Dressage Questions....

Michelle73

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I'm going to be doing my first "propper" dressage test soon. Prelim 18. Still at the drawing it on paper today as only had it faxed to me this morning (supposed to be working, good job boss has been in a meeting all day!!!)

Does anyone have any top tips they would like to share?

Unusually I noticed that Prelim 18 doesn't have a halt and salute at the judge on entering
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I know to try and get my straight centre line I need to look way into the distance passed the judge and focus that way my boy should go straight (we hope).

Does anyone have any other tips, simple easy to remember stuff like when you have to do a transition, is it when the head of the horse hits the letter, the horses shoulder or you leg? Sorry, sounding like a right numpty but not done dressage before and not been near a show ring since I was 17 yrs!!!!
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Not going to tell you how old I am!!!
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All constructive help and comments are greatly appreciated. THANK YOU
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Most prelim tests don't include a halt and salute at the beginning, i haven't ridden one yet that does include it! Just relax into the test and smile when you finish.
xx
 
no prelims and some novices you dont halt and salute - exactly make sure you ride your circles accurate and smile - keep relaxed and enjoy !! if you are relaxed so your horse will be to !
 
Look like u want to be there and the test wil run better. Also accuracy is a good way of keep marks up so make sure serpentine is equal and flowing!

Have fun!
 
Halts at the beginning of a test don't start until the later novice tests (30-something). Transitions should be at the rider's leg (I think), but TBH don't worry too much about being that perfectly accurate with transitions at prelim (make sure you prepare your transitions so they happen in roughly the right place, and ensure your circles are circle-shaped and the right size, etc.). Have the horse working forwards in a rhythm and nice and relaxed. And make sure you are relaxed and SMILE and enjoy yourself. P18 is a lovely first test.
Good luck!
Edited to get my point across better!
 
My tip would be...REMEMBER YOUR GLOVES!!! You will get eliminated if you're not wearing any, & that would be a real shame, but it's easy to forget if you're not used to wearing them.

Put a spare pair in your lorry glovebox (!) & keep them there permanently.

Good luck!
 
[ QUOTE ]
My tip would be...REMEMBER YOUR GLOVES!!! You will get eliminated if you're not wearing any, & that would be a real shame, but it's easy to forget if you're not used to wearing them.

Put a spare pair in your lorry glovebox (!) & keep them there permanently.

Good luck!

[/ QUOTE ]

I never knew that !!!!
 
I dont think I've ever done a Prelim test with a halt and salute at the start????

Nothing to say really, I've gone off dressage and actually hate it now! Just get the horse going forwards, obediently and be accurate. Don't worry too much about the outline. And try to smile!
 
Its seems funny that you have all said SMILE
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Apparently I grin my way through my lessons!!! I'll just have to imagine its a lesson.

GLOVES - Always wear gloves anyway - kind of feel naked without them
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!!!!

My only concern is left lead canter - still having problems with that. If he goes on the wrong lead, do I bring him back and correct as quickly as possible to show that I've recognised he's on the wrong leg? What happens if you don't manage to get the correct leg before the end of the exercise? He's fab on the right canter lead. Just read the test again and can't foresee any other problems.

Thank you all for your input. It really is appreciated.
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