Getting those Dressage marks!

BethanT

BethanT

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So this is my last chance to get my last qualifying sheet for the petplan Area festival, and I am determined to get it (a feeling I've never really had before).

Aside from riding and training as much as I can I do in the actual test on the day to secure that 62% in a prelim test??

All your hints tips and advice greatly appreciated!!! I've now starting counting the beats in my head for each gait to ensure I get a consistent tempo. But what are the judges really looking for at Preliminary level to get above 62%?
 
I am not the best person to advise by a long shot but I think that little things like ensuring any circles or half circles are the right shape, being straight and accurate on the centre line are things to ensure you don't throw marks away unnecessarily. And for you, relax and don't over ride to try to get the percentage. Good luck and enjoy, am sure you will be fine.
 
A nice forward thinking rhythm with horse staying in front of the leg and test ridden accurately should pick you up 62% if you can keep a nice consistent soft contact and outline throughout Inc transitions then you are at the high 60% x
 
correct training gets high marks! And you can't rush that, but with aan accurate test you can make sure you are getting all the marks you are capable of. All transitions with the horses shoulder at the marker, uniform shaped circles etc. Also smile at the judge before you go in and during your test if you can, it will help you both relax :-)
 
Rhythm first and foremost. Accuracy. Make sure your horse is straight when you are supposed to be going straight and bent when you are bending. Try to look like you are in harmony even if you are s**ting yourself and your horse is being a pain.

Most of all, enjoy it, if you are enjoying yourself then you are most likely relaxed, if you are relaxed your horse will be relaxed. Try to forget about the score you want, it will only make you tense.
 
Make sure the movements that are double marks are spot on, especially the walk

Be accurate

Make sure you exit where you came in and not straight ahead after your halt - you get docked 10 marks for that and I have seen so many people do it...

Eta - when you give and retake really make it an obvious give and fwolr make sure you ride the horse forwards into it so they don't go on the forehand

Try to ride past the judge with your number showing and call it too and they will appreciate it

If you have a 'bad' side, make sure you do your 'outside the arena' bit on the bad side so when you straighten up and come down the centre line it will seem easier for the horse. If you go from the 'good rein' to straight you tend to get a less straight line
 
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What taught me most about accuracy in a test was walking the test on foot in an arena I put up - I knew the measurements exactly - like it is 6m from the end to K/H/M/F.
Putting shavings or similar on the arena at the points of your movements also help.

When riding a diagonal you should come off the outside line after the marker and back before the marker at the other end, so the movements are at the marker :)

Everytime you halt in the arena (ie. finishing your schooling) the horse must be square - you don't get off until he halts square :)
 
only_me said:
What taught me most about accuracy in a test was walking the test on foot in an arena I put up - I knew the measurements exactly - like it is 6m from the end to K/H/M/F.
Putting shavings or similar on the arena at the points of your movements also help.

When riding a diagonal you should come off the outside line after the marker and back before the marker at the other end, so the movements are at the marker :)

Everytime you halt in the arena (ie. finishing your schooling) the horse must be square - you don't get off until he halts square :)
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I thought when you did a diagonal that you came off before the marker so that your line was on the diagonal if that makes sense. Same as a centre line - you need to start your turn before the marker. But I could well be wrong since it was probably 25 years ago.
I agree with the halting. I use a long stick to touch which ever foot he is trailing. Now I just have to look at it. Hoping he will catch on soon.
 
Fides said:
When you halt and salute to the judge some people go straight ahead and leave the arena. You should 'go large' and leave at the other end (where you entered) but so many people don't and get 10 penalties.
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Actually, the sheets all now say you can leave the arena where appropriate. You don't have to walk all the way round to A again.
 
Fides said:
When you halt and salute to the judge some people go straight ahead and leave the arena. You should 'go large' and leave at the other end (where you entered) but so many people don't and get 10 penalties.
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I can't think of anywhere in the rulebook it says you would get 10 penalties for this? In fact, I can't think of anything you would get 10 penalties for. Two for an error of course maybe, or potentially elimination if the boards are solid (and the judge very mean), but if there are gaps in the boards you can leave wherever appropriate.

OP - I'd advise you think of the start of the scales of training, so rhythm and relaxation are key - along with properly ridden circles, as someone else has already mentioned! Which test is it?
 
Fides said:
When you halt and salute to the judge some people go straight ahead and leave the arena. You should 'go large' and leave at the other end (where you entered) but so many people don't and get 10 penalties.
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Utter rubbish!

You leave the arena at the most appropriate place depending on the configuration of the venue. Often this is at A (and it is nice to exit at A if possible) but its not mandatory and you certainly won't (and never have been) deducted 10 marks for not doing so.

OP, forward, rhythmical, on the contact and accurate will get you 62% any day of the week
 
ihatework said:
Utter rubbish!

You leave the arena at the most appropriate place depending on the configuration of the venue. Often this is at A (and it is nice to exit at A if possible) but its not mandatory and you certainly won't (and never have been) deducted 10 marks for not doing so.

OP, forward, rhythmical, on the contact and accurate will get you 62% any day of the week
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Dressage sheets did used to say that you had to leave the arena at A whereas now they just say leave at an appropriate place but there hasn't been a 10penalty rule for it in my competition lifetime.
 
star said:
Dressage sheets did used to say that you had to leave the arena at A whereas now they just say leave at an appropriate place but there hasn't been a 10penalty rule for it in my competition lifetime.
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But as usual I have been told I am talking 'utter rubbish'. I still do it the traditional way, and even though I have now found you don't have to, I am still going to continue to do so as a respect for the tradition. Next they'll be saying it's ok for anyone to wear red show jackets...
 
On the topic of finishing your test OP, one good tip is to make sure you show proper immobility in your halt before you salute. Count a couple of seconds, then do a nice smart - but not rushed - halt. For one, it shows you're happy and comfortable in the ring, and it's an easy place to pick up marks - there's been an interesting conversation about it over on the BD website.
 
Fides said:
Grief - more traditions going to pot :(
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Not really - some arenas you can't leave at A, especially if the boards go all the way round close to the walls, so it's just common sense. It's hard enough to keep a class running on time without people walking up and down the arena unnecessarily.
 
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