first ever warm up, advice please

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Charlie007

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In a few weeks I shall be taking my exracer to a low key dressage comp, just in the warm up. Have asked permission.

Has anyone got any tried and tested methods for a first time? I don't want to upset anyone else warm up for their class!!
 
They all react differently, we took one that was quiet at home, he was impossible to deal with once he arrived requiring lunging before we could even get the saddle near him, I had put the bridle on in the lorry fortunately, the other we took out this weekend to a much buzzier venue, loudspeakers and far more going on generally, he is fairly sharp but was much the same as he is at home, easy to get ready, walked about in hand then loads of walking ridden before being asked to do anything.
I would plan on walking in hand, with a bridle and lunge rein, if you have any concerns he may play up it is best to be prepared, let him take it all in, stand and chill, eat grass if possible before you try and actually get on and ride him, then take it all slowly, if he gets stressy try and get him to relax rather than force him to "concentrate and work through it" some respond to being pushed but most will benefit long term if they learn there is no reason to get upset, if you don't even get on or don't do any more than walk round on a long rein it will still be a worthwhile day out.
In respect of the others warming up I would ensure you go in when the arena is fairly quiet, if he really starts to mess about be ready to leave as it is not going to do you much good if you set off the others and you risk spoiling someone else's day.
 
I will definitely go with the view of just hand walking him around. He has been to our local indoor 4 times and has been pretty good. Better each time. He will be going for one more lesson at the indoor then he is doing an indoor clinic at the same venue that I want to use for the warm up outing. On the comp day the warm up is outdoors and comp indoor. Will try and have a wander round the outdoor when he is tired after the clinic!
 
Have you ridden him in lessons away from home with other horses in the arena at the same time? With horses he doesn't know? I prefer to do that before going to a show with them. It gives a good indication of what they might be like :)
 
He has been to 4 or 5 lessons away from home, ridden with another horse and he was fine, even the first time ever out after racing. His ridden work has been good, it was the arriving in the trailer, getting ready etc that he was a bit wired about but with each trip out he has improved no end. I might be able to hire the indoor with a few friends one eve so there ate 3 or 4 of us rather than 2.
 
Different methods for each horse, I'm afraid. However, it sounds like you have it under control so just go with the horse you have on the day - you being relaxed will make horse better!

It's also ok to stop and let him take everything in, as long as you don't stop abruptly, in the middle of the track...just use common sense and you'll be fine :)
 
I generally plan to be the first horse in the warm up. That way it gets busier gradually. Much less exciting than entering and already full warm up.
 
I also like to be first horse in, that way there are far fewer warming up none hanging around after their tests taking up space
 
I don't advise hand walking in around a warm up where there are competitors riding in all directions, recipe for disaster and why there are rules on trainers ect in warm up arenas. I would take him to a few more clinics first then maybe just walk him round the car park/grounds of a comp venue first or showing where there's an in hand class. All my youngers go showing first then dressage.
 
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