Dressage test question - when the bell rings...

[Farma]

Whenever I enter the arena I normally pray for a long time to trot around the arena before they ring they bell, but is there any rule to say you have to enter as soon as the bell rings?
Are you allowed go around and enter on the next circuit?
With sj normally you get 45 secs on the clock but never seen anyone not go straight in when the bell sounds!

 

[Booboos]

You have to enter before 45 seconds are past otherwise you are eliminated. Usually this should allow one circuit of the arena in trot and to be honest in most competitions they won't really be timing you. If you happen to see anything international on TV though you will see a big clock that starts counting down as soon as the bell goes.

 

[Farma]

Oh ok 45secs for dressage aswell! Thanks thats handy to know - sometimes your just not quite ready as the bell rings - I will use that 45 secs next time!

 

[oldvic]

For dressage it is also 45 secs so you need to know how far you get in that time. Use the time you need but don't waste time. It is unlikely to improve in that time anyway and by delaying, nerves can be passed on to the horse.

 

[Farma]

Thanks its not nerves - I dont really get nervous- this horse has only been to 2 shows in her life so is pretty nosey going into new arenas and normally a few trots around so shes had a look and were fine good to go but if I have to go straight in I spend the 1st part of the test settling her to the new surroundings!

 

[eggs]

Most judges are pretty good a spotting a young and/or inexperienced horse and tend to give them a bit longer to get used to the arena before ringing the bell.