First Dressage for scaredy cat!!

S

Stella

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I'm planning to take my mare out and do my first dressage tests in August. I am a middle aged novice and already I feel stupidly nervous about it
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I have seen some inconsiderate and sometimes plain stupid riding in warm-up, so the thought of that makes my legs feel weak and then there is the recurring thought that we will trot up the centre line, spook at the judges' car and I'll fly off before I've even made a start
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God I'm a wimp! I know I have to just get on and do it, but any words of wisdom/comfort will be gratefully received!
 
Well done for being brave and choosing a dressage event.

Dont worry about other people believe me others will be just as nervous and will be haveing the same thoughts as you!

Just smile as you go down the center line towards the judge it gives a good first impression.

Let us know how you get on.
 
Don't worry about people in the warm up, be courtious but ignore pot hunters who just intimidate everyone in the warm up, they are idiots who are not usually as capable as they think, so just warm up like you normally would and try to enjoy it.

Learn the test and run through it a few times, write a list so you don;t forget anything and just breathe and enjoy it, don't worry if she spooks either, everyones horse does that sometimes, you wont fall off
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Have fun!
Diana
 
Don't think of this first one (or any for that matter) as a competition - think of it more as just getting your benchmark and all you're out to do is see what you both can do. Every test after that is about improving on what you did last time not necessarily coming first - placings are a bonus especially if you've seen and felt an improvement.

Good luck but most of all it's supposed to be fun - so have some fun!
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If you are really worried perhaps contact the organisers and ask if you can go first? I did this with my horses first test. There were only a few other riders in the warm-up, and they were all very friendly - especially when I explained it was our first time! And I really enjoyed myself... Let us know how you get on!
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Best of luck and I would echo all that people have put above. Rescue Remedy always helps me with nerves. Try to get someone to go with you, who can give you hand, keep an eye on when you're going in and give you moral support. I'm sure you'll be absolutley fine and if it doesn't quite go to plan, then remember it happens to everyone on occasion. I remember watching this poor lady at the Winter champs struggling with her horse who wouldn't go anywhere near the centre line that had been rolled on the surface.
Best of luck and well done you for going for it.
 
Have you ridden at the vanue before? If not, I would hire the school before the day and practice your test there.

Leave plenty of time on the day so you can take your time.

Plan what you want to practice in the warm up so that you can focus on you and your horse and not the other people.

Most importantly of all, relax and smile - you never know, it might be enjoyable!

Good luck.
 
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