Dressage Virgin - Just Starting out and haven't a clue.

kbsaff

kbsaff

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I have a 4 1/2 yr old Sec D who I would like to do some (basic) dressage with and see how we go.
The only problem is, i come from a jumping family and no absolutely Zilch about dressage.
Please help, where do i start?
Where can I get a BASIC test from? Where can I do the test?
What does the pony have to do? aaaghh.
Please help me as I am a complete dressage novice.
 
I would look at your local shows and see if there are walk trot tests. They normally write them themseleves tho there is now a BD one if you want to get a feel.
Have a look at Haroldsparkfarm.co.uk on there dressage apge for a walk trot test as a staring point.
 
Assuming that you are not a PC member....... have you tried your local Riding Clubs? Often a good place to start as they have lecture demos/group lessons which can be a good intro.
 
Second the look at local RC's advice the often have a dressage/flatwork trainer they use for clinics or recommend so that would be a good starting point.

Another one is to find some local shows and wander along just to watch and see what's required what other people do etc.
 
Agree with Dianchi - look for walk & trot tests to start - my sec D used to get good marks in those as normally their trot is even / rhythmical so that helps loads & I never used to plait as native (even for normal test with canter - but the mane can get in the way - or hide your hands if they move about a bit in faster paces!!). Just be smart / plain tack / pale jods / dark or tweed jacket, gloves, etc. And snaffle bit needed at this level - check BD website for allowed bits.
Good Luck & ENJOY.
Look on riding diary for schedules in your area & see if they have set walk & trot tests - normally if the test isn't shown they can e-mail as an attachment.
 
You can buy dressage tests from www.dressagediagrams.co.uk - they don't cost much and they also have a diagram as well as a list of movements
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I looked at the websites of the equestrian centres in my area and saw that some of their dressage schedules included walk-trot tests (usually as the first test of the day) so printed off the test diagrams from their websites and off i went! Once you want to introduce canter when you compete then you use the BD Prelim tests that are available on the dressage diagrams website shown above. Good luck and enjoy!
 
Get down to your local tack shop and buy yourself a few dressage test sheets, if your a pretty good rider then I'd start with P12 or something similar, they will advise you in the tack shop so don't worry.

Treat yourself to a few private lessons and discuss with your instructor what your thinking of doing and what test your going to work on, if you have a school the you'll need to make sure you've got some dressage markers A K E H C M B F etc, learn the layout in your head/draw it on paper till you know then begin to learn the test in two halfs, learn it like the back of your hand.

Walk the test (pretending to ride your horse if you want to make it more fun!) till your confident you know each instruction...example C - circle right...HXF change the rein etc etc. Then practice on your horse, you can either have somebody to call your test out so you can learn it that way as your riding or you may surprise yourself and already know it in your head.

A dressage judge will mark you on your paces (rhythm, correct footfalls) suppleness (relaxed mentally and physically through neck and back), contact (works from behind into a consistent contact), position (balance, straightness and correctness) Aids etc etc and you will be marked on each.
Some people actually think dressage is complicated, boring and too serious and that's why they never have a go, its not, it can be fun and very rewarding and will help you and your horse/pony in all other areas of riding.
 
Wow, thanks so much for your comments!
I have started the search for an instructor in my area. Any one know one?
I am going to concentrate on Lennox's rythym and take my trailer towing test, then i can get out and about! I am really determined to make the most of my pony. Feeling very positive about him. I always had an image that dressage was something that you had to be the most amazing rider but i will give it a go.

Look out Hickstead Here we come! (ahem.....maybe a little optimistic)
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