First outing-where do I start?

nicolenlolly

nicolenlolly

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As title really. Lolly wants to do w+t intro b on goose now they have both found their feet and as it is on her birthday I couldn't say no :) but I don't have a clue, especially when it comes to dressage what is expected/what to wear whether I am supposed to trim/plait tail etc etc. she has a tweed jacket from showing neighbours pony, canary jods and brown gloves/boots. The pony has brown tack and is a welsh so I don't really want to take scissors etc to his tail if that's wrong.
We have 10 days til dressage so I am going to try and get him out to clear round jumping Tuesday and Wednesday next week as he has never been to anything before other than lady for breaking and moving yards. I'm a bit nervous but he loads and travels well...fingers crossed it will be brilliant :)
thanks for any advice xx
 
The jacket, jods, boots and gloves are fine. Most people plait their horses/ponys mane (normally in rosebuds, but if they have a long mane leaving it the way it is is fine, or you could do a running plait), but not all of them plait their tails, so there would be no need to trim etc :) The tack should also be fine, although you'll have to check with the organisers which bits are allowed, but if the pony is in a snaffle then it should be fine.

If the event is unaffiliated then the organisers are usually more leinient on turnout etc. but jackets do have to be worn as well as light coloured jodhpurs, canary is fine :)
Good luck I'm sure you'll have loads of fun :)
 
A native does not have to be plaited.

Make sure pony is well exercised the day before, so not too fresh, and have you had the chance to practice in an arena with white boards, flowers, etc?

Really, all a dressage test is to see if you can do walk, trot and canter. I don't know why people get so stressed about it!
 
Tweed jacket, gloves, beige or canary jods, shirt/tie and boots will be fine, as is the brown tack. Just make sure you don't use a wilkie type snaffle but others are ok. Tails are not plaited for dressage and the length shouldn't be a problem unless it is trailing on the floor and if you can plait the mane without stress then try it, but it won't affect the score at unaffiliated.

For a first ever try with a young child all you want is a relaxed, happy rider and pony, obediently following the movements listed. Anything else, such as thoroughness, suppleness, etc is a bonus.

Good luck and have fun!
 
Thank you all so much :) plaiting the mane is a must as he has rubbed lots of it and has a hole so we will hide it with a plait but his tail is nice and neat anyway so I will leave it. The lady I spoke to today was very stern, I said to her that both lolly and goose are only 5 and its their first time out so if it all starts to look a little like it is going wrong, can I step in and lead or do I book her as a lead rein to start with? she replied that people are there to compete properly so if I lead then I forfeit the rosette at the end for lolly?!!? it is only a local unaff dressage jobby not a flamin rio qualifier, even if she comes last, I think that is a little harsh but anyway, we practised toady and he seemed ok. I hadnt thought about letting him see white boards and flowers and that could be an issue orangehorse, I will speak with her instructor and see if we can sort something!
thank you again xx
 
Make sure the pony is not wearing anything like a martingale (neck strap is ok as is breast plate) or any boots or bandages. A snaffle with a straight bar, single joint or French link would be appropriate. Neat, clean and tidy is a must to create a nice picture and plaiting is nice but not essential. Some events Bridle numbers are required.

Arrive in plenty of time, make sure you know which way around the Arena is i.e. which end is A (helps not to practice in mind the wrong way around :o)

I'm afraid I agree about forfeiting a rosette if on a lead rein there will be plenty of other people including adults who are new to dressage, nervous about competing or have a very green horse and whom winning a rosette fairly is quite important. I don't think special dispensation should be given to kids however cute :) However as an organiser I would do something like give a Special rosette to be encouraging.

Hope you have a great time and let us know how you get on :)
 
Crikey , we are lucky where we are that they do a junior class aswel so the kids can have some encouragement. My son is on a 5 year old at the moment (he is 16 ) I would be happy with him just having a go but would never expect a 5 year old child on a young pony to be expected to compete against him. I would hope that local competitions should be encouraging young children to have a go. A rossete is so much more important to young children and help build their confidence and esteem
 
Blimey the organiser does sound stern! As your daughter is 5 maybe you could be a bit crafty and enter her hors de concours but buy a rosette yourself and give that to her. That way she can have whatever assistance you need to give her. IMO The main thing is for her to have a fun time and want to do it again. If you are worrying too much about rules and turnout you will be tense and she and the Pony may pick that up. Do make sure there is someone there to video and / or take pictures of her first dressage test too! Good luck :-)
 
i have a traditional cob that does elem/medium affiliated dressage plaiting doesnt affect score at affiliated either... if its bd rules you should really have light coloured gloves but otherwise everything is fine.
 
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