - N37 tips

[Gamebird]

My big weak 5yo has qualified for the final of a dressage competition where we need to do N37. The rein-back isn't really happening yet (but hey, we've got 10 days to crack it! ) but we should pass off a reasonable medium trot and canter.

How can I squeeze every possible mark out of N37? Where do people usually drop marks in this test? I know it will be a challenge but I'd like to put up the best show possible.

I wish there were more features like the one in the BE mag where the FEI judge judged the 1* test and explained what she wanted/common mistakes movement by movement. I could really do with something like that!

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

is this the one where you have to go across the diag, do a give and retake over the centre line, then counter canter?

the places people lose marks in the higher novices are rein back being crooked or resistant, counter canter unbalanced and only doing a brief G&R.

so if you can hold your G&R for 3 strides (so show it over 5 in total, rather than the minimum specified of 3), and show a super counter canter that is straight and shows no loss/change in rhythm, you will be streets ahead of most!

 

[Tempi]

Pretty obvious stuff, but make sure you really ride to each marker and ride into your corners and prepare for all your movements. Judges love a well ridden acurate test, even if the horse is a bit naughty

 

[JAH]

One of the biggest mistakes I have seen is the number of people who forget to 'halt and salute' when entering down the centre line. Minus 2 points at the start is not good!

 

[spark56]

10m circles the right size and not too much neck bend.

I've found judging of the rein back quite lenient at novice. I think as long as the legs are in diagonal pairs and the horse isn't getting pulled in the mouth they tend to forgive a little wonkiness.

 

[Dirtymare]

10m circles the right size and not too much neck bend.

I've found judging of the rein back quite lenient at novice. I think as long as the legs are in diagonal pairs and the horse isn't getting pulled in the mouth they tend to forgive a little wonkiness.

I never give tips on riding, as I dont feel I'm qualified to do so. But something that I get marked down on is the size of my circles. In my defense, I'm and *old gal* and dont really understand metres etc.

But I would deffinately second the advise given above, by Spark56.

Good luck.
DM

 

[Gamebird]

I've found judging of the rein back quite lenient at novice. I think as long as ....... the horse isn't getting pulled in the mouth they tend to forgive a little wonkiness.

More work required then I think!

Thank you, I'll bear the counter canter and G+R in mind. I suspect that it was put in the test to highlight the very deficiencies that we possess! I haven't ridden through the test yet so it'll give me something to work on.

 

[CastleMouse]

Accuracy, accuracy, accuracy!

Really work on your rein back, as the judge will pay a lot more of attention to it, as it's at C right in front of them! Straightness, and make sure your horse doesn't snatch or resist - A crooked rein back with resistance will probably get you a 4, a 5 at best.

Don't allow your horse to get too deep on the 10m circles either.

 

[CastleMouse]

I've found judging of the rein back quite lenient at novice. I think as long as the legs are in diagonal pairs and the horse isn't getting pulled in the mouth they tend to forgive a little wonkiness.

As is always the case with dressage, it really depends on the judge!