??Dressage - what are the right and wrongs for comps??

C

charliechalk1

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I have recently taken my pony to a local show, (M&M classes, show jumping, working hunter etc) and I noticed that they did dressage classes and I would have loved to have had a go but because he was in a pelham he wouldn't be allowed to compete. I was wondering whether I could compete him in a double bridle with a weymouth and bradoon but obviousl being a complete novice to competing in dressage I would only be able to do introductory and prelim and I didn't know whether I would be allowed to where the double bridle? I have tried so many bits with my pony but he is just so strong I find he works really nicely in his pelham. I have already tried hanging cheek, dutch gag, waterford snaffle it feels like nearly every bit going but I wondered whether anyone has an suggestions as to what I could wear at this level with the same amount of breaks?

Thanks!
 
Afraid you're not allowed a double bridle at those levels, sorry. I battled for ages with Genie before she went sensibly in a snaffle... I found a drop/baucher snaffle was best for her.
 
miss_c said:
Afraid you're not allowed a double bridle at those levels, sorry. I battled for ages with Genie before she went sensibly in a snaffle... I found a drop/baucher snaffle was best for her.
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Yeah I thought so :( I think it will just be more battles. He is just typical welshie strong willed ;) I may have to put dressage on hold and just try and try and try some more to get him into a hanging cheek again. Just feel at a loose end because he's knocked my balance by being so strong and I think I just need to go back to basics at least then I may just get back some control! :) thanks for your help! :)
 
If it's any consolation, I now ride Genie (again, strong welshie with a liking for setting her neck against you!) in a loose ring french link snaffle! It took a FABULOUS instructor and lots of patience and schooling, but we got there, so you can as well!
 
I would really love to get back to that stage again as he came in a loose ring snaffle but then seemed to have a tendency of sticking his head in the air and going round like a giraffe! There is an instructor at our yard and she took me to a show today and just by her being there giving me pointers my riding and his attitude seemed to improve dramatically! I think lots of lessons and just working on balance will definitely help! :)
 
Get yourself a good instructor and trust me you can get there!!

I can safely say Miss_c's Genie is a totally different horse on the flat now. Yes we have the same trainer, and we both have welsh D's so know where you're coming from!
 
Update ---

What a difference!! I have had a couple of lessons with the instructor from my yard and we've started back on the basics. He is now in an eggbutt snaffle with a french link. I have been working with him and he is now going really nicely in it. I am even riding him out in the snaffle now. He has changed so much! I have gone from riding him in a pelham and roundings with a running martingale to an eggbutt snaffle with a french link. Me and my friend are planning to go to a fun ride this weekend and i'm taking him in his snaffle, fingers crossed!! :):)
 
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