First time dressage ...

[kjp-xo]

Hi,

Really simple Q & i know i'm probably being thick but i've never done dressage, i've always done jumping.
So ... I'm taking the plunge into the dressage world ... BUT (&here's the simple part) how do i know what test i'm meant to do in a show? Is there set tests?

Sorry for sounding really thick, just unsure

thanks

 

[Anglebracket]

The test should be advertised online. If it isn't you can ask the venue. Once you know which test you are going to ride you can buy it online from British Dressage:
http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/online_shop/overview

 

[kjp-xo]

Thank you! ... I just looked at introductory but they show 2008 & 2009 ... Feel like im being really thick? x

 

[Anglebracket]

Thank you! ... I just looked at introductory but they show 2008 & 2009 ... Feel like im being really thick? x

The year is the year the test came out, not the year it is ridden (so you can still ride a 2009 test in 2013).

 

[kjp-xo]

Ahh right! So i can pick either one (theres 2) & both are acceptable?

I now know why i havent done dressage before! Lol x

 

[Gleeful Imp]

The competition venue will state which test is to be ridden, sometimes they run both intro tests but usually just one. So you need to check well in advance which one so you can learn it well in advance. The better you know your test the more you will be able to think about how your horse is going, not where!

Don't forget you can have someone read the test, a godsend for helping nerves. But still learn your test!

You can buy a book of tests at most saddlers, cheaper than individual ones. You tube is great for watching people ride tests and the website dressage diagrams sells tests on line which are set out movement by movement, they are great!

Good luck x

 

[HardySoul1]

It is likely to be either Intro A or Intro B. The year in brackets shows which version of each test - so when minor tweaks are made you ride the 'new' version. Prelim tests (which are similar to Intro but include cantering) start at number 1 and go up, again different tests are revised in different years.

 

[akennedy28695]

Hey, I am in the exact same boat I am entered for my first dressage exam ever at the end of april, its nerve wrecking. I am on a new horse so just going to get my tests shouted out for me probably but my aim is to stay on the pony, she can be a bit excitable around new horses haha I wish you all the best in your dressage