First ever dressage Comp on 4 yro Sun, anything I need to know?

nic85

nic85

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Morning!

So its my first ever comp on my 4 yro tomorrow, we are first in at 9.15 and I am a little bit excited:) Is there anything I need to know that I may have overlooked? I last competed in 2009 on my friends cob so a while ago!

Thanks in advance
 
Going first is a great idea as it's likely to be calmer! Have you got anyone who can come with you to give you a hand if you need it? With a young horse I would try to lunge him at home before leaving, get there with plenty of time and walk him in hand a little bit so he can see the sights. I'd aim for a nice, safe, positive experience and not worry too much about the competition side of things.
 
List everything you need to take so if you are feeling pressured you can just follow the list. Sounds obvious, but people get to shows all the time having forgotten crucial things like the bridle! Put a neck strap in. Always handy to grab in an emergency as when the horse is plaited a handful of mane is not an option. Don't forget your gloves. Compulsory for competition and prevents friction burns if your baby doesn't want to leave the 'party' early. A lunge line is always useful to pack. Pack your body protector and wear it! No marks are lost by doing so and it may give you the extra confidence to ride more positively.

For you: Sports drink. When stressed we burn up sugars and vits, minerals faster. Always great to have a bottle packed just in case you suddenly feel drained once your adrenalin subsides. Take a banana or some other slow release type energy. Try and eat some breakfast. Porridge is good. Lines the stomach and oats are slow release.
Remember its your first time out, so make sure your goals are realistic. My first time out goals are always; travel safe both ways. Stay in the arena. Breathe! Remember its supposed to be fun. Let us know how it goes.
 
The most important thing to remember...

Smile and enjoy it!!!

Don't put any pressure on yourself or your horse, just work as you would at home, keep things simple and have fun.
Also, have a checklist when you are loading up the car/lorry. Make sure you have all of your comp wear, and everything you need for the horse, as well as drinks for both of you and an easy bite to eat. A bit of cash is helpful, they may have caterers so you can get a nice hot choc after!

My signature move at the show is to halt, salute and then give the judge a massive grin afterwards, even if things have gone a little (or a lot!) pear shaped. The judge always grins back!

Enjoy it though, and good luck!
 
nic85 said:
Morning!

So its my first ever comp on my 4 yro tomorrow, we are first in at 9.15 and I am a little bit excited:) Is there anything I need to know that I may have overlooked? I last competed in 2009 on my friends cob so a while ago!

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Just don't think of him as a 4 year old. Just think of him as something that has been there and done that and don't get wrapped up in thoughts of him only being a baby, etc.

When I had my four year old he used to be taken out practically every weekend, jumping, dresssage, fun rides, eventing everything. Never used to think he was a baby, it never came into the equation. He was just a new horse to me, and I wanted to have fun on him. In those days we were pretty naive about overworking young horses, bone development, etc, etc. Things were more laid back and people didn't have the knowledge that we all have now. But the odd dressage show isn't going to hurt your horse.

Have lots of fun and don't aim too high for your first few outings xx
 
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Bare in mind he'll get very tired very quickly. Being out in public is very tiring for a baby. Don't do to much or he'll be too tired when you do the actual test.
 
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